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Telling the difference between philodendron and monstera comes down to a few key leaf features that are easy to spot once you know what to look for.
If you’ve ever stood in a plant shop wondering which is which, you’re not alone.
Many people mix up these two popular houseplants because they both have big, beautiful leaves and love to climb.
But once you learn the differences between philodendron and monstera, you’ll never confuse them again.
In this post, we’ll break down the leaf shapes, the holes, the stems, and even the growth habits.
Let’s dive into how to tell the difference between philodendron and monstera so you can shop with confidence.
Key Leaf Differences Between Philodendron And Monstera
The fastest way to tell the difference between philodendron and monstera is by looking at the leaves themselves.
Monstera leaves have deep splits and holes that are called fenestrations.
Philodendron leaves are typically solid and heart-shaped with no splits or holes at all.
So if you see a leaf with dramatic cutouts that look like Swiss cheese, that’s almost certainly a monstera.
If you see a smooth, glossy leaf that’s shaped like a heart, you’re likely looking at a philodendron.
There are a few exceptions like the split-leaf philodendron, but that plant is actually a monstera in disguise.
That naming mix-up causes a ton of confusion, so let’s clear it up right here.
1. Fenestrations Are a Monstera Trademark
Fenestrations are the holes and splits that develop in monstera leaves as they mature.
These are not random tears or damage, they’re natural features that help the plant withstand wind and let light reach lower leaves.
Monstera leaves can have both deep slits that go almost to the center vein and smaller oval holes closer to the edge.
This is the single most reliable way to tell the difference between philodendron and monstera because philodendron leaves never develop these holes.
2. Leaf Shape and Texture Tips
Philodendron leaves are usually thinner and softer with a velvety or glossy finish depending on the variety.
Monstera leaves are thicker, more leathery, and have a waxy shine to them.
Philodendron leaves also tend to be wider at the base and taper to a distinct point, like a classic heart shape.
Monstera leaves are more oval or elongated with a less pronounced tip.
Run your fingers across the leaf surface and you’ll feel the difference in texture right away.
3. The Stem Connection Is Different
Look at where the leaf connects to the stem on both plants.
Philodendron stems have a small, cataphyll sheath at the base of each leaf that dries up and falls off as the leaf matures.
Monstera stems don’t have this sheath, and the leaf attaches directly to the main vine.
Also, monstera stems are often slightly thicker and have a more pronounced joint where the leaf meets the stem.
These visual cues make telling the difference between philodendron and monstera much easier.
Growth Habits and Aerial Roots
Both philodendron and monstera are climbing plants in the wild, but their growth patterns differ in noticeable ways.
Philodendron vines grow tighter and produce leaves closer together along the stem.
Monstera vines tend to stretch more between leaves, giving the plant a more open, airy look.
Aerial roots also show the difference between philodendron and monstera.
Monstera produces thick, brown aerial roots that look almost like rope and will happily attach to a moss pole or wall.
Philodendron aerial roots are thinner and often greenish or reddish, and they’re not as aggressive about grabbing onto surfaces.
1. Juvenile vs. Mature Leaves
A young monstera plant may have leaves with no holes or splits at all.
That makes telling the difference between philodendron and monstera tricky when you’re looking at babies.
The trick is that juvenile monstera leaves still have a slightly wavy edge and a more oval shape than philodendron hearts.
As monstera matures, the fenestrations appear on new leaves, and older leaves stay solid.
Philodendron leaves don’t change shape as they age, they just get bigger.
2. Color and Variegation Clues
Most philodendron varieties come in shades of green, from dark emerald to bright chartreuse.
Some philodendrons have red or orange undersides, like the popular Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’ with its lime green variegation.
Monstera leaves are almost always a uniform deep green, and variegated monstera varieties are rare and pricey.
If you see pure white or cream patches on the leaves, that could be a variegated monstera, but it’s much more commonly a philodendron.
This color difference helps you tell apart philodendron and monstera at a quick glance.
Common Names That Confuse Everyone
Part of the reason telling the difference between philodendron and monstera is so hard is the naming chaos.
The plant sold as “split-leaf philodendron” is actually a Monstera deliciosa.
True philodendrons like Philodendron bipinnatifidum have split leaves too, but they look totally different from monstera splits.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum splits are more like finger-like lobes rather than neat oval holes.
Another common one is “Swiss cheese plant,” which always refers to a monstera, never a philodendron.
Knowing these names will save you from buying the wrong plant every time.
1. Check the Leaf Edge Shape
Hold the leaf up and trace the outline with your finger.
Philodendron leaves have smooth, uninterrupted edges even when they’re large.
Monstera leaves have cuts that create a wavy or scalloped edge.
These cuts are the fenestrations we talked about, and they’re the ultimate proof when telling the difference between philodendron and monstera.
If the edge is completely smooth, it’s a philodendron.
If the edge has notches or holes, it’s a monstera.
2. Look at the New Growth
New leaves can reveal a lot about your plant’s identity.
Philodendron new leaves emerge from a protective sheath that looks like a small, folded leaf.
Monstera new leaves just unfurl directly from the stem with no sheath at all.
Also, philodendron new leaves start with a reddish or pinkish tint before turning green.
Monstera new leaves are always green from the moment they appear.
This growth habit difference makes telling the difference between philodendron and monstera even easier over time.
3. Feel the Petiole
The petiole is the little stalk connecting the leaf to the main vine.
Monstera petioles are smooth and relatively short compared to the leaf size.
Philodendron petioles are often longer and may have a slightly fuzzy or textured feel.
Some philodendron species even have tiny hairs on the petiole that you can’t see but can feel.
That tactile clue is another way to tell apart philodendron and monstera without any guesswork.
So, How Do You Tell The Difference Between Philodendron And Monstera?
You can tell the difference between philodendron and monstera by checking for fenestrations in the leaves.
Monstera leaves have deep splits and distinctive holes, while philodendron leaves are smooth and heart-shaped.
Also, remember that monstera stems lack the sheath that philodendron stems have at the leaf base.
Leaf texture differs too, with monstera feeling thick and leathery while philodendron feels thinner and softer.
Growth habits and aerial root thickness give you even more clues when you’re unsure.
So next time you’re at a nursery, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at.
Enjoy your plant shopping and happy growing.