Difference between monstera and split-leaf philodendron?
Through social media, millennials have rekindled their love for houseplants. One plant is particularly popular—or at least Instagram—famous. It immediately evokes a tropical rainforest: large, dark green, waxy leaves with interesting holes in them, which do not even indicate poor care. This is Monstera deliciosa. Or a split leaf philodendron? Monstera, as it is often called, is native to tropical Mexico and is valued mainly for its fruits (hence the scientific name). But it also thrives as a houseplant: it doesn't need much water, tolerates moderate amounts of sunlight, and can grow large.
It's a plant with a variety of names, many referring to its delicious fruit ("fruit salad plant," "monster fruit") and some to its leaves. Those leaves, in the right environment, form pores. "Swiss cheese plant" is a Monstera nickname referring to those holes. Another is the split-leaf philodendron.
Philodendrons are a large genus of flowering plants; If you're into gardening, you're probably familiar with some of its members, such as the peace lily. But monstera is not, technically speaking, a philodendron.
Monstera and true philodendrons are both part of the arum family, a very large plant group that includes the ever-popular pothos, one of the world's most beautiful and easiest houseplants. These plants are all very similar: they have similar water and light needs, come from roughly the same climate, and contain calcium oxalate, which is toxic to humans and pets. Many of these plants have interesting leaf shapes with lacy fingers, broad lobes, heart-shaped leaves or bright pink veins. Monstera certainly looks and acts like a philodendron, although it is not classified as one.
This is where it gets complicated. Philodendron has two true species that also go by the name split-leaf philodendron: Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron cellum. These plants are completely different plants than Monstera, but in some cases go by the same nickname. No wonder we're confused!
Naming plants can be tricky, plants have completely different names depending on where you are or who is describing them. Common plant names may vary by region and even generation. You might want to start brushing up on your Latin names!
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