What’s the Difference Between Monstera and Split-Leaf Philodendron?

3.1K
124
48
2025-11-05
What’s the Difference Between Monstera and Split-Leaf Philodendron?

Through social media, millennials have rekindled a love of houseplants. One plant has become especially famous—or at least Instagram-famous. It’s immediately evocative of a tropical rainforest: huge, dark green, waxy leaves, with interesting perforations in them that don’t even imply poor care. This is Monstera deliciosa. Or is it a split-leaf philodendron?

The monstera, as it’s often called, is tropically native to Mexico, where it’s mainly prized for its fruit (hence the scientific name). But it also thrives as a houseplant: It doesn’t need much water, tolerates medium amounts of sunlight, and can grow impressively large.

This is also a plant with a wide variety of names, many referring to its tasty fruit (“fruit salad plant,” “monster fruit”) and some to its leaves. Those leaves, in the right environment, develop holes. “Swiss cheese plant” is one monstera nickname that references to those holes. Another is split-leaf philodendron.

Philodendrons are a pretty large genus of flowering plants; if you’re into gardening, you’re probably familiar with some of its members, like the peace lily. But the monstera is not, technically speaking, a philodendron at all.

Both the monstera and true philodendrons are part of the arum family, a much larger group of plants that also includes the ever-popular pothos, one of the world’s prettiest and easiest houseplants. These plants are all pretty similar: They have similar water and light needs, they come from roughly the same climate, and they contain calcium oxalate, which makes them toxic to both humans and pets. Many of these plants have interesting leaf shapes, with lacy fingers, broad lobes, heart-shaped leaves, or bright pink veins. The monstera certainly looks and acts like a philodendron, even though it isn’t classified as one.

This is where it gets complicated. There are two true species of philodendron that also go by the name split-leaf philodendron: Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum. These plants are both completely different plants than monstera, but go by the same nickname in some cases. No wonder we’re confused!

Plant naming can be tricky, with plants having totally different names depending on where you are or who’s describing them. Common plant names can even differ by region and generation. You might want to start brushing up on your Latin names!

Related Article

How to Prune 12 Common Types of Evergreen Shrubs and Trees
24.3K
1.9K
388

How to Prune 12 Common Types of Evergreen Shrubs and Trees

Use these tips on pruning evergreens like boxwood, yews, and junipers so they don't become overgrown messes.
Expert Tips for Growing and Designing With Beautiful Boxwood
11K
219
72

Expert Tips for Growing and Designing With Beautiful Boxwood

With our boxwood garden ideas, you'll create durable changes to your landscaping. Boxwoods, a type of evergreen, are an elegant addition to a formal garden. Learn how to care for boxwood, so that your boxwood garden thrives.
How to Plant and Grow Eucalyptus
5.9K
410
168

How to Plant and Grow Eucalyptus

Learn to grow eucalyptus with our complete guide. Eucalyptus varieties are known for their potent essential oils and heady fragrance.
6 Surprising Benefits of Planting Trees
10.9K
218
80

6 Surprising Benefits of Planting Trees

Learn how planting trees can transform your environment and improve your quality of life.
This Bold Woodland Garden Plan Brims with Color and Texture
30.1K
301
75

This Bold Woodland Garden Plan Brims with Color and Texture

Filled with easy-care plants, this bold woodland garden plan design is perfect for livening up a spot under a tree's canopy.
This No-Fuss Shade Garden Plan Is Your Fix for Bare Spots Under Trees
25.4K
507
187

This No-Fuss Shade Garden Plan Is Your Fix for Bare Spots Under Trees

Featuring a mix of easy-care plants, this no-fuss shade garden plan is the perfect way to add color to a shaded spot in your yard.
This Cozy Corner Garden Plan Will Brighten Up an Unused Spot in Your Yard
35.3K
1.8K
212

This Cozy Corner Garden Plan Will Brighten Up an Unused Spot in Your Yard

This cozy corner garden plan will create a pocket of color in the unused spots in your yard.
How to Plant and Grow Pineapple Sage
42K
2.9K
853

How to Plant and Grow Pineapple Sage

Read this guide to learn how to plant and grow pineapple sage in herb gardens or pollinator habitats!
Got Yellow Leaves on Tomato Plants? 9 Reasons Why and How to Fix It
1.2K
106
24

Got Yellow Leaves on Tomato Plants? 9 Reasons Why and How to Fix It

If you see yellow leaves on tomato plants, here's how to diagnose and fix the problem.
10 Best Companion Plants for Zucchini
8.7K
521
224

10 Best Companion Plants for Zucchini

Keep your zucchini plants healthy and naturally pest-free with these top companion plants that include veggies, flowers, and herbs.
How to Create Beautiful Tropical Planters and Container Gardens
39.4K
788
275

How to Create Beautiful Tropical Planters and Container Gardens

Bring the bold, graphic foliage of plants from the tropics to your home with one of our nine favorite tropical container combinations.
How to Grow and Care for Cordyline Plants in Your Garden or Home
27.5K
1.4K
247

How to Grow and Care for Cordyline Plants in Your Garden or Home

Learn how to plant and care for cordyline to add a tropical feel to your garden or home, including watering, light, and soil requirements.
How to Plant and Care for a String of Pearls Plant
38.3K
3.4K
379

How to Plant and Care for a String of Pearls Plant

Find out how to propagate, water, and take care of a string of pearls plant.
10 Smart Money-Saving Strategies When Shopping for Plants
2.7K
215
98

10 Smart Money-Saving Strategies When Shopping for Plants

From purchasing seeds instead of full grown plants to shopping seasonally and at local sales, here are some of the best ways to reduce costs when buying plants. Purchasing plants from local farms and looking for plants that can be divided are some of the other ways experts suggest reducing your plant spending.
18 Essential Elements of Authentic Japanese Garden Design
44.1K
3.5K
1.4K

18 Essential Elements of Authentic Japanese Garden Design

These Japanese garden designs are relaxing and serene. Try our Japanese garden ideas for a peaceful ambiance in your backyard.
How to Make a DIY Hummingbird Feeder with a Mason Jar
16.9K
1.5K
364

How to Make a DIY Hummingbird Feeder with a Mason Jar

Attract hummingbirds with this easy mason jar hummingbird feeder project that comes together in just a few steps.
The 10 Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens
8.7K
693
339

The 10 Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens

The best perennials for southern gardens are low-maintenance and a cinch to grow.
How to Make Easy Concrete Planters for Your Garden
33.1K
3K
297

How to Make Easy Concrete Planters for Your Garden

DIY concrete planters are simple to make with this step-by-step guide. Plus get design ideas and tips for using your new planters.
25 Outdoor Succulent Container Ideas that Resist Heat and Drought
16.3K
1.3K
611

25 Outdoor Succulent Container Ideas that Resist Heat and Drought

These outdoor succulent container ideas feature not only dramatic arrangements, but resistance to heat and drought.
How to Make an Adorable Broken Pot Fairy Garden in 4 Easy Steps
32.1K
2.6K
974

How to Make an Adorable Broken Pot Fairy Garden in 4 Easy Steps

A broken pot fairy garden is a great solution for using up damaged garden pots. Make use of a cracked terra-cotta pot by transforming it into a sweet fairy garden container overflowing with moss and a variety of succulents.