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 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.
A philodendron is a Swiss cheese plant, right?
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.
Is the Swiss cheese plant a philodendron or a monstera?
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.
What kind of philodendron is Monstera Adansonii?
Some plants might be difficult to distinguish, even for seasoned plant aficionados. This might be the case since some plants, such those with leaves in the shape of hearts, have similar names to others. Even some garden centers mistakenly name Monstera adansonii and Philodendron, two plants that are frequently confused with one another.
Are Philodendron and Monstera adansonii the same plant? No. Monstera adansonii and Philodendron are two separate plants, despite the fact that some individuals mistakenly use these names to refer to the same thing. Despite this, some plants do share some traits and are connected in several ways.
How do you tell these plants apart if they are distinct yet related and appear alike? Read on for practical advice and some scientific details to help you comprehend the similarities and differences between Monstera adansonii and Philodendron plants. What came first? visiting the science class!
Is Monstera the same as Monstera deliciosa?
The monstera is a member of the Monstera genus and has the scientific name Monstera deliciosa. It is a flowering plant that is indigenous to Mexico and gets its name from the fruit and unusual leaves that grow on the plant. Monstera comes in more than 40 different types.
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum is the scientific name for Split Leaf Philodendron (or Philodendron Selloum). It is also a native of South America’s tropical region, primarily in Brazil. Although split leaf philodendrons are a common name for monsteras, they are not philodendrons at all.
Although the two are different plant species, they do belong to the same family, the Araceae, which explains their resemblance.
This plant family includes a wide range of species, such as peace lilies and the pothos, another very popular indoor plant.
Is the Monstera philodendron a houseplant?
When you are aware of the Philodendron Monstera’s environmental requirements, it is normally simple to care for this lovely tropical houseplant with enormous leaves.
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).
Monstera is a type of plant, right?
Native to Central America, monstera is a genus of evergreen tropical vines and shrubs. Their common name, Swiss Cheese Plant, originated from their well-known natural leaf-holes. Fenestrations, the name for the Monstera’s leaf holes, are thought to optimize the amount of sunlight that reaches the forest floor by spreading the leaf out wider while using fewer leaf cells to support it.
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 different genus and species, despite 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.