Fun fact: Because it yields Mexican breadfruit, this plant is nicknamed “deliciosa.
Monstera Borsigniana
Given how difficult it is to tell the two apart when they’re young, this is actually a variant of deliciosa and may be sold under that name.
Examining the stem is one technique to determine. Where the leaf joins the stem, deliciosas frequently pucker, ruffle, or develop lovely tiny bumps, whereas borsigniana does not. Likely smaller and expanding more quickly than deliciosa is borsigniana. Unlike deliciosa, mature plants typically create two clean rows of holes or slits rather than producing holes more randomly.
Never fear if you get one of these instead of a deliciosa! It still makes a magnificent addition to your home even though it can grow just as tall, almost as big, and a little bit faster.
Monstera Variegata
Monsteras that are variegated are not distinct plants, but rather a difference in color. These plants may even appear to have been painted white. Personally, I adore them.
Plants that have white, cream, and green patterns are said to be variegated. These plants are typically more expensive and more difficult to find.
By the way, if you’re fortunate enough to discover them, several of the varieties on this list are also available in variegated form! (For additional information, see Where to Find a Variegated Monstera in our blog!)
Monstera Adansonii
Although the holes in this type are not as enormous as those in the deliciosa, they are still rather big! About 50% of the leaf is usually taken up by the holes.
As real obliqua are quite uncommon, you can be sure that if you see this label in a nursery, you’re actually looking at a monstera adansonii. These are reasonably common, but they are also frequently mislabeled as monstera obliqua. In comparison to obliqua, adansonii often has thicker, rougher leaves.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
These plants produce unusually large, glossy leaves with slits rather than holes that extend to the leaf’s edge. The leaf stems are strong and rigid, and they are an exquisite shade of emerald green. Although they are a little more difficult to locate, you can typically find one or two online.
Monstera Dubia
One of my favorites is this. Small, heart-shaped leaves with both dark and light green coloring are a distinctive feature of this cultivar. Although not truly multicolored, it is getting close. With shorter stems and leaves that encroach closer to whatever the plant is climbing, it develops like a vine.
Monstera Siltepecana
Large, teardrop-shaped leaves with smaller holes clustered around the center vein characterize this attractive cultivar. They have both dark and light green colours and are frequently paler than other monsteras. Gorgeous! Though more difficult to locate, they are stunning if you can find one.
Monstera Obliqua
We’re sorry to break it to you, but Home Depot or really anywhere else won’t have this. But we still wanted to include it because it’s so cool!
These beautiful plants still retain their distinctive holes, but they usually have more holes than leaves. These plants are exceedingly delicate, therefore you won’t find them in nurseries. The holes can remove up to 90% of the paper-thin leaves. However, if you’re lucky, you might be able to see them in select botanical gardens. Only 17 instances of this plant have been recorded in the wild, and it is frequently researched for potential hybridization with other species.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or “Mini Monstera
We’re lying here because this plant isn’t a monstera in the strictest sense (you undoubtedly realized that from the scientific name), but they look lovely with one!
The leaves of this plant have the same distinctive holes as monstera, but the huge holes on this plant tend to extend all the way to the leaf edge and have a more notched appearance. These monstera cultivars are easier to grow and more accessible than some of the more exotic monstera kinds. The rich green hue is beautiful. Mini Monstera Care Tips can be found here. Click here to view this plant on Amazon!
What kind of Monstera do I have, and how can I tell?
There may be affiliate links in this content. Your purchases generate a small commission for us. Additional Affiliate Policy
The monstera plant is highlighted among the diverse plants found in the world of houseplants. These plants may provide a touch of charm to almost any area thanks to their attractive greenery and beautiful foliage. I have no doubt that the monstera wave has already washed you and that you are already surrounded by a collection of monstera.
The way the leaves are linked to the stem makes monstera unique. the dimensions and design of their holes. Unvariegated plants are difficult to distinguish from one another. However, you can recognize them and perceive the variation as they get more fenestrations.
A Monstera is a Monstera, right?
People regularly mix up the terms monstera and philodendron and frequently do so. In fact, it’s not unusual to encounter Monstera in your neighborhood nursery or plant store that has been mislabeled as a split-leaf Philodendron. Even the internet can’t seem to agree because some threads and blogs on plant care say Monstera and split-leaf Philodendron are the same plant while others say they’re not, and searching for pictures doesn’t seem to help either. You are not the only one who is uncertain about whether a Monstera is a variety of Philodendron.
Is a Split-Leaf Philodendron the same as a Monstera Deliciosa? They are not the same plant, though. Monsteras and split-leaf Philodendrons are of a separate genus and species, while belonging to the same scientific class, order, and family, and even though they may resemble one another, especially when they are young.
Although the phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, the two plants are not the same in terms of science. Knowing the differences between split-leaf Philodendrons and Monsteras may help you better understand plant taxonomy and may prevent you from inadvertently buying the incorrect houseplant. Read on to discover the similarities and differences between monsteras and philodendrons.
What distinguishes a Monstera from a Monstera deliciosa?
Actually belonging to a distinct plant family, monsteras are cultivated for their fruit in Mexico and Costa Rica. The enormous, tasty fruit that they produce gives the plant its name, Monstera deliciosa. Their leaves grow enormously, so the term “monster fruit, and can be rather spectacular, with almost-white variegation patterns.
The same family as pothos includes trailing vines called philodendrons. Actually, philodendron’s translation is “love tree, possibly due to their leaves’ heart-shaped design. Their leaves develop much more like a pothos and never become as large as monstera leaves.
And this is when it becomes complicated. There are two actual split-leaf philodendron species, however they don’t have as as striking of leaves as the monstera deliciosa.
Is a Monstera a Philodendron?
No! A philodendron is more closely linked to the pothos, the most popular houseplant in the world, even though they both belong to the same broader family. The peace lily and monsteras are more linked to one another.
Philodendrons make excellent hanging plants since they are somewhat simpler to grow and trail down from their containers like vines. Variegated types of them are easier to grow, more widely available, and less expensive.
Monsteras don’t grow well as hanging plants and require a little more light than philodendrons, at least if you want the dramatic split-leaf pattern on their leaves. In fact, a monstera that lacks adequate light and loses its divided leaves resembles a philodendron quite a bit.
Monstera vs. Split-Leaf Philodendron: Which Should I Buy?
I’m a huge fan of indoor plants, so both! Each houseplant enthusiast should have both in their collection, along with your fiddle leaf fig and ferns, as they are actually quite different. Put your philodendron in a hanging container next to a pothos in a dimly lit area. It will flourish in practically any situation and slowly enlarge like a vine.
Place your monstera in more light and watch out for over-watering. (Read our comprehensive guide to watering monsteras here.)
Watch out for signs of leaf drop, yellowing, or losing the split-leaf pattern on its leaves. Give your plant additional light if you notice these issues. (Click here to view the Monstera Leaf Care Ultimate Guide.)
No matter which houseplant you decide to buy—a monstera, a philodendron, or both—make sure to give it enough of sunlight, not too much water, and weekly attention.
How can you distinguish between different Monsteras?
Nearly 500 different species of Philodendron exist, each with a unique appearance. Because of this, it can be challenging to identify a Philodendron plant in a way that “fits all.” But the name itself has one hint.
What’s in a Name?
The word “philodendron” is Greek in origin. Combining the words “philo,” which means “love,” and “dendron,” which means “tree,” creates this term. Philodendrons enjoy climbing trees to reach the top canopy, where they have better access to light, using their aerial roots. These aerial roots can grow on even kinds that don’t appear to be climbers, as the Philodendron Prince of Orange.
Falling Cataphylls
Although philodendron leaves vary in a variety of sizes and forms, they always share cataphyll. This is a tiny, modified leaf that guards the developing new leaves.
When the leaves develop, this cataphyll will fall off in the case of vining Philodendrons like Philodendron micans or the heartleaf Philodendron. The cataphyll on some types, particularly epiphytic Philodendrons, dries out but stays on the plant like a Monstera.
Philodendron Varieties That Look Like Monstera
Given the diversity of species, it is only expected that some will exhibit characteristics that are more frequently seen in Monsteras.
These repeat offenders are listed:
- It can be very simple to confuse split-leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum), which is frequently sold under the name Monstera deliciosa. The two differ in terms of the size and shape of the leaves. The philodendron has smaller, divided leaves as opposed to fenestrated leaves. In contrast to Monstera leaves, which are round and heart-shaped, they also resemble feathers.
- Philodendron minima is a challenging plant to grow. It is frequently identified in the plant trade under names like “mini monstera” because of its oval-shaped, split leaves that resemble those of a Monstera. But it’s neither a Monstera nor a Philodendron with holes. It is a member of the Rhaphidophora genus and is known by the scientific name Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Despite some claims to the contrary, Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana belong to the same species.
One of the most well-known Monstera variegata has grown in popularity as a result of Instagram.
Large white patches will appear on the foliage of M. Albo Borsigiana due to a spontaneous mutation that causes the variegation. These spots are erratic and prone to become green again.
Depending on how many leaves it has, a single Monstera Albo Borsigiana cutting is worth approximately $250, while a rooted plant can range in price from $400 to $1,000.
Monstera Thai Constellation
This common house plant was created using plant tissue culture in a lab in Thailand and has undergone artificial mutation.
It is one of the most desired plants due to its lovely variation in sectoral and marble patterns. As a plant that was grown in tissue culture, the variegation is quite stable and will be passed on to new leaves as they develop.
Although a rooted Monstera Thai Constellation can cost anywhere between $250 and $350, I’ve never seen Thai Constellation advertised as a cutting.
Monstera Deliciosa Aurea
The yellow variegation of Monstera Deliciosa Aurea, also called Monstera Marmorata, gives it the look of a Golden Pothos.
It also needs regular maintenance to keep its sectoral pattern variegation. To maintain the variegation, immediately cut any leaves that have turned green.
Because it is so uncommon, Monstera Deliciosa’s Aurea variant commands a high price. Costs for rooted plants range from $2,000 to $3,000.
Is It Possible for Regular Monstera to Develop Variegation?
Regular Monstera can eventually show variegation, though it is rare. One of my friend’s Monstera Deliciosa cuttings was fortunate enough to begin displaying Albo variegation.
Only one in 100,000 plants will randomly produce a variegated Monstera. This means that in order to obtain a variegated Monstera, you would need to propagate 100,000 cuttings and hope that one of them would show the trait.
What distinguishes Monstera deliciosa from Monstera adansonii?
Avoid being duped by the many fraudulent adverts that are present, whether they are false intentionally or unintentionally. The Monstera adansonii and deliciosa can be distinguished from one another by the following characteristics.
Size of the Leaf
The size of the leaves is one of the key distinctions between Monstera deliciosa and adansonii.
Compared to deliciosa, adansonii often has smaller leaves. The ovate leaves of adansonii can only reach a length of 25–70 cm (10–12 in).
While its lamina generally enlarges to a width that is between 6 and 18 inches and 15 to 45 centimeters wide.
While deliciosa shines out with shiny, green foliage that can appear enormous.
Usually, its leaves are 25–90 cm (10–35 in) long and 25–70 cm (10–30 in) wide when they first appear. In their natural environment, leaves can potentially grow to a height of 100 cm (40 in).
Remember that under some conditions, the leaf size fluctuates. As a result, in ideal conditions with enough water, sunlight, and fertilizer, plant leaves may appear large. If not, leaves could get smaller.
Hole in the Leaves
The gaps between Monstera deliciosa and adansonii are a second identifying characteristic. These two types of holes have different sizes, shapes, and counts. International Aroid Society, n.d.
Adansonii has holes that vary in size and form but are typically elliptical in shape.
On each side of the leaf midrib, the series of holes are smaller but more frequent. Adansonii leaves can develop between 8 and 16 holes.
On the other side, Deliciosa has much longer perforations that are between 0.5 and 0.8 cm long.
These holes often have an oblong shape and a semi-round shape. The deliciosa also has fewer holes, with 1 to 5 on each side of a leaf.
So you may pretty much be sure that a Monstera is an adansonii if it contains a cluster of thin and entire incisions.
It appears that you have deliciosa if your plant has fewer holes than is typical for the species.
Just remember that as the Monstera becomes older, the perforations in the leaves appear. As a result, a younger plant may look practically uncut while it is young.
Edges of the Leaves
Along with being different in size and number of holes, Monstera deliciosa and adansonii leaves also differ in how they are edged.
Adansonii resembles those common plants with rounded edges. Furthermore, if you trace the trail through its leaves from both sides, it will be straight and uninterrupted.
This isn’t like the deliciosa. There will be gaps because deliciosa has perforations between the main leaf veins that run from the midrib to the edges. The leaf boundary will look uneven and asymmetrical while being smooth.
Geniculum
The geniculum of the Monstera deliciosa is its most distinctive characteristic. The portion of the plant that connects a leaf to a petiole or stem is referred to as a geniculum.
The deliciosa will get ruffles after it grows and reaches semi- or full maturity.
The upper leaf base’s two sides will develop complex waves. This curved part is similar to a plant muscle that gives flexibility, such as the ability to move with the wind.
Whether they are in their early or mature stages, adansonii never grow a wrinkled geniculum like deliciosa does. Its petiole and leaf will always unite at a straight, smooth juncture.
Growth Habit
You might be able to tell an adansonii from a deliciosa by looking at the Monstera’s growth pattern.
A monstera deliciosa has a propensity for spreading out. This plant has a propensity to sprawl widely, expanding its stems to match. They acclimate slowly, but finally they tend to vine.
Adansonii has a more trailing quality than deliciosa. As the preferred Monstera in hanging baskets, they stand out because to the way they stretch and hang down. They are also a fantastic choice for training around a stand because of the way they loosely grow over a surface.
You most likely have an adansonii if your plant droops toward the ground and has a vining habit. If your plant enjoys creeping horizontally, you may be raising a deliciosa at home in the meantime.
Plant Height
There’s a good chance you have a Monstera adansonii if your houseplant is little and cute-looking.
Adansonii vines only grow between 2 and 6 meters in length (7 to 20 feet). Compared to the deliciosa, which has a 9-meter height, this is noticeably smaller (30 feet). In its natural environment, the deliciosa might possibly grow to a greater height. (Reference: Florida University)
However, you must keep in mind that plant growth and development might differ based on a number of circumstances.
Therefore, it may be easier to identify differences between two plants if they were growing at the same period and under similar circumstances.
Price
You most likely own a Monstera adansonii if you didn’t pay a significant amount of money for your plant.
Deliciosa is substantially more expensive than an adansonii. Deliciosa is offered for sale in the market in denominations of $20 to $100. Depending on the size and quantity of leaves of the plant, this price can potentially skyrocket.
Just by looking at the pricing, you may browse Amazon and attempt to separate the deliciosa from the adansonii, and vice versa.