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.
Are philodendron and monstera the same thing?
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.
Are philodendrons like Monstera deliciosa?
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the split-leaf philodendron, Swiss cheese plant, or windowleaf, is a tropical plant that is native to the rainforests of Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to Panama. It is frequently grown as a foliage houseplant. In England, it was first put into cultivation in 1752. It is the only aroid that is planted both for adornment and for fruit. Despite having the same family name as the genus Philodendron, which it was previously assigned to, it is not a member of that genus despite having the same common name (Araceae). It has glossy, leathery leaves with spherical or heart-shaped shapes that age into deep clefts and oblong holes. The leaves, which are mounted on foot-long leafstalks, can be up to 18 broad. The leaves of the cultivars “Variegata” and “Albovariegata” are variegated and typically somewhat smaller than those of the species.
This plant is actually an epiphytic vine that climbs or trails through the rainforest canopy and is an evergreen liana in nature. It rarely branches and can reach heights of up to 70 feet. The rough, cylinder, 21/2–3-inch stems are covered in leaf scars.
As it climbs, it develops numerous, long aerial roots that resemble tentacles and adhere to adjacent branches and tree trunks. The thick stem produces robust roots that grow downward and take root if they come in contact with the earth.
Young plants have a drastically diverse appearance. Until they come across a tree, seedlings move in the direction of the darkest area and then move higher. The leaves, which are small and devoid of lobes or holes, develop in a stage known as “shingle plants” as they grow closely atop one another up the tree trunk. As they become older, they start to get the adult plant’s distinctive leaf. Theoretically, the fenestrations (holes in the leaves) are a technique to prevent severe winds from shredding the huge leaves.
The flowers are a sort of Jack-in-the-pulpit that are 8–12 long, creamy–white, and hardly ever seen on houseplants. The boat-shaped spathe is positioned all around the fleshy upright spike (spadix) that has small flowers on it. The fruit takes just over a year to fully develop, growing into a nine-cone structure that resembles a green cob of corn with hexagonal kernels. The edible fruits, also known as cerimans or monsteras, are rich in potassium and Vitamin C and are said to taste like a blend of banana, pineapple, and mango. They can be eaten fresh or used to flavor ice cream and beverages. Ripening occurs across the entire fruit. The off-white, custard-like pulp beneath the thick, hard rind of hexagonal plates or “scales covering the separate segments is sliced away from the inedible core to be eaten. Normally, there are no seeds, but occasionally, certain segments may contain firm, pale-green seeds the size of large peas.
All portions of the plant—aside from the ripe fruits—are deadly because it contains oxalic acid. Young fruit with the covering still firmly on carries enough calcium oxalate crystals that resemble glass to irritate the throat immediately and excruciatingly.
Split-leaf philodendron thrives in bright light in the summer and direct sunlight in the winter as indoor plants. It can grow under fluorescent lighting, but insufficient light prevents the development of the leaf perforations. Once acclimated, it can tolerate a wide range of environments but prefers a warm ambient temperature and medium to high humidity. However, below 50°F, plants cannot develop, and frost will cause their death.
Grow split-leaf philodendrons in a rich soil mixture with lots of root space to encourage the development of larger leaves. They have a tendency to grow quickly, thus support is necessary to prevent the stems from breaking. Give the aerial roots something to cling to, such as tree bark or a sturdy, moss-covered support inserted into the container. It will work nicely to wrap sphagnum moss around a wooden slat and fasten it with monofilament fishing line or nylon thread. Be sure to water the moss-covered support as well so the aerial roots may get water and nutrients. Water thoroughly and let the soil dry out a little between applications. If the growing media is overly wet, the leaves will begin to “sweat.” Reduce watering to avoid root rot if this occurs.
Plants cultivated in a dry environment will grow more slowly. Winter means less water. Regularly fertilize from spring to fall. If the humidity is too low, the leaf edges will become brown. Periodically wipe the leaves to remove dust. There aren’t many indoor pests for this plant, although it could get aphid, mealybug, scale, or spider mite infestations.
Plants growing in containers must be often replanted to make room for the root system. For the summer, they can be put outside, but they must gradually become used to the increased light levels to avoid becoming sunburned.
You can propagate at any time of the year using stem cuttings from mature plants, air layering, or straightforward layering. Just below an aerial root, trim the stem tip, then pot the cutting. If you want to grow more plants, cut the vine into 1-foot sections, bury them halfway in a bed of rooting medium (such a combination of leafmold and sand), and transfer them after their roots have taken hold. Plants can be grown from seeds, but seedlings grow slowly and need warm temperatures.
How can a philodendron be recognized?
Philodendron leaves are often green, but they can also be coppery, crimson, or purplish. Parallel leaf veins are typically green, but they can also occasionally be red or white. Species and plant age have a significant impact on the shape, size, and texture of the leaves. A white to orange berry makes up the fruit. It is very impossible to distinguish between distinct species of tiny plants since the juvenile and adult phases are different.
Are split-leaf philodendron and Monstera deliciosa the same plant?
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.
Is a philodendron a Swiss cheese plant?
Cut Leaf, Monstera Delicias, or Swiss Cheese Plant A big, showy houseplant with striking leaves is the philodendron. A mature leaf’s length can reach almost three feet, and its margins have deep, crooked incisions. This easy-to-grow house plant gets its common name from holes that form in the leaf. The huge leafed plant is given interest by the holes, which are endearingly uneven. The leaves are a lustrous, dark green color.
Despite having heart-shaped leaves that resemble the familiar heart-leaf philodendron, immature Monstera deliciosa is not a philodendron.
Since many years, Swiss Cheese Plants have been a well-liked indoor specimen that add a lovely tropical touch and can lighten a corner in a big room or workplace. The vibrant green leaves give a space with muted decor a splash of color.
Monstera deiciosa, a native of the rain forests of Central America, cannot endure temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Stay away from chilly drafts.
Why aren’t there any holes in my Monstera?
Why are there no holes in my monster leaves? Young leaves typically lack cuts. When mature leaves are devoid of fenestration, it may be a sign that there is insufficient light, too little moisture, nutrition, or air temperature. Young leaves don’t have cuts; older leaves eventually develop them.
What kind of plant resembles a philodendron?
When it’s a pothos, a philodendron ceases to be a philodendron (which is the common name for the genus Epipremnum).
We decided it was time to clear up any confusion about the similarities and differences between these two low-maintenance vines because they are frequently confused with one another.
On slender, flexible stems, philodendron vine-forming species (which is also the name of their genus) develop leaves with a heart-like structure.
The plant below is called pothos and has bigger, waxy leaves that frequently have golden, white, or yellow patterns. ‘Marble Queen,’ ‘Neon,’ and ‘Pearls and Jade’ are a few popular kinds. Find out about the variety of leaves and hues of pothos.
Of course, there are always a few plant species that appear to defy description. Consider a Satin or Silver pothos, for instance. Despite being named pothos, the lovely plants actually come from a separate species called Scindapsus. They have silvery foliage with heart-shaped patterns that initially give them a philodendron-like appearance.
Pothos and philodendrons share requirements in addition to similar appearances. Both species can tolerate low light levels but prefer indirect, strong light. Trim the plants back if they begin to get too lanky and water them when the soil surface seems dry to the touch. New leaves and more compact development will be encouraged by this.
For food, neither plant requires a lot. They’ll be content if you give them a small amount of houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year. Philodendron and pothos can also be trained to climb a support coated in bark, or you can plant them in hanging baskets and let their long vines dangle over the side to form a colorful curtain.
Benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene are just a few examples of the household pollutants that philodendrons and pothos silently remove from the air in your home. According to NASA studies, putting one plant per 100 square feet of living or working area is the most effective approach to purify the air.
Even though there may not be much of a difference between pothos and philodendron, it’s still fun to know the difference when you are shopping at the garden center. Or perhaps during a conversation lull at your upcoming dinner party!
Do Swiss cheese plants and Monsteras look alike?
This is when things start to get a little tricky! Monstera is the name of the plant genus, however numerous different species of Monstera share the common name “Swiss cheese plant.” Monstera deliciosa, which has long-lobed leaves and elongated holes, is the most common species (though young leaves may not have these holes). Another related plant, Monstera epipremnoides, has essentially identical appearance, with the exception that its leaves have long slashes rather than holes along the edges. And Monstera adansonii has leaves with holes in the shape of hearts. Whichever species you choose to purchase, they are all lovely, low-maintenance plants with comparable requirements.