Millennials’ love of houseplants has been reignited through social media. One plant in particular has achieved fame—at least on Instagram. Huge, glossy, dark green leaves with intriguing perforations that don’t even suggest carelessness quickly bring to mind a tropical rainforest. It’s a delicious Monstera plant. Or is it a philodendron with split leaves?
The tropical monstera, as it is commonly known, is a native of Mexico and is mostly valued for its fruit (hence the scientific name). However, it also does well as a houseplant: It can grow remarkably big, tolerates moderate levels of sunlight, and doesn’t require much water.
This plant has several different names, some of which refer to its attractive foliage and others to its excellent fruit (“fruit salad plant” and “monster fruit”). If the conditions are right, those leaves grow holes. One monstrous term for the holes is “Swiss cheese plant.” Split-leaf philodendron is an additional.
If you enjoy gardening, you’re probably already familiar with several of the flowering plants of the philodendron genus, such as the peace lily. Technically speaking, the monstera isn’t even a philodendron.
The arum family, a much bigger group of plants that also contains the perennially well-liked pothos, one of the nicest and simplest houseplants in the world, comprises both monstera and true philodendrons. The requirements for water, light, and climate are identical among all of these plants, and they all contain calcium oxalate, which makes them poisonous to both people and animals. Numerous of these plants feature unusually shaped leaves, such as those with lacy fingers, wide lobes, heart-shaped leaves, or vivid pink veins. Even though the monstera isn’t a philodendron, it undoubtedly behaves and looks like one.
This is where things become challenging. The names split-leaf philodendron refer to two actual philodendron species, Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum. Despite being wholly different species from monstera, these two plants sometimes share the same moniker. It’s no wonder we’re perplexed!
It might be difficult to name plants because they can have completely different names depending on where you are or who is describing them. Even the names of common plants can vary by generation and locale. You should probably start reviewing your Latin names!
Are monstera and philodendron 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.
What distinguishes a Monstera from a philodendron?
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.
Is Monstera deliciosa a philodendron with divided leaves?
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.
Does Monstera resemble Swiss cheese?
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.
Are philodendrons pothos?
The scientific discipline of taxonomy is involved with categorizing groupings of biological creatures. It is used to provide names to plants and animals as well as to categorize them into genera and families. When it comes to plants, taxonomy mostly focuses on botanical nomenclature.
The genera of pothos and philodendrons are two independent and distinct plant species. While philodendron belongs to the Philodendron genus, pothos is a member of the Epipremnum genus. Pothos and philodendron are members of the same plant family, the aroid plant family, so they indeed have a common ancestor (Araceae).
What distinguishes a Monstera from a split leaf?
The split leaf philodendron and Monstera’s leaves differ mostly in size, shape, and the type of splits they develop. The splits on philodendron leaves extend to the edge of each leaf, however on Monstera leaves, they do not. Monstera leaves are also rounder than philodendron leaves, which resemble more feathers.
Below are some more specifics on how they differ from one another:
- their leaf size and shape Both plants have what appear to be holes in their leaves, yet the actual leaves differ greatly from one another. In other words, the Monstera’s leaves are more heart-shaped. However, compared to Monstera, the split-leaf philodendron tends to have rounder, smaller leaves.
- many hole types
- The distinctive holes that appear when your Monstera leaves split are known as “fenestration,” and they don’t typically reach the leaf’s edge (although they can when the holes get big enough as the plant matures and its leaves grow). The philodendron, on the other hand, also contains gaps in its leaves, but these are invariably complete splits that extend all the way to the edges.
- Origin
- The 70-foot-tall Monstera deliciosa is native to tropical regions like Mexico and Central America. In their natural environment, the vines encircle the tree trunks. On the other hand, the split-leaf philodendron grows without clinging to anything.
- fruit is produced
- This plant can yield the tasty edible Monstera deliciosa fruit, but the rest of it is poisonous. The fruit is usually only visible when Monstera grows naturally. Fruit is not produced by philodendrons with broken leaves.
- FlowersA Monstera deliciosa develops a cluster of flowers in the wild that are encased and shielded by a spathe that resembles a boat. The blossoms eventually turn into fruit. The split-leaf philodendron is incapable of producing fruit, although still being stunning.
- Oxalic acid, which is harmful, is present in all parts of the Monstera deliciosa plant, including the unripe fruit. On the other hand, the split-leaf philodendron contains the toxin calcium oxalate, which can be harmful to handle or even ingest. Given that both the split leaf and the Monstera are harmful to cats, dogs, other pets, and children, one similarity between the split leaf philodendron and the Monstera is that both plants should be kept aside from pets or children.
What characterizes a philodendron plant?
The leaves are often big and imposing, frequently deeply cut or lobed, and may or may not be pinnate. There are many different conceivable shapes for them, including oval and spear-shaped. On the stem, the leaves are borne alternately. Philodendrons are known for having a variety of leaves on the same plant, which is one of its characteristics. Instead, they have leaves that are either juvenile or adult, which can differ greatly from one another. Early in the plant’s life, the leaves of seedling philodendrons are often heart-shaped. But once it has developed through the seedling stage, the leaves will take on the size and shape of a typical juvenile leaf. The philodendron begins developing adult leaves later on in its life cycle, a process known as metamorphosis. [8] The majority of philodendrons undergo transformation gradually; juvenile and adult leaves don’t vary noticeably right away. [9] Adult leaves can have a drastically different shape from juvenile leaves in addition to being normally much larger. In reality, these variations have historically presented significant taxonomic challenges, leading to the misclassification of juvenile and adult plants as separate species.
There are several different factors that might cause leaves to change into adult leaves. The plant’s height is one potential cause. The juvenile-type leaves of secondary hemiepiphytes are displayed as they ascend a tree from the dark forest floor. When they are tall enough, they start to produce leaves of the adult variety. When they grow high enough in the canopy, the light becomes intense enough for the larger adult leaves to be useful. The smaller juvenile leaves are employed for the darker forest floor where light is limited. In the primary hemiepiphytes, there is another potential trigger. The aerial roots of these philodendrons usually point downward. The plant will start absorbing nutrients from the soil that it had been deficient in once its roots had reached the ground below. [10] As a result, the plant will rapidly change into its adult leaves and substantially expand in size. The fact that philodendron leaves frequently differ significantly in size and shape even amongst plants of the same species is another characteristic of this genus. Because there are so many conceivable leaf shapes, it is frequently challenging to distinguish between morphogenesis and spontaneous variations.