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.
The philodendron Monstera of Swiss cheese
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 Swiss cheese plant the same thing?
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.
What species of philodendron is a Monstera?
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.
Do Swiss cheese plants and Monsteras look alike?
This is when things start to get a little tricky! Monstera deliciosa, which has long-lobed leaves and elongated holes (though young leaves may not have these holes), Monstera epipremnoides, which looks nearly identical except its leaves change from having holes to long slashes through the outer edges, and Monstera adansonii, which has heart-shaped leaves, are the three most common species of the genus Monstera, which is also known as the “Swiss cheese plant.”
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 my plant a philodendron or a pothos?
I’m quite passionate in taxonomy and plant identification, as you may know if you’ve read my blog or looked at my Instagram. One of the most frequent errors I observe novice plant parents making is confusing a heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium in botanical terminology) and a pothos (Epipremnum aureum). [I’ll call them all by their common names because it’s just simpler.] Although they appear to be similar at first glance, closer inspection reveals a vast array of distinctions! It’s also true that the two plants require essentially the same maintenance, however I believe the philodendron requires more bright light to thrive and is less drought tolerant. To give you confidence in your plant identification, I wanted to go over the distinctions and similarities. In a series of “Know Your Plants” postings, expect more!
Let’s start by comparing the philodendron and pothos: Both P. hederaceum var. oxycardium and E. aureum are climbers in the wild and belong to the same genus, Araceae. They will inevitably climb the sides of buildings, telephone poles, trees, and other plants if they can adhere to them with their aerial roots and do so. Despite the fact that many people also provide them with trellises or moss poles to climb, they are both frequently displayed in hanging baskets and as trailing plants within the home. Except for the variegated and neon cultivars, both the philodendron and the pothos have glossy, green leaves that are similar in form to a heart and grow to be nearly the same size indoors (about the size of an adult’s hand). The similarities between these two common houseplants end there, so let’s break down how to identify them all!
Pothos and philodendrons can be distinguished from one another by their leaves’ general shape and texture. The leaves of a pothos (top photo) are waxier, thicker, and have a little rough or raised texture. The design often resembles a gardening spade and there is a midrib that is clearly incised. On the other hand, a philodendron (bottom photo) has smoother, thinner leaves; unlike a pothos, you won’t feel the texture when you run your fingertips across the leaf blade. The philodendron’s leaf form is also more heart-shaped, with a noticeable sinus (the area between the leaf’s two rounded lobes where the petiole joins the leaf) and a more sharply pointed apex (the point of the leaf). In some cases, pothos leaves can also be a little bit more asymmetrical than philodendron leaves.
You may also tell the difference between the two plants by how they grow (aka growth habit). From a current leaf, a pothos leaf stretches and unfurls. In a cataphyll, which is a thin, waxy, opaque sheath, a philodendron leaf stretches on a small portion of vine. In essence, a cataphyll is a tiny, modified leaf that continues to photosynthesize until it turns brown and papery and then naturally detaches from the plant. If you’re having problems differentiating between the leaf types we discussed above, cataphylls are a reliable characteristic to look for in philodendrons. Additionally, I’ve seen that philodendron new leaves first have a pink or reddish tint before eventually darkening to their natural color. Just a lighter hue than the rest of the plant, pothos leaves unfold!
I’m going to list a few additional characteristics to look for because I’m a really careful and detailed person when it comes to plants (I’m definitely not like that in all aspects of my life!). Compared to philodendron stems, pothos stems are thicker and nearly the same color as the leaves. Frequently, the stems of philodendrons are greenish brown, and the fresh, extended stems at the bottom are orange-brown in color (see photo above). Both philodendrons and pothos have aerial roots that allow them to climb and take in nutrients and moisture from the atmosphere. With just one root emerging from a node, pothos aerial roots are dense nubs. Aerial roots of philodendrons can form groups and can range in size from two to six. They are thin and wiry.
Okay, can you now distinguish between the two? Can you clearly distinguish the differences in these two photographs’ features? When recognizing a plant, it’s preferable to take a broad view of the entire plant before “zooming in” to examine each individual portion and how it fits with the others. Once you learn how, identifying a plant is a breeze!
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.