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.
Is a Monstera the same as a split-leaf philodendron?
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!
How can you identify a Monstera plant?
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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.
What is the name for split Monstera leaves?
Some plant leaves have holes that provide a unique (and highly desired) appearance. Plant species like monstera and pothos generate leaves with internal slots and holes that are deeply divided. Perforated or fenestrated leaves are those with holes in them. The Latin word for “fenestration,” fenestratus, means “containing apertures Fenestrate is a botanical term that refers to “having tiny holes or translucent regions. similar to little windows!
There are several explanations for why some plants develop in particular ways. One benefit is that it promotes air movement through the leaves, which can be beneficial in strong winds. There is also the belief that the perforations aid in cooling the plant. or better catch light. Or that the plant is shielded from grazing animals by the holes, which aid in camouflaging it. Regardless of the reason for the plant’s behavior, fenestrated plants are prized by botanists all over the world.
Fenestration in plants that naturally create holes can be made easier with your assistance. For instance, as monstera leaves swell and age, they develop holes. Before producing leaves with holes, Monstera deliciosa (also known as split-leaf philodendron) normally reaches a width of at least 3 feet. The “Cebu Blue” pothos will only fenestrate if it climbs, and it takes some time for the plant to mature before the leaves split. Try Monstera adansonii, which is bushier than Monstera deliciosa and produces smaller leaves with holes in them on younger plants, if you can’t wait for your monstera to start producing them.
Deeply lobed plants may appear to have leaf holes, however closer examination reveals that the edges of the leaves are so deeply scalloped that they just have the appearance of holes. Lobed leaves can grow on monsteras. Deeply lobed leaves can also be found on philodendrons like Philodendron bipinnatifidum (also known as Selloum) and Philodendron ‘Xanadu.
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!
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.