They both come from the jungles of South America and have been popular as evergreen indoor plants for generations. Monstera and Philodendron look confusingly similar at first glance. So it is not uncommon for a window leaf to be labeled as a philodendron in the trade. Nevertheless, there are differences between the two exotic ornamental plants that hobby gardeners should not ignore. You can find out what these are here.

The leaves of the philodendron (left) and the monstera (middle) are similar but can be distinguished

Philodendron does not always like to climb and window its leaves

Monstera and Philodendron are both classified in the Araceae family and are therefore related. Nevertheless, they are two different genera, since the plants differ significantly in their growth, among other things. We have summarized the most important features for you here:

  • Monstera species are exclusively climbing plants
  • Philodendron species thrive as climbers, shrubs, and trees alike
  • On the adult window leaf, the leaves are always deeply incised and often additionally perforated
  • Philodendron leaves are varied in shape, from ovate to lance-shaped, often entire, rarely slit

Some of the most popular indoor philodendrons have leathery leaves with a reddish shimmer on the underside. In contrast, the foliage on the Monstera is glossy green on both sides.

Flowers and fruits are only superficially similar

Where the two jungle plants feel at home, they surprise with their blossoms as they get older. As is typical for the arum family, the cobs are surrounded by creamy-white bracts. This is where the similarities end, because there are the following serious differences:

  • Monstera flowers are hermaphroditic, with male and female flower parts
  • Philodendron flowers are monoecious, with male and female flowers thriving separately
  • Monstera flowers exude a subtle scent
  • Philodendron flowers smell of carrion to attract the right pollinators in the jungle

In order for a philodendron as a houseplant to bear fruit after flowering, manual pollination is therefore necessary. Although the flask-shaped fruits are visually similar, there is one important difference. The ripe fruit of a Monstera deliciosa is safe to eat, while the poisonous fruit of a Philodendron can cause severe nausea.

Monstera filters the water - Philodendron purifies the air we breathe

In addition to their magnificent appearance, both plant species are useful in various ways in indoor culture. The window leaf develops long aerial roots that absorb water and nutrients and act as adhesive organs. If these aerial roots climb into an aquarium, they filter nitrate and nitrite out of the water, which the fish like very much.

A philodendron is able to filter toxic substances from the air we breathe through its mighty leaves. Therefore, the tree friend is also welcome in offices to absorb carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene.

tips

Regardless of their sometimes serious differences, Monstera and Philodendron pull together in terms of location and care. Both plant genera love a semi-shady, warm place with high humidity. They prefer to be watered with lime-free water and regularly pampered with a gentle spray mist.

Category:

Indoor plants