Monstera vs Philodendron: Which One Should You Actually Get for Your Space?
Here’s a plot twist that’ll blow your plant-loving mind: that gorgeous Monstera you’ve been obsessing over? It’s actually a cousin to the humble Philodendron sitting quietly on your shelf. Both belong to the same botanical family (Araceae), but they couldn’t be more different in personality.
Both plants will give you that coveted jungle vibe, but choosing between them can be a challenge. Ready to figure out which aroid family member deserves a spot in your plant family?
Monstera vs Philodendron Comparison
Monstera vs Philodendron: Complete Comparison
Two tropical cousins from the same family – discover which aroid beauty is right for you
🤔 Which Plant Should You Choose?
Choose Monstera Deliciosa if:
- You want those iconic fenestrated (split) leaves
- You have space for a large statement plant
- You don’t mind providing climbing support
- You want maximum visual impact and drama
- You can provide consistent bright light
- You’re patient for fenestrations to develop
- You want the ultimate “flex” houseplant
Choose Philodendron if:
- You want classic heart-shaped leaves
- You prefer faster, more predictable growth
- You need a more compact, manageable plant
- You want variety in leaf shapes and colors
- You’re looking for easier care and maintenance
- You want multiple plants for less money
- You prefer graceful, cascading growth
🌱 Care Requirements Comparison
Monstera Deliciosa
Philodendron
📏 Size & Growth Expectations
Monstera Deliciosa
Philodendron
⚖️ Benefits vs Challenges
Monstera Deliciosa
Benefits:
- Iconic fenestrated leaves are instantly recognizable
- Major statement piece and conversation starter
- Highly sought-after for social media appeal
- Becomes more valuable and beautiful with age
- Can become a multi-generational plant
- Good air purification capabilities
- Propagation creates valuable new plants
Challenges:
- Requires significant space and support structure
- Young plants look quite different from mature ones
- Takes time to develop characteristic splits
- More expensive initial investment
- Needs bright light for optimal development
- Large leaves collect dust easily
- Can become unwieldy without proper support
Philodendron
Benefits:
- More forgiving and adaptable to conditions
- Huge variety of species and cultivars available
- Faster growth provides quicker gratification
- Generally more affordable across varieties
- Excellent air purifying qualities
- Easy to propagate and share with friends
- Classic, timeless plant appeal
Challenges:
- Less dramatic visual impact than Monstera
- Can become leggy without proper pruning
- Some varieties can be invasive if not contained
- Fast growth requires more frequent maintenance
- May be considered “too common” by some
- Vining types need regular training or support
- Some rare varieties can be quite expensive
🎨 Popular Varieties
Monstera Varieties
Philodendron Varieties
💰 Cost Comparison
First Year Investment Breakdown
Monstera Deliciosa
Philodendron
📊 Quick Reference Comparison
| Factor | Monstera Deliciosa | Philodendron |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | ||
| Light Requirements | Bright, indirect light | Medium to bright indirect |
| Watering Frequency | Weekly | When top inch dry |
| Maximum Size | 6-10 feet tall | 4-8 feet trailing |
| Growth Speed | Fast (2-3 ft/year) | Fast to very fast |
| Air Purification | ||
| Propagation Ease | ||
| Variety Options | 5-6 main varieties | 50+ varieties available |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic to pets | ❌ Toxic to pets |
| First Year Cost | $60-150 | $20-60 |
🏆 Final Recommendation
For Showstoppers: Choose Monstera if you want the ultimate statement plant and have the space for it.
For Variety Lovers: Go with Philodendrons – so many beautiful options to collect and enjoy!
For Beginners: Philodendrons are more forgiving and give you faster success and confidence.
Why Not Both? They’re from the same family and have similar care needs – start a whole aroid collection!
The Differences Between Monstera Plants and Philodendrons
Family & Genus
Monstera plants and Philodendrons belong to the arum family (Araceae). The Monstera genus contains approximately 60 accepted species. However, the Philodendron genus contains around 490 recognized species. It’s the second-largest genus within the Araceae family.
Native Range
Monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America. Philodendrons also grow in these areas. However, Philodendrons inhabit a wider range of ecosystems than Monstera plants.
Philodendrons are native to tropical regions of Central America, South America, and the West Indies. Philodendrons grow anywhere from rainforests and swamps to high-elevation areas over 2000 feet above sea level.
Botanical Characteristics
Most varieties of Monstera plants are hemiepiphytes that rely on both terrestrial and aerial roots. While the terrestrial roots anchor the Monstera to the forest floor, the aerial roots climb nearby trees. This helps the Monstera access more sunlight.
Philodendrons are more varied than Monstera plants. Most Philodendrons are epiphytes or hemiepiphytes, although a few species are purely terrestrial plants.
Most types of Monstera can develop distinctive splits or holes – known as fenestration – on their large evergreen leaves. Philodendrons don’t develop fenestration, and most species have large lobed or heart-shaped leaves. Some Philodendron species have dramatic fern-like foliage.
Growth Expectations
Monstera plants can grow up to 65 feet tall (20 meters) in the wild if they can climb suitable trees. While some Philodendrons can also climb trees, they will rarely grow larger than 32 feet tall (10 meters) in their native habitats.
Indoor Monstera plants can grow up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, depending on the species. Indoors, most Philodendrons can grow up to 13 feet long and can spread up to 3 feet wide.
Philodendrons are prolific vines that can produce up to 4 inches of new growth per week during the growing season. This means that Philodendrons grow more quickly than Monstera plants. Most Monsteras will produce 1 to 2 feet of new growth each year.
Lifespan
Monstera plants can live for over 40 years if they get the right care conditions. Most Philodendrons usually live for approximately 20 years. However, some wild Philodendrons have been known to live between 40 and 100 years.
Care Requirements
Monstera plants and Philodendrons have broadly similar care requirements. However, there are some slight differences to keep in mind. Philodendrons are low-maintenance houseplants that are easy to grow, especially heartleaf philodendrons. Monstera plants can be a little more difficult to keep happy.
Available Plant Types
Both Monsteras and Philodendrons offer plenty of variety for prospective owners. Both plant types come in several different cultivars or species with variable leaf types.
Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are two of the most popular Monstera varieties, with the latter being more compact. Other popular Monstera varieties include Monstera Peru and Monstera standleyana. Monstera plants can also come in variegated forms.
Philodendrons also offer plenty of variety in terms of leaf shapes. While heartleaf philodendrons are the most common, other popular varieties include Philodendron Hope Selloum and split-leaf philodendrons. There are even some variegated varieties of Philodendrons available on the market.
Split Leaf Philodendron vs Monstera – What’s the Difference?
The Split Leaf Philodendron plant is often confused with Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss Cheese plant. Both are commonly known by the name Split Leaf Philodendron and, although they do look rather similar, they are totally different plants. This confusion has become so widespread that some plant nurseries are now selling the Monstera plant incorrectly labeled as Split Leafed Philodendrons.
The differences
Monstera deliciosa – holes in the Monstera leaves don’t reach the edges. It has a climbing habit and needs support as it grows. In its natural environment, it would grow up a tree.
Split Leaf Philodendron – splits in the leaves run from the edges, inward. It’s also a self-heading type of plant, meaning it doesn’t need support to grow up. It supports itself with a trunk, like a tree, and generally has smaller leaves.
Price Differences Between Monstera Plants and Philodendrons
Monstera plants and Philodendrons can both vary in price. Heartleaf philodendrons and Monstera adansonii are usually the cheapest varieties. However, large, rare, or variegated cultivars of Monsteras or Philodendrons are more expensive.
Monstera Plants vs Philodendrons: Wrapping Up
Although Monstera plants and Philodendrons share some similarities, there are also differences to keep in mind. Monstera plants live longer and are usually bigger, but Philodendrons usually grow faster. Philodendrons are also more tolerant of low-light conditions and lower humidity levels than Monstera plants. In short, I think philodendrons make excellent companion plants for Monstera.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.