Have you ever seen a Monstera plant and wondered if it was the same as a Philodendron plant? If you have been asking yourself this question, then youve come to the right place.
In this article, we will be exploring what a Monstera and a Philodendron are, their similarities, differences, care requirements, growth habits and leaf shape differences.
By the end of this article, youll have a clear understanding of the two plants and whether or not they are the same.
So, lets dive right in and find out if Monstera is a Philodendron.
Short Answer
Yes, monstera is a type of philodendron, which are a large family of tropical plants.
Monstera is a genus of vining plants, popular for their large, oval-shaped leaves with distinctive cutouts.
They are easy to care for and can grow in many different environments.
Monstera is a great choice for those looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant.
What is Monstera?
Monstera is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family.
The most popular variety of Monstera is Monstera deliciosa, also known as the delicious monster, Swiss cheese plant, or split-leaf philodendron.
It is a popular houseplant due to its striking foliage and ease of care.
The plant is native to tropical rainforests in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America.
It grows as an epiphyte, meaning it does not have roots in the soil, but rather grows on other plants or structures.
This makes it well-adapted to growing in containers and hanging baskets.
The Monstera deliciosa has large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with deep splits and holes, giving it the nickname “Swiss cheese plant.
” The leaves start out as a solid color, often a bright green, but as they mature, they develop the distinctive splits and holes.
The leaves can grow up to three feet long and two feet wide, making them a real showstopper in any home.
The plant also produces small, white flowers with a unique scent.
Although the flowers are not especially showy, they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
What is a Philodendron?
Philodendrons are a large family of tropical plants that belong to the Araceae family.
They are known for their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and their ability to climb up and around objects, such as trellises and fences.
Philodendrons are popular houseplants, as they are easy to care for and adapt to a variety of environments.
They are also known for their air-purifying properties, as they can filter out toxins, such as formaldehyde, from the air.
When it comes to caring for philodendrons, they require bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
They also benefit from regular fertilizing and pruning to encourage healthy growth.
Monstera vs Philodendron
As houseplants, Monstera and philodendrons may look similar at first glance, but they are actually two distinct species.
While they are both part of the Araceae family, they have different characteristics that set them apart.
Monstera is best known for its large, split leaves that have unique patterning resembling a Swiss cheese, while philodendrons have smooth, shiny leaves and are typically climbing plants.
When it comes to care, Monstera and philodendrons require similar amounts of light, humidity, and water, but the differences in the plants’ growth habits and leaf shapes require slightly different care needs.
For example, Monstera plants need a bit more light than philodendrons and their leaves can become damaged in direct sunlight.
Additionally, Monstera plants may need more frequent watering than their philodendron counterparts and their split leaves can lead to rotting if they are overwatered.
It is also important to note that Monstera are slow-growing plants and will not reach their full size for years.
On the other hand, philodendrons can be grown quickly and can reach their full size in as little as a year.
Therefore, it is important to consider the growth habit of the plant when deciding which type of houseplant to bring home.
Overall, while Monstera and philodendrons may look similar at first glance, they are two distinct species that require slightly different care.
Understanding the differences between these two popular houseplants is key to ensuring that each plant is given the best possible care.
Monstera vs Philodendron
When shopping for a new houseplant, you may come across both Monstera and Philodendron plants.
While they may look similar, Monstera and Philodendron are two very distinct plants.
While they both belong to the Araceae family, they have many differences that can help you distinguish between the two.
Monstera plants are known for their large, split leaves and are often called Swiss cheese plants due to the unique patterning of their foliage.
The plant’s leaves start off small and round, but as they mature they become more split, making the plant look like it has holes in it.
Additionally, Monstera plants are often grown as a bush, while Philodendrons are typically climbing plants.
Philodendrons, on the other hand, have smooth, shiny leaves and often climb up whatever is available in the environment.
They may have some variation in leaf shape, but they are generally more consistent than Monstera leaves.
The leaves of a Philodendron are typically larger than those of a Monstera, and they may also have a glossy sheen to them.
In terms of care, Monstera and Philodendron plants have similar needs.
Both plants prefer indirect light and moist soil, and they should be watered regularly.
Both plants are also sensitive to cold temperatures, so it is important to keep them indoors during the winter months.
When it comes to Monstera vs Philodendron, it is important to remember that they are two distinct plants.
While they have some similarities in terms of care, their growth habits and leaf shapes set them apart.
If you are looking for a unique houseplant, Monstera is the perfect choice.
However, if you are looking for a climbing plant, then Philodendron may be the better option.
Care Requirements
When it comes to caring for Monstera and philodendron plants, there are a few similarities and differences to keep in mind.
Both plants require similar light requirements, but Monstera can tolerate more shade than philodendron.
They also both prefer temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and require regular watering.
Its important to note that Monstera is more tolerant of drought than philodendron and does not require as frequent watering.
When it comes to fertilizer, both Monstera and philodendron prefer a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks during the growing season.
However, Monstera plants can tolerate higher doses of fertilizer than philodendron, so its important to watch the amount youre applying.
In terms of pruning, both Monstera and philodendron should be pruned when necessary to maintain their desired shape.
Monstera can be pruned back to maintain its climbing habit, while philodendron should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Additionally, both plants should be repotted every few years to ensure their soil remains fresh and fertile.
Finally, its important to note that Monstera and philodendron can both be susceptible to pests, so regular inspections and treatments should be done as necessary.
Growth Habits
The growth habits of Monstera and philodendron are quite distinct from one another, though both plants make good houseplants.
Monstera is an upright, vining plant with a spreading, bushy habit.
Its leaves are large and often have splits or holes, giving the plant its nickname Swiss cheese plant.
Philodendron, on the other hand, is a climbing plant with very long, thin stems that can reach up to 20 feet in length.
Its leaves are typically smooth and shiny, and they are often more heart-shaped than Monsteras.
Monstera is a slow-growing plant, with an average growth rate of around 2 feet per year.
It is not suitable for use as a ground cover, as its leaves are too large and its growth too slow.
Philodendron, on the other hand, is a much faster-growing plant, with an average growth rate of around 4 feet per year.
It is an excellent choice for a ground cover, as its stems can quickly and easily spread out to cover a large area.
In terms of sunlight, Monstera prefers bright, indirect light, while philodendron prefers medium to low light.
Monstera is also quite sensitive to over-watering and will suffer if it is watered too frequently.
Philodendron, on the other hand, is quite tolerant of over-watering and can handle more frequent watering.
Overall, Monstera and philodendron have distinctly different growth habits and require different levels of care.
Monstera is an upright, slow-growing plant while philodendron is a fast-growing, climbing plant.
Monstera prefers bright, indirect light, while philodendron prefers medium to low light.
And Monstera is sensitive to over-watering, while philodendron is more tolerant of it.
With the right care, though, both plants can make lovely additions to any home.
Leaf Shape Differences
When it comes to distinguishing between Monstera and philodendron, one of the most important differences to consider is leaf shape.
Monstera leaves are large, often split or fenestrated, and have a unique patterning, which is why they are sometimes called Swiss cheese plants.
Philodendron leaves, on the other hand, are typically smaller and smooth, with a glossy sheen.
Additionally, Monstera leaves are usually oval or heart-shaped, while philodendron leaves tend to be more elongated.
Its also important to note that Monstera leaves are generally darker green than philodendron leaves, and the veins of Monstera leaves are more prominent.
The veins of philodendron leaves are usually less visible.
Additionally, Monstera leaves often have a waxy texture, while philodendron leaves typically have a softer texture.
Finally, its worth noting that Monstera leaves are often larger than philodendron leaves.
Monstera leaves can grow up to 12 inches long, while philodendron leaves tend to stay on the smaller side, usually no more than six inches long.
Final Thoughts
It’s no wonder Monstera and philodendron are often confused – they are both beautiful, low-maintenance plants that are perfect for any home.
However, it’s important to remember that they are two distinct species.
Monstera is known for its large, split leaves and is often called a Swiss cheese plant due to its unique patterning, while philodendrons have smooth, shiny leaves and are typically climbing plants.
With the right care and attention, you can have a thriving Monstera or philodendron in your home.
So, take the time to learn the differences between Monstera and philodendron and make sure you purchase the right one for your home!.