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?
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.
Are Swiss cheese plants and Monsteras the same thing?
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.
How can I tell whether I possess a Monstera deliciosa?
One of the most popular Monstera species is M. deliciosa, and most people choose to cultivate this large variety as their treasured indoor plant. The most likely plant to be confused with this is Monstera borsigiana, which is regularly sold incorrectly as M. deliciosa. The only difference between this smaller version and the larger one is how it grows.
Recent studies have shown that it is not distinctive enough to be categorized as a variety. It is known as a climbing form, and is spelled as M. deliciosa f. borsigiana in Latin using the letter f. The best way to distinguish between the two is to look at how the plant develops. M. deliciosa grows more compactly, thus the space between the nodes is smaller than it is for the climbing variety, M. deliciosa f. borsigiana.
Ruffles grow with age, so it’s possible that your plant isn’t yet old enough to display them.
The search for “ruffles” on leaf stems close to the leaf base is another technique for identification that was once well-liked. This M. deliciosa species is clearly identified by its ruffles. This was never a very trustworthy means of identification. We now know that despite appearing to be different species, they are actually the same. Additionally, your plant might simply not be mature enough to create these ruffles yet because they grow with age.
What other names are associated with Monstera?
However, if a plant is given too many names or if it changes so much as it ages that the common name no longer makes sense, common names can sometimes become highly perplexing.
One such example is monstera. Interior designers and lovers of houseplants all around the country have fallen in love with this lovely plant. However, it is frequently offered for sale under a number of common names, such as monstera, Swiss cheese plant, hurricane plant, split-leaf philodendron, and Mexican breadfruit, which makes identification extremely difficult.
Additionally, Monstera (the plant’s actual name) is appreciated for its artistic, split-leaf design, but younger plants (which you most frequently see for sale) do not grow split foliage until the plants are more mature, so you might not even know the plant when you see it.
To further compound the misunderstanding, there is another plant that is similarly marketed as having split leaves but is actually called Philodendron selloum and has frilly edges rather than true splits. Monstera is not a real philodendron, despite being a distant relative, although Selloum is.
By the way, if you’re seeking for a true Monstera, check plant tags carefully because immature plants of both species resemble one another considerably.
Monstera has a tendency to climb up supports of many kinds and succeeds best when doing so over time. Monstera can reach heights of 60 feet in the wild, but it can be readily clipped inside to any desired height. It enjoys strong illumination and regular, thorough watering if the soil seems dry to the touch.
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!
Why are monsteras such a favorite?
One of the most well-liked indoor plants in the world, Monstera deliciosa grows quickly and requires little maintenance. Variegated forms of this plant can fetch prices in the hundreds of dollars, and its striking, punctured leaves are frequently seen on everything from posters to pillow slips.
Monstera uses aerial roots to climb trees in the Central American jungle where it lives in order to reach the forest canopy. Josh Gray and Clare Keleher Gray’s ability to climb signifies a change in their surroundings. The duo works in a crucial koala habitat in the hinterland of the Gold Coast.
“According to Gray, who works for Envite, an organization that promotes ecological restoration, invasive weeds are the second biggest threat to our biosphere after land destruction.
Small roots and rapid development enable the Australian giants Toona ciliata (Australian red cedar), Eucalyptus grandis (flooded gum), and Eucalyptus tereticornis to be reached by Monstera (forest red gum). Koalas and other animals primarily eat from these trees. “Koalas cannot obtain food when a tree is completely covered in something that has the potential to change the environment, such as monstera, according to Gray.
Keleher Gray, a bush regenerator, observes the connection between pests and potted plants on the sites where she works. “I work with individual landowners that want to promote the regrowth of natural vegetation. They aim for more than just aesthetic beauty in their gardens. They want them to serve as wildlife habitats.
Her methods of management include painting vines with pesticide and scraping the roots of vines “With monstera, there is a problem with the climbing vines’ small size and aerial roots. Their small leaves make it difficult to treat them without also damaging the host tree.
Fortunately, monstera infestations are still regarded as localized events for the time being.
Which Monstera is the rarest?
Because of their genetic peculiarities, unusual Monstera plants are not only scarce but also amazing to behold.
These Monsteras are difficult to raise due to their unique genetic makeup. Monstera plants with holes or variegation cannot absorb as much nutrition as a typical Monstera species.
A mutation gives certain variegated Monsteras variegated leaves. Certain Monsteras revert due to a mutation rather than genetic variation.
If the conditions are not ideal, mutations prevent the white or cream hue from eventually being passed on to new leaf growth.
It’s not easy importing plants either, particularly unusual ones. Variegated and holey plants are less likely to survive a lengthy voyage in a dark box because they contain less chlorophyll.
Each country has distinct rules for what plant material is allowed into its country, and shipping expenses pile up.
If you see any of these 22 unique and rare Monstera plants for sale, grab them and head to the register right away!
Monstera obliqua
The most rare Monstera is Monstera obliqua, which has delicate leaves and grows very slowly.
With more holes than actual leaves, Monstera obliqua takes the Swiss cheese plant to an extreme.
The distinctions between Monstera obliqua and Monstera adansonii have a significant impact on the respective price tags for each plant.
Monstera obliqua has papery thin leaves, rounder holes, and a significantly slower growth rate than Monstera adansonii. It is also more uncommon.