I remember the first time I walked into a plant nursery. The lush greenery and many different houseplants overwhelmed me. One plant caught my eye right away. It had large, hole-filled leaves. The label said “Philodendron,” but something seemed off. After looking into it more, I found out it wasn’t a Philodendron—it was a Monstera. This discovery led me to learn more about plant identification and care, especially for these two often-mixed-up plants.
If you’ve ever asked, “Is a Monstera a Philodendron?” you’re not alone. Many people confuse these two popular houseplants. In this article, I’ll help clear up the confusion. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently identify and care for these beautiful plants, whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just starting out.
What is a Monstera?
Monstera is a plant that grabs attention in any room. Its large, shiny leaves have natural holes, giving it the nickname “Swiss cheese plant.” Monstera comes from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. These plants climb by using their aerial roots to grip trees as they grow upward toward the light.
Monstera belongs to the Araceae family, but it is its own genus, different from Philodendrons. The most common type is Monstera deliciosa. It is known for its big leaves and, sometimes, its edible fruit. Though Monstera may look like some Philodendrons, especially when young, it has its own care needs. If these needs aren’t met, the plant may struggle.
A key feature of Monstera is the holes in its leaves. These holes aren’t just for looks—they help the plant survive strong winds in the wild. It’s fascinating to see the leaves change from solid, heart-shaped ones when the plant is young to the split, hole-filled leaves we love in mature Monsteras. This change is one reason many plant lovers, like me, find Monsteras so interesting.
What is a Philodendron?
Philodendrons are like the reliable friend in your plant collection—easy-going and always ready to brighten your space. The Philodendron genus is large, with over 400 species, each offering something unique. Some Philodendrons have trailing vines, perfect for hanging baskets. Others have upright, tree-like forms that can stand out in any room.
Philodendrons are part of the Araceae family, which is why they share some traits with Monstera. However, Philodendrons usually have smaller, heart-shaped leaves without the big holes seen in Monstera. The split-leaf Philodendron, often mistaken for Monstera, is actually a species called Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (formerly Philodendron Selloum). Unlike Monstera, these leaves don’t have holes but are deeply lobed and have a ruffled texture.
Philodendrons are generally easier to care for than Monsteras. They adapt well to different light conditions, making them a great choice for beginners or anyone wanting a low-maintenance plant. Whether you’re growing a trailing variety like Philodendron hederaceum or an upright species like Philodendron Congo, these plants will thrive with basic care—indirect light, regular watering, and a little love.
READ MORE: Pink Princess Philodendron | Ultimate Care, Propagation, and Buying Guide
Why Are Monstera and Philodendron Confused?
The confusion between Monstera and Philodendron comes from how similar they look and because nurseries often label them incorrectly. I’ve seen this myself—a plant labeled as a “split-leaf Philodendron” when it’s clearly a Monstera deliciosa. This mix-up happens because both plants are part of the Araceae family and share similar wild habitats.
The confusion also stems from how these plants were classified in the past. Some plants now known as Monstera were once grouped with Philodendrons. As botanists learned more, they made the differences clearer. But misinformation still spreads, especially among casual plant buyers.
Another reason for the mix-up is the use of common names. Names like “Swiss cheese plant” and “split-leaf Philodendron” are often used interchangeably, which adds to the confusion. To make it even harder, young Monstera plants can look a lot like some Philodendron species, so even experienced plant owners can mistake them.
Key Differences Between Monstera and Philodendron
When it comes to telling Monstera and Philodendron apart, the key is in the leaves.
Leaf Characteristics: Monstera leaves are big, sometimes up to 3 feet long, with holes and splits that make them stand out. Philodendron leaves come in different shapes and sizes but are usually smaller and don’t have the same holes. Some Philodendron leaves are deeply lobed, like the split-leaf Philodendron.
Growth Habits: Monstera is a climbing plant. It uses aerial roots to latch onto surfaces as it grows. Philodendrons can either climb or grow upright on their own. This means Monstera often needs a support structure, like a moss pole, to grow well indoors. Many Philodendrons are happy trailing from a hanging basket or growing as a floor plant.
Care Needs: Both plants do well in bright, indirect light. Monstera is more sensitive to overwatering and needs well-draining soil and careful watering to avoid root rot. Philodendrons are easier to care for and can handle a wider range of conditions, making them a good choice for beginners.
Propagation Methods: Monstera is usually propagated by cutting a stem with a node. New roots grow from this node. Philodendrons can often be propagated with just a leaf or stem cutting, which makes them easier to propagate, especially for beginners.
Care Requirements for Monstera vs. Philodendron
Caring for Monstera and Philodendron means knowing their different needs.
Light and Temperature: Both Monstera and Philodendron like bright, indirect light. But Philodendrons can handle lower light better, making them a good choice for darker spaces. If you have a Monstera, place it near a window with filtered light. Too much direct sun can burn its leaves, and too little light can slow its growth.
Watering: Monstera likes its soil to dry out a bit between waterings. This helps prevent root rot, which is common if Monsteras get too much water. Philodendrons also like some drying out but can handle a bit more water. When in doubt, it’s safer to water less than to over-water.
Soil and Humidity: Both plants do well in soil that drains well and is rich in organic material. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well. They also like high humidity, especially in dry climates. You can mist the leaves or use a humidifier to create a more tropical feel.
Can You Plant Monstera and Philodendron Together?
You might wonder if these two popular plants can grow in the same pot. The answer is yes, but with some conditions. Monstera and Philodendron have similar light and soil needs, so they can grow well together if you give them enough space. The key is to make sure each plant has room to grow and that their roots don’t compete for nutrients.
If you decide to plant them together, think about how they grow. Monstera, a climbing plant, will need vertical space and maybe a support like a moss pole. Philodendron may trail or grow upright, depending on the type. Make sure they have enough space and light so their growth isn’t limited.
Conclusion
So, is a Monstera a Philodendron? The answer is no, but it’s easy to see why people get confused. Both plants have their own unique appeal and care needs. They are both great choices for any indoor garden. Whether you like the bold, split leaves of the Monstera or the easy-going nature of the Philodendron, knowing the differences will help you pick the right plant and care for it with confidence.
I enjoy taking care of both Monstera and Philodendron in my home. Each one brings a different feel to a room, and watching them grow has been very rewarding. If you’re thinking about adding one—or both—of these plants to your collection, go for it! With the right care, they’ll bring beauty and a tropical touch to your home.
FAQs
Is a Monstera the same as a Philodendron?
No, Monstera and Philodendron are different plants, even though they both belong to the Araceae family. Monstera has large leaves with natural holes, while Philodendrons usually have smaller, heart-shaped leaves without holes. It’s easy to mix them up, but with some practice, you’ll learn to tell them apart.
How can I tell the difference between a Monstera and a Philodendron?
Look at the leaves. Monstera leaves are bigger and have natural holes that appear as the plant grows. Philodendron leaves, even the split-leaf kind, are smaller and don’t have holes. Also, Monsteras are climbers with aerial roots. Philodendrons can climb, trail, or grow upright, depending on the type.
Can I grow Monstera and Philodendron in the same pot?
Yes, you can, but make sure they have enough space. Both plants need similar light and water, but Monsteras need vertical space and support, like a moss pole. Use a big pot to fit both plants’ roots, and watch their growth to make sure neither is getting crowded.
Which plant is easier to care for, Monstera or Philodendron?
Philodendrons are generally easier, especially for beginners. They adapt to different light conditions and can handle a missed watering now and then. Monsteras need a bit more care, especially with watering and light, to avoid problems like root rot or leaf burn.
What are the light requirements for Monstera vs. Philodendron?
Both plants do well in bright, indirect light. But Philodendrons can handle lower light and still thrive in rooms with less sunlight, like north-facing ones. Monsteras prefer more light and should be near a window with filtered sunlight. Be careful, though—direct sunlight can burn their leaves.
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