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Split-Leaf Philodendron vs. Monstera

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

I’m super confused. What is the difference between split leaf philodendrons and Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), or is there a difference? I’ve heard lots of different things. Also just info on the difference if there is one would be good. Obviously Monsteras are not philodendrons, but is this just a common nickname?

They are the same thing
They are two different things

Comments (13)

  • 6 years ago

    Sorry, I dont really get what you mean. i don’t think I worded the question right. Is split leaf philodendron a name used to identify monstera deliciosa?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    "Split-leaf philodendron" is a common name for Monstera deliciosa. "Swiss cheese plant" is a common name used for both M. deliciosa and M. adansonii.

    Calling either a "philodendron" is not correct, but we are stuck with that common name.

    Monstera and Philodendron are both Aroids, so are related, but not closely.

  • 6 years ago

    They are two totally different plants. The Monstera Delicious(Swiss cheese plant ) have holes; sometimes the holes might tear open but generally they just have holes. A split leaf philodendron is exactly that, it has split leaves no holes whatsoever! The philodendron get some big it’s had a trunk and it never fruits! The deliciosa climbs and has fruit. It’s totally annoying that no one can give the real andwer on this ever.



  • 6 years ago

    #gemmom29

    Wow, you bungled that completely.

  • 6 years ago

    Split leaf Philodendron is an informal name sometimes used for Monstera deliciosa. This term is incorrect however, as M. deliciosa is not a Philodendron. Split leaf Philodendron is also sometimes used to refer to Philodendron binpinnatifidum as well, but is not used as commonly for that species.

    So essentially 'Split leaf Philodendron' is a vague term incorrectly used to refer to Monstera deliciosa. It is not accurate and personally I wish it would stop being used simply for the confusion it causes.

  • 6 years ago

    Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum is no longer considered to be part of the philodendron family. The name split leaf philodendron refers to no philodendrons at all. That’s a scientific fact haha.

    Source:
    https://www.quantamagazine.org/dna-analysis-reveals-a-genus-of-plants-hiding-in-plain-sight-20180904/

  • 6 years ago

    Nurseries are notorious for mixing up and causing confusion with the names of plants. No plants commonly sold under the name Pothos are in fact Pothos. Some nurseries sell "Areca Palms" which are not Areca palms.


    It will always be a problem as long as they use a genus name as a common name.

  • 6 years ago

    The large ‘split leaf philodendron’ outside my office I the first photo is Philodendron bipinnatifidum, synonym Philodendron Selloum. I also have this plant in a large 22” pot and it has not begun to create the stalk as shown (cut off leaves create this). My potted plant is 8 years old at least, those show in the photos were planted in 1992. The second photo is also referred to as a ‘split leaf philodendron’ also. It is Philodendron Xanadu. Both of these gain their nutrients from the ground.

    A true Monstera deliciosa is an epiphyte. It lives off of nutrients from air roots it connects to something solid. How that works when growing indoors, I will leave to others that have success with the species. But by visual identification, I can comment that NEITHER split leaf philodendron I described above have ‘holes’ in their leaves at any stage.

  • 5 years ago

    Still SO much confusion and conflicting info! How about, unless you KNOW for absolute SURE of the info you are providing and not just THINK you know you keep your comments to yourself or say I am not positive but this is what I believe or this is what I've heard!


    I also have been confused and after reading a HUGE number of articles, expert opinions and just thoughts (opinions) I have to ask myself. When you're dead, will it matter at ALL? NOPE!


    Plants are supposed to be calming and healing not stress inducing! The real question should be does it make you happy? Do you feel joy caring for it? So seriously...what are your priorities. Mine are to be happy (and informed) so when I feel like I have invested way too much time trying to figure something out only to be even more confused....I say...LET IT GO!


    YouTube channel Plants Peace Love

  • 5 years ago

    Beth, just let it go and don't weigh in on questions of taxonomy.

  • 5 years ago

    The two plants I think being discussed here are Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron bipinnatifidum. And no, I'm not going to call the Phil by the other newly fabricated name.


    If Beth is curious, she should seek more info. All are entitled to learn and almost certainly capable of doing so if they are seeking more info. No qualifications are required to seek and gain knowledge, you'll either comprehend it or not.


    Plants have a "proper" botanical name, (of which there are sometimes synonyms, and instances of re-naming), and one or more nicknames / common names.


    A same common name can be a nickname for several different plants. I think everyone can readily remember seeing many different kinds of daisies, ferns, palms, &/or lilies. Each separate kind of daisy or lily can be discussed with specificity by establishing the botanical name at some point in the conversation.


    Debating over nicknames is a pointless exercise because these common names are neither right or wrong, involve no scientific facts, and can vary by language, location, custom, or personal desire. The botanical name is a universal way to indicate a specific plant so the discussion can move beyond ID into cultivation.