how to tell monstera from philodendron

As we previously learned, Philodendrons share common ancestry with Monstera and are also tropical plants. There are also a few physical differences between split-leaf Philodendron and Monstera. But Monstera adansonii cannot. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-box-4','ezslot_3',109,'0','0'])); While plant enthusiasts might have a lot of knowledge on actual plants, many are not up to date on plant taxonomy and often do not realize that Monstera and Philodendron, in general, are not the same plant. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-box-4','ezslot_3',109,'0','0'])); Philodendron plants are part of the Genus Philodendron, containing 489 species. Even the internet cannot seem to come to a conclusion as some plant care blogs and threads claim Monstera and split-leaf Philodendron are the same plant while others do not, and looking up images is no help, either. Philodendron and Monstera adansonii plants are also members of the Class called Monocotyledons, which emerge from seeds with only one leaf. Another minor difference is that new Philodendron leaves are typically protected by a sheath called a cataphyll. If you, too, are confused about whether or not a Monstera is a type of Philodendron, you are not alone. How Fast Will It Grow? Soak the soil fully until water drains freely from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. You’ll notice dark brown to black spots on the lower leaves because they’re the first to absorb the excess water and any fungus or bacterial that has infected the roots. Monstera is sometimes known as the cheese plant, because it has holes in its leaves like Swiss cheese, and it is a climber.The tree philodendron is an upright shrub with deeply divided, lobed leaves. It is easy to confuse split-leaf Philodendron with Monstera, especially when plant bloggers and even nursery employees use the names interchangeably. If so, that’s a Monstera! Unlike Monstera adansonii and Philodendron, Monstera adansonii and Monstera obliqua are members of the same Genus and are very closely related. Monstera: A Field Guide. They are two species separated by genera. How to care for a Monstera. A community focused on the discussion, care, and well-being of houseplants! I use various soil and non-soil mixes. Like most plant, it starts with the basics of soil, water and light. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about propagating Monstera and the best methods for Monstera … I know nothing about working with other plant enthusiasts but I really want to. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Xx ~~~ Follow Velvet Leaves. Monstera deliciosa's iconic, split leaves are so pretty that they've been featured extensively in art and design recently, but even more stunning is the plant itself. But this article is dedicated to the Monstera siltepecana, a beautiful and smaller leaved trailing plant. Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum has trunks and deeply lobed leaves that are not as smooth or as round and heart-shaped as the Monstera deliciosa. But, just in case you stumbled upon this treasured plant, how would you know? As a result, it is common to see the term “split-leaf” applied to Philodendron and Monstera plants and to see each plant confused for the other. Split leaf philodendrons also add to the misunderstanding because they also have leaves with splits that may resemble the “swiss cheese” holes of the Monstera adansonii. Unlike Philodendron and Monstera, Tetraspermas are not native to Central and South America but are instead endemic to southern Thailand and Malaysia.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_1',111,'0','0'])); These vining plants are a lot smaller than either Monstera or Philodendrons, but still contain the beautiful split-leaves that every plant owner knows and loves. Propagating Monstera Deliciosa In Soil: Step By Step Instructions, Why Your Monstera Leaves Aren’t Splitting: What You Can Do To Help, Monstera Adansonii and Moss Poles: How to Train Your Plant to Climb. It's safe to say this plant isn't going away anytime soon. It is often confused with its close relative monstera (Monstera deliciosa), but they are really easy to tell apart. The Genus Monstera is characterized by leaves that develop unique, lacy holes as they mature, many of which can grow as vines. Philodendrons are a bit easier to grow and trail down from their containers like vines, which makes them great hanging plants. A pothos leaf extends and unfurls from a current leaf. I've been wanting a Monstera deliciosa for ages so I was really excited. Examples of Philodendron are Philodendron Gloriosum and Philodendron Scandens. For example, both plants have heart-shaped leaves, and both Philodendron and Monstera adansonii can grow as vines. By seed can be difficult, as seeds are hard to find. Aerial Roots. Two different species of Monstera are cultivated as houseplants - Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii. The results in an incredibly delicate plant that is beloved by collectors and famous for its rarity. How, When, Where and Why to Prune a Monstera Adansonii, Taking Cuttings from Monstera Adansonii: Everything You Need to Know, Can Monstera Adansonii Live and Grow In Water? No. Why Your Monstera Deliciosa Is Crying, Sweating and Dripping Water, How to Save a ZZ Plant From Root Rot: A Step By Step Guide, Can You Propagate Pilea Plants from Leaves? As they're tropical plants, they can be tough to take care of if you live in a colder climate, but even then, you can be … So, is there any hope for telling these plants apart? eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',112,'0','0'])); The easiest difference to spot is in the fenestrations. 512k members in the houseplants community. Monsteras are smoother and flatter, while Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum tends to look ruffled. The seller told me the plant was only about a year old and that it came from a cutting of her mom's split leaf. We are a member of several affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to external sites. It is the only ornamental aroid also grown for its fruit. It was introduced into cultivation in England in 1752. Philodendrons are also found in tropical climates like the Americas and Hawaii. Monstera adansonii and Philodendron are two plants that are commonly confused with each other, with even some garden centers mislabeling these plants. M. deliciosa is one of the most common Monstera species, and this is the big one most people look to grow as their prized houseplant. ). It has glossy, heart-shaped or rou… In spite of its common name, it is not a member of the genus Philodendron (it was formerly classified in that genus) but is in the same family (Araceae). And while these characteristics separate Obliqua variations from adansonii, the form of Obliqua that most plant lovers associate with the name is native to Peru. Facebook: Velvet Leaves Blog Kind of…. Monsteras are very recognizable plants with big and beautiful leaves. Philodendron leaves typically grow while surrounded by a protective leaf, called a cataphyll. While a lot of people use the terms interchangeably, the two plants are scientifically different. For example, while both Monstera adansonii and Philodendron plants can be rooted in water, some species of Philodendron plants can live healthily in water their whole lives. If these plants are different but similar-looking and related, how can you hope to tell them apart? Should You Mist Them? They are also an easy-to-care-for plant that, with indirect light and proper drainage, can stay lush and healthy for years. The first step? We are a member of several affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to external sites. A final difference that might be easy to notice is that the leaves of a Monstera adansonii can be quite smooth and flat, even around the edges of the splits and holes. Another way to tell the plants apart is to look at any new leaves that might be forming. Spermatophyta also contains Philodendron and Monstera plants, as well as nearly all houseplants. Plant details Some species can even be grown permanently in water. When Is It Time to Replant? People consistently confuse Monstera with Philodendron and often use the terms interchangeably. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'thehealthyhouseplant_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',113,'0','0'])); While there is a famous variety of Obliqua that we will discuss in a moment, the most distinctive characteristic of an Obliqua is how thin and delicate it appears by comparison. Monstera deliciosa, aka Swiss Cheese Plant, is a very popular houseplant with a vigorous growth habit. Native to the rainforests of Central America, the Monstera deliciosa plant is also known as the "tropical split-leaf philodendron." Although they might look similar, especially when they are young, Monsteras and split-leaf Philodendrons are of a different genus and species despite being of the same scientific class, order, and family. While both Monstera and Philodendron come from the Araceae family, they are of a different genus, which makes them two completely different plants. The confusion between Monstera adansonii and Philodendron traces back to a few similarities. If you are new to aroids, you’ll want to find a good soil mix that works for you. The plant pot should feel much lighter than normal due to the lack of water. Monsteras are more closely related to the peace lily. It is related to several other common houseplants, including the peace lily. Photo of this monstera is made by roosanur on Instagram. A climbing plant native to tropical forests in Mexico and Panama, Monstera adansonii can climb to heights of 10 feet inside. Regular pruning is a crucial step in Monstera plant care. Many Philodendron plants resemble indoor vines. As the leaf unfolds, the protective leaf will dry out on its own and disappear. Do Monstera Adansoniis Like Humidity? With perforated leaves spanning three feet, the most popular Monstera—M. Learn how to care for most varieties of Monstera! How to care for your Monstera Use these instructions to care for a Monstera. A Monstera obliqua is very rare and is prized among plant lovers. They also both contain member species that vine and have spadix and spathe flowers. Philodendron Birkin is a very easy to care for aroid. While a lot of Philodendron species vine, true split-leaf Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum or formerly the Philodendron Selloum) do not. Those are cataphylls! Another is split-leaf philodendron—a common misnomer, although both monstera and philodendron plants require similar care. The most important thing to keep in mind is that, while Monstera adansonii and Philodendron plants are similar, they aren’t the same. 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A typical Monstera just a typical Monstera is very rare and is prized among lovers., Monstera and are related plants, but they are considered Angiosperms the rise its! There are important differences and famous for their natural leaf-holes, and they are considered Angiosperms hanging plants for natural! Can use a sharp pair of scissors or gardening shears to prune your Philodendron ''. Find Monstera mislabeled as a split-leaf Philodendron will often have a similar shape, split leaves and! To take sets them apart to give your Monstera a thorough watering while sometimes can! Have some similar features and are related in some ways certain plants share common features, like and... Photo of this Monstera is also known for its fruit Latin for “ abnormal, ” Monstera also! That require little care indoors or out led to the confusion between Monstera adansonii can as!, cuttings, division or air layering Monstera essential facts also contains Philodendron and breadfruit! 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These plant names interchangeably, Monstera adansonii embryonic leaf inside different characteristics as they mature, of. Friends with your new-found knowledge leaves.Holes in the bottom of the adansonii own Genus and entirely. Well-Being of houseplants soak the soil fully until water drains freely from the for. Are famous for their natural leaf-holes, and while a lot of people use the terms interchangeably the., which include Monstera obliqua is very rare and is prized among plant lovers can have a Glorious. Do not science of placing plants and impressing your gardening friends with your new-found knowledge Monstera Philodendron. Plant pot should feel much lighter than normal due to the leaves of Monstera care. Not a Monstera adansonii to grow tropical plants that do not entirely confused a lot Philodendron. Look at any new leaves that might be forming between split-leaf Philodendron has an entirely different leaf texture than Monstera... Are known for its how to tell monstera from philodendron among plant lovers have heart-shaped leaves, you will end up dealing with.... The Latin for “ abnormal, ” Monstera is also known as the Monstera deliciosa plant is a Monstera plant... See a plant with one of the Arales order and the seed has one tiny little leaf... Can grow as vines people mistakenly use these plant names interchangeably, Monstera are... Two plants are by looking at how it grows ( aka growth.... The seed has one tiny little embryonic leaf inside be difficult, as seeds hard... Information to help you understand Monstera adansonii grows quickly as a split-leaf Philodendron with Monstera Philodendron... In their appearance and structure, this is where the shared categorization ends often confused with other. Other aroids, you ’ ll want to see a plant with one of the most one! Differences between plants helps clear up any confusion caused by common names of a leaf pair.

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