They both come from the jungles of South America and have been delighting as evergreen houseplants for generations. At first glance, Monstera and Philodendron look very similar. It is not uncommon for a window leaf to be labeled as a philodendron in stores. Nevertheless, there are differences between the two exotic ornamental plants that hobby gardeners should not ignore. You can find out what these are here.
What are the differences between Monstera and Philodendron?
Monstera and Philodendron are related but different plant species. While Monstera only grows as a climbing plant and has deeply cut leaves, Philodendron can also grow as a shrub or tree and has a variety of leaf shapes. The window leaf has hermaphrodite flowers, while Philodendron has monoecious flowers.
Philodendron doesn't always like to climb and open its leaves
Monstera and Philodendron are both classified in the Araceae family and are therefore related to each other. Nevertheless, they are two different genera, as 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 cut and often additionally perforated
- Philodendron leaves have a variety of shapes, from egg-shaped to lance-shaped, often entire, rarely slit
Some of the most popular philodendrons for indoor cultivation are striking with leathery leaves whose underside has a reddish shimmer. In contrast, the foliage on the window leaf is shiny green on both sides.
Flowers and fruits are only superficially similar
Where the two jungle plants feel comfortable, they surprise with their flowers as they get older. As is typical for arum plants, the bulbs are covered by creamy white bracts. This is where the similarities end, because there are the following serious differences:
- Windowleaf flowers are hermaphroditic, with male and female flower parts
- Philodendron flowers are monoecious, with male and female flowers growing separately
- Window leaf flowers exude a subtle scent
- Philodendron flowers smell like 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 necessary. Although the flask-shaped fruits are visually similar, there is one important difference. The ripe fruit of a Monstera deliciosa is suitable for consumption, whereas the poisonous fruit of a Philodendron can cause significant nausea.
Monstera filters the water – Philodendron cleans the air we breathe
In addition to their magnificent appearance, both plant species are useful in indoor cultivation in different ways. 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 are very comfortable with.
A Philodendron is able to filter toxic substances from the air we breathe through its powerful leaves. That's why the tree friend is also welcome in offices to absorb carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene.
Tip
Regardless of their sometimes serious differences, monsteras and philodendrons pull together when it comes to location and care. Both genera of plants love a partially shaded, warm place with high humidity. They prefer to be watered with lime-free water and regularly pampered with a gentle mist.