houseplant
Thinking of bestow a ceriman industrial plant or separate leaf philodendron to your indoor garden , but are n’t sure which plant to take ? In this article , gardening expert Madison Moulton compares both industrial plant , including their scientific names , sizes , water needs , sunlight need , and more !
Contents
Indoor plants with a tropic feel are all the rage , with Monsteras at the vanguard of this craze . Their large , waxy , thick green leaves make any blank feel like atropical paradise . The Monstera is n’t the only plant that offers this jungle feel , but it ’s often flurry for another every bit gorgeous plant , theSplit Leaf Philodendron .
Their epithet and nicknames areoften used interchangeably , with many believing they ’re the same plant . It ’s actually not uncommon for thephilodendron to get confused with other types of plants , outside of the father - well-disposed Monstera .
These two works do havemany similarity , but they ’re unlike metal money and belong to dissimilar genera . Simply , the Monstera and Split Leaf Philodendron are all different flora that happen to look the same and make a similar air . Let ’s take a deeper flavor at each plant , how they are both different , and the similarities they partake in .
Split Leaf Philodendron vs. Monstera
Scientific Names
The scientific name for the monstera isMonstera deliciosa , and it belongs to theMonsteragenus . It ’s a flowering flora native to Mexico , where it ’s famous for its yield and abnormal leaves , hence its name . There are over 40different variety of ceriman .
Split Leaf Philodendron ’s scientific name isThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum(or Philodendron Selloum ) . It is also a tropical , South American native , found mostly in Brazil . Monsteras are normally call off Split Leaf Philodendrons , but they ’re not philodendron at all .
While the pair are two different species of plant , they do come from the same family , Araceae , hence their similarities . This family consists of a big diversity of flora , include peace lilies and another extremely pop houseplant , the pothos .
Appearance
Despite their alike looks , it ’s not difficult to tell the divergence between these two plant life up tight . Taking a aspect at thesize and figure of the leavesand how each flora grows will have you key these two works in no time .
Leaf Size
Monsteras are renowned for theirmassive , glossy leaves , which can well reach about three feet long and two feet broad . Younger Monsteras do depart with smaller leaves , get bigger as the plant age . you could expect outlandishly orotund leaves after about three years . Indoor Monsteras wo n’t produce such vast folio due to the environmental condition , but they ’ll still easily fill up an empty recession .
Split Leaf Philodendron leaves are also large , but theydon’t typically mature to the outlandish size the Monstera does . They can reach standardised length of about 3 feet but are much minute than their counterpart , usually only around one understructure widely ,
Leaf Shape and Texture
Both plants haveheart - shaped parting . The similarity stop there , however . Each plant ’s leaves have unlike grain and are ‘ fragmented ’ differently too .
The Monstera ’s prominent leaves are unruffled , flat , and lustrous . They ’re alsofenestrated , which is the full term used for plants that make holes in their leaves as they age . There is no definitive reasonableness why the Monstera does this . Many theorize that it could be to protect them from hurricanes or to fit for the poor kindling conditions of hobo camp base . Regardless of the reason , Monsteras tend to get holy leaves as they age .
Philodendron leaves on the other hand arenot fenestrated , just split to shape leafy fingers . No matter the long time of philodendrons , the only break their farewell will have are the ones between the split fingers . The philodendron ’s foliage are also leathery and be given to have more a ruffled look .
Growth Habit
While the Monstera and Philodendron await similar , there are many difference of opinion in their growing habits . Philodendron Selloumdoesn’t bear fruit , nor does it have a climb nature like the Monstera .
Philodendrons tend to produce horizontally and passing apace . They ’ll acquire to duplicate their height in length in no time . In the right weather , philodendrons can rise about 15 feet wide . feed this overweening growth charge per unit , potted philodendron need to be repotted every one to two days .
Monsteras on the other bridge player arefamous climbers . They scale forest trees in the wild to develop as much light as possible . Monsteras also do n’t grow as apace as philodendron , typically only growing about two feet a yr .
Care
Caring for these works , means you want to empathise the unlike needs when farm them inside or outside your home . They have different needs when it comes to light , water supply , soil , fertilizer , and more . Let ’s take a deep dive intowhat you’re able to look in each surface area of care .
Light
Both Monsteras and Philodendrons thrive inindirect sunlight , especially when establish in warmer climates . Like most tropic plants , they both take around eight minute of collateral sun a day . Monsteras ’ glorious foliage is susceptible to sunscald , so it ’s imperative to keep it away from too much direct sunshine .
Outdoors , Monsteras and Philodendronswill fly high in a partially shady blot . Potted indoor Monsteras and Philodendrons do upright when placed near a window that have bright collateral sun throughout the day . check that they aren’tkept in a sinister room , or they may cash in one’s chips off over time .
Water
Philodendronsprefer relatively dampish soil , but overwatering can cause root hogwash , so finding the proper balance is imperative . It ’s good to thoroughly irrigate your philodendrons when the top of the ground is teetotal to the tactual sensation . Indoor philodendrons will expect less tearing than those set outdoors as the body of water evaporates slow .
Monsterasprefer the dirt to dry out out a little before their next lacrimation , thanks to their climbing nature . You should let the top of the dirt dry out completely between lacrimation . This helps you deflect overwatering your Monstera , preventing etymon rot andother common Monstera problems .
If either plant is station in a decorative mickle binding , guarantee you remove the plant before watering . Only pass it to the cover when it has drain all to block the root from sitting in water . The same rule put on to drip trays . About 10 minutes after lachrymation , empty the drip tray completely before it stagnates .
Soil
Monsteras are n’t typically fussy about the filth they ’re planted in , as long as it ’s well - draining . Potted Monsteras grow best planted in a well - run out potting mix . secure the container has sufficient drainage hole and amend your ground ’s aeration and drain but adding coco palm coir and perlite to your intermixture .
Philodendronsalso ask fat , well - drain stain to prosper . The same houseplant potting mixing will also be suitable for these tropic plants . However , they are slightly fussier about other conditions like pH and food .
They ’re extremely sensitive to acidic soil and the salts that accumulate within the land . High pH and salinity levels can cause your Philodendron ’s leave-taking to turnyellow or brown . Ensure you apply a high - quality potting intermixture and water system with filtered water to prevent table salt buildup .
Climate
These tropical looker havevery standardised climate needs . They both thrive in moderate temperatures , opt high levels of humidity and warmth over cold . philodendron are hardy inUSDA zone 9 – 11 , while Monsteras thrive in USDA zone 10 – 12 .
Indoor plant of both type will thrive innormal household temperature , but they should be kept aside from rough drawing and air conditioners .
They typicallytolerate household humidness levels above 50%but will do far well in weather above 60 % . To increase the humidity and help your works thrive , place them near a humidifier with 60 % – 80 % humidness for the best results .
Fertilizer
Both Monsteras and Philodendronsneed a little nutritional cost increase now and then , along with the respite of your houseplants . It ’s best to inseminate these plant with a diluted , balanced fluid plant food . The only conflict between these two works is in how often they need to be inseminate .
Monsteras do n’t explicitly require fertilizer , but you could boost their foliage emergence during the growing time of year . Only inseminate once every few workweek , or you hightail it the risk of burning the base .
philodendron , however , are fussier about nutrient . Theygrow well when fertilise at least once a month during the maturate seasonand unlike Monsteras , will show polarity of struggle without this encouragement .
you’re able to apply a general houseplant fertiliser to both these works once every few weeks to watch them thrive .
Uses
In landscape gardening and interior design , both Monsteras and Philodendrons aregrown for their leafy displays . These plants scream tropical Shangri-la , and when they ’re used as indoor plants , they give the blank a jungle - like feel . They are also believed to purify the aura , making them super useful and pretty household plants .
While indoor Monsteras are n’t likely to fruit , outside they very much can . Thisdelicious fruit is carry with vitamin coulomb and B , phosphorous , and calcium . Ensure the fruit is completely ripe before ingesting it , however , as it ’s toxic when unripe .
In Mexico , Monstera leaves and fruits are the go - to to relieve arthritis , while its roots allegedly come in ready to hand for snake in the grass bites .
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between Monsteras and Split Leaf Philodendrons can be confusing , especially when their names are used interchangeably . But , knowing the similarities and differences between these plants will serve you take good maintenance of them . This noesis will help oneself youchoose the right tropical beautyfor your jungle - style street corner in your home or garden . Or , if you ’re a houseplant gatherer , why not grow both ?
