Monstera vs Philodendron: Everyone Gets These Two Wrong at the Nursery

Walk into any plant shop and you'll find a Monstera sitting under a label that says Split Leaf Philodendron.

It's the wrong label on the wrong plant

These 2 get mixed up more than any other houseplants out there. They're from the same family, they look nearly identical when young, and that creates confusion.

But they're different plants with different needs. And if you're about to buy one, it helps to know which is best for your apartment or condo. 

Why Everyone Confuses Them

The confusion makes sense once you see where it comes from.

Both plants belong to the same family, Araceae. That is why they look similar and the mix-up is common.

Then there's the naming problem. The name Split Leaf Philodendron gets slapped on plants from at least three different plant groups. 

Swiss Cheese Plant mostly means Monstera deliciosa, but people use it for Monstera adansonii too.

So when someone tells you their Split Leaf Philodendron is actually a Monstera, they're kind of right and wrong at the same time.

One more thing that makes it messy: the true Split Leaf Philodendron, the tree-like one, was reclassified out of the Philodendron group entirely. It's now its own separate genus. It isn't a Monstera, even though it looks like one.

The One Test That Actually Works

Look at the leaves.

Monstera leaves develop fenestrations (holes). As the plant matures, actual holes form inside the leaf blade, punched right through the middle.

Philodendron leaves don't do this. Some Philodendrons have splits, but those splits come in from the edge of the leaf. They don't form holes in the center.

The rule: if you see holes punched through the middle of the leaf, not just cuts coming in from the side, you're almost certainly looking at a Monstera.

But wait, there’s more! A young Monstera hasn't grown its holes yet. New Monstera leaves start solid and heart-shaped, and the splits only show up later as the plant ages and gets more light. 

So a small Monstera can genuinely look like a Philodendron for a while.

A few more leaf differences that help:

• Monstera leaves feel waxy and leathery. Philodendron leaves often feel more velvety or matte.
• Philodendron new growth is usually wrapped in a thin sheath called a cataphyll.
• In low light a Monstera may produce smaller leaves with no holes at all, which is exactly when people mistake it for a Philodendron.

They Come From the Same Place, but One Group Is Huge

Both plants come from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. That's why they want warmth and humidity.

But the size of each group is wildly different.

Philodendron is one of the largest plant groups in the world. That's why it is usable for multiple spots in your home. Monstera is a smaller, more consistent group, and it mostly climbs.

Which One Is Better for Beginners

Which One Handles Low Light

Both plants prefer bright, indirect light. But one deals with less light better than the other.

Philodendron wins here. The green Heartleaf especially can cope with lower light, though it still grows best with medium to bright indirect light.

Monstera can survive in moderate light too. There are a few issues though. In lower light, a Monstera grows slower and its new leaves stay solid with no holes. 

So you lose the exact thing that makes a Monstera look like a Monstera.

Worth knowing for both: variegated versions need more light to keep their color. Put a variegated plant in a dim corner and it fades and gets leggy.

In the darker months when natural light drops, a Monstera may stop making its signature holes altogether. A Philodendron will just keep growing.

Understanding plant light requirements is essential if you want to get desired results.

Small Space or Big Space?

This one comes down to how much room you actually have.

Monstera is a big-space plant.

A Monstera deliciosa can reach 6 to 10 feet indoors, with leaves up to 2 to 3 feet across in good conditions. 

Without something to climb, it spreads sideways instead, sometimes 6 feet wide or more. It needs a moss pole or trellis to grow up rather than out.

Philodendron fits almost anywhere.

Because the group is so varied, you can find one to suit any space. A trailing Heartleaf for a shelf. A compact one for a table. A larger one for the floor. Indoors, a Heartleaf usually reaches 4 to 6 feet of vine length.

If you love the Monstera look but don't have the room, the smaller Monstera adansonii is a good middle ground. It gives you the same hole-filled leaves in a more compact climber.

How Fast Do They Grow?

Both grow at a good pace in the right conditions, but they behave differently.

Philodendron grows faster in good light but stays easier to manage, especially the trailing kinds.

Monstera grows steadily but wants more room and something to climb. A Monstera without a moss pole makes smaller leaves with fewer holes.

Are They Safe Around Pets?

Both plants are toxic to pets. The ASPCA lists both Monstera and Heartleaf Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. Philodendron is also toxic to horses.

Both contain the same thing: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If a pet chews the plant, these crystals cause:

• Burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

Where They're Actually the Same

For all the differences, these two are close in care. 

Both want:

• Bright, indirect light
• Well-draining, airy soil
• Water without staying soggy
• Warmth above 10°C
• Moderate to high humidity

The small difference is water. Monstera likes staying evenly moist. Philodendron is fine drying out a bit between waterings.

For both, overwatering is the number one cause of yellow or brown leaves. Check that the top inch of soil is dry before you water again.

So Which One Should You Get?

It really comes down to your space, your light, and how much attention you want to give it.

Monstera gives you drama and a bold shape and philodendron gives you variety to fit almost any home.

And there's no rule saying you can only own one.

FAQ

Do philodendrons prefer to hang or climb?

Most are natural climbers, but they'll happily do both. If you let them climb a moss pole they grow bigger, more mature leaves. If you let them trail from a hanging basket the leaves stay smaller.

Do I need a grow light for these plants in winter?

Not mandatory, but helpful for Monstera. When daylight drops in winter, Monstera stops producing its signature holes and new leaves come out smaller. Philodendron handles the drop better, a grow light is only worth it if your space is dark like an alley.

What should you not do with Monstera?

Don't overwater it, don't leave it in direct sun, and don't let pets or kids chew the leaves. Also avoid handling broken stems with bare hands if your skin is sensitive to the sap. For more details our Monstera plant guide can help.

Where is the best place to keep a philodendron?

A spot with bright, indirect light, out of direct sun. They grow under a tree canopy in the wild, so filtered light suits them best. Keep it out of reach if you have pets, since all philodendrons are toxic when chewed.

Is it bad to touch Monstera leaves?

Touching an intact leaf is fine for most people. The issue is the sap from cut or broken stems, which contains crystals that can irritate skin. Wear gloves when pruning or repotting and wash your hands after, especially before touching your face.