Philodendron Selloum Vs. Monstera Deliciosa (Differences and Similarities)

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Are you trying to decide if a Philodendron or Monstera Deliciosa is better suited for your home? Do you not know what makes one of these tropical plants different?

Don’t worry; we can help. In this post, we’ll discuss the differences and similarities between these two tropical beauties – so let’s jump right into it!

What is a Philodendron Selloum (Split Leaf Philodendron)?

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The Philodendron Selloum, also known as the Split Leaf Philodendron, is a large evergreen plant with lustrous, deeply-lobed leaves and reddish-brown bark. It is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, where it can grow over ten feet tall in its natural environment.

What is a Monstera?

Monstera is a genus of tropical vining plants native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. These plants are known for their large, juicy monstera leaves, which can be either solid green or variegated with a white pattern.

Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa: Key Similarities

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If you’re a plant enthusiast, you’ve seen Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Adansonii searching for the perfect addition to your urban oasis. They may have even caught your eye simultaneously, as these two plants share quite a few similarities!

Let’s take an in-depth look into Split Leaf Philodendron vs. Monstera Deliciosa so that you can make the best decision for all involved!

Growing Medium

The Philodendron Plants and Monstera Deliciosa are both highly adaptable plants that can thrive in a diverse array of growing mediums. They prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, including coconut coir, making them an excellent choice for plant pots or grow bags.

Both plants prefer bright indirect light, moderate watering during the growing season so they don’t get affected by root rot, and frequent misting to keep the split leaves healthy and vibrant.

Humidity and Temperature

The Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa are both tropical plants that do best in warm, humid climates. Both plants prefer temperatures of 65-85°F (18-29°C) and humidity of above 50%.

They also share a fondness for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, which can help to keep the deep green glossy leaves lush and full. Additionally, they both appreciate being misted regularly to add moisture to their environment.

Sunlight

The Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be kept out of direct sunlight, as it can cause sunburn to split leaf philodendron leaves, making them appear brown and faded.

While some light exposure can help the plants grow more quickly and become lusher, too much sun can damage the foliage. These flowering plants appreciate a good balance of light and shade throughout the day to keep their leaves healthy.

Toxicity and Common Pests

Split Leaf Philodendrons and Monstera Deliciosa are toxic to humans and animals if ingested, so it’s essential to keep them out of reach of curious pets or children.

Although Monsteras do not pose a significant risk to humans, they have the potential to be dangerous to the well-being of dogs and cats because of their toxic properties. If pets come into contact with these plants, they may exhibit various symptoms, including mouth irritation, swelling, and discomfort in the lips, tongue, and mouth. Furthermore, affected animals may also suffer from excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty in swallowing.

Both plants can be prone to common pests such as mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Fortunately, these pests can usually be eradicated with gentle spraying of neem oil or insecticidal soap solution. Keeping the plants well groomed and free of leaf drops or debris can also help deter any unwanted pest visitors.

Pruning and Propagation

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Both the Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa can benefit from regular pruning. Pruning them back helps keep their foliage healthy, removes yellowed leaves, and encourages growth. It’s essential to clean the pruning shears before and after each use to avoid spreading plant diseases.

Both plants can be propagated easily with stem cuttings or air layering. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a stem cutting about 6-8 inches long with several nodes present and place it in moist soil.

Air layering can be done by making a vertical slice in the stem near one of the leaf nodes and enclosing it in wet sphagnum moss. Once the plant ages from the sachet, pot the newly formed plant into fresh soil.

Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa: Key Differences

Choosing two completely different plants can be overwhelming if you’ve ever been in a garden center.

However, when this decision involves the typical Philodendron and Monstera Deliciosa, we feel like an audience taking part in one of those thrilling situation game shows – “which plant will come out on top?”

Shear off that exciting curtain and prepare for a showdown because the jig is up; today, we’ll debate Split Leaf Philodendron Vs. Monstera Deliciosa!

Taxonomy

The Split Leaf Philodendron, also known as Horsehead Philodendron, belongs to the family Araceae, while the Monstera plant is a species in its own right. The Split Leaf Philodendron typically has larger leaves that can reach up to 3 and a half feet long, whereas Monstera plants grow only about 2 feet wide.

Additionally, Split Leaf Philodendrons are usually more vining in leaf shape than Monstera leaves, which tend to be bushier. Additionally, it’s easier to prune and propagate the Split Leaf Philodendron than the Monstera varieties.

Growth Rate, Growing Habits, and Native Habitat

The Split Leaf Philodendron is fast-growing, often reaching up to 10 feet in height, whereas the Monstera Deliciosa plant grows around 3-4 feet and has a slower growth rate.

Split Leaf Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect sunlight and tolerate dry air. They should be watered regularly but not overly so. Monstera Deliciosas, on the other hand, prefer more shade and humidity. They need to be kept evenly moist but not soggy.

The Split Leaf Philodendron is native to tropical regions of South and Central America, while the Monstera Deliciosa is native to Mexico and Central America.

Leaf Appearance and Petiole

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The Philodendron leaves are more significant and waxy, with several distinct lobes and a long petiole reaching up to two feet. Meanwhile, Monstera Deliciosa leaves tend to be smaller and more oval and have a shorter petiole.

The petioles of the Split Leaf Philodendron are quite strong and allow the leaves to move independently of each other. This differs from Monstera Deliciosas, which have weaker, more brittle petioles that render them less mobile.

Fenestrations

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One of the most striking features of the Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plants) is its fenestrations or perforated leaves. These holes are formed when new leaf growth occurs, allowing more light to reach the plant and giving them a unique look.

On the other hand, Philodendron species do not have fenestrations. Still, their large size, dramatic split leaf pattern, and distinct leaf lobes often give them an impressive presence in any garden setting.

Stems, Fruits, and Flowers

Split Leaf Philodendrons have thicker stems and can climb forest trees if supported. They also produce aerial roots from the stem, which appear similar to vines.

Monstera Deliciosa does not have aerial roots but will bear fruits and white flowers when mature enough. The seeds of Monsteras are edible, while Split Leaf Philodendron does not produce any edible fruit or flower.

Price

Split Leaf Philodendron is much more affordable than Monstera Deliciosa, often costing as low as $10 for small plants or as high as $50 for larger specimens.

Monstera Deliciosa can be a bit pricier, ranging from $20 – $90, depending on the size and monstera leaf shape of the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking to add some dark green and leafy goodness to your home decor but need help determining which kind of houseplant is the right fit?

Well, fear no more! With Split Leaf Philodendron and Monstera Delicio, it can be tough to decide between these two lush and vibrant houseplants.

Luckily for you, we are here today with all the answers you have been searching for – from care instructions to aesthetic preferences; this FAQ section will help ensure that your only worry is waiting for the young monstera leaves to grow in a luscious size. Let’s get started!

Is Philodendron and Swiss Cheese Plant the same?

No, Philodendron and Swiss Cheese Plant are not the same plant. Philodendron is a climbing houseplant with large, green heart-shaped leaves typically found in tropical climates.

The Swiss Cheese Plant is also a tropical climbing plant but produces unique holes in its leaves as it matures. While these two plants can be used for decoration and purifying air, they have different characteristics and features.

Is Philodendron Selloum a type of Monstera?

No, Philodendron Bipinnatifidum is a type of Philodendron, not Monstera. Philodendron Bipinnatifidum is a large round-leafed tropical houseplant with glossy green leaves reaching up to 5 feet in height. It’s known for its low maintenance care and versatility in any home or office setting.

Monstera, on the other hand, is a vining plant with unique perforated leaves and can become quite large when given enough humidity and light.

How do you care for Monstera Deliciosa and Split Leaf Philodendrons?

Caring for Monstera and Split Leaf Philodendrons is relatively easy. For these two plants, it’s best to keep them in indirect sunlight in a warm and humid environment. Water regularly every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilize during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Prune when necessary to keep the plants looking their best. Lastly, watch out for common pests like mealybugs and spider mites that can damage these plant species.