Buying guide
Tropical plants
Are you torn between a Philodendron and a Monstera to enhance your interior? These two green giants top plant lovers' wishlists, and for good reason: their spectacular foliage transforms any space into an urban jungle. But behind their family resemblance lie very distinct personalities.
Fundamental botanical differences
Two genera, one family
Philodendron and Monstera both belong to the Araceae family, which explains their visual similarities. However, they are two distinct botanical genera with their own characteristics.
Philodendron has over 450 species, from climbers to ground covers, with an impressive variety of shapes and colors. The most popular indoor ones include the Philodendron scandens (cordatum), the Philodendron birkin, the Philodendron Pink Princess, and the majestic Philodendron gloriosum.
Monstera includes about 50 species, with the undisputed star being the Monstera deliciosa. Also found are the Monstera adansonii (with smaller fenestrations), the ultra-rare Monstera obliqua, and the compact climbing Monstera dubia.
Foliage: the difference that stands out
| Characteristic | Monstera | Philodendron |
|---|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves with perforations (fenestrations) and cuts starting from the edge toward the central vein | Leaves generally whole, without natural perforations |
| Appearance of holes | Appear as the plant matures | Some species have deep lobes but never true holes |
| Diversity | ~50 species | +450 species |
💡 Notable exception
The Philodendron minima (formerly Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) has fenestrations but is actually neither a Philodendron nor a Monstera!
Care and difficulty level
Philodendron: the beginner's friend
Philodendrons are known for their tolerance and adaptability:
| Criteria | Needs |
|---|---|
| Light | Medium to bright indirect light. Tolerate shade better than Monsteras |
| Watering | Slightly moist substrate, forgiving occasional neglect |
| Humidity | 50-60% ideal, adapts to dry air |
| Growth | Fast, especially for climbing varieties |
| Temperature | 18-27°C, sensitive to cold < 15°C |
✅ Verdict
Ideal for beginners or busy people.
Monstera: easy but demanding on light
The Monstera deliciosa is often described as easy but requires some specific conditions:
| Criteria | Needs |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light to develop fenestrations. In low light, leaves stay whole |
| Watering | Let the top 5 cm dry between waterings. Sensitive to overwatering |
| Humidity | 60-70% for optimal development |
| Growth | Fast under good conditions (1 leaf/month in season) |
| Temperature | 18-27°C, tolerates heat better than cold |
✅ Verdict
Accessible to motivated beginners with a bright spot.
Aesthetic and decorative impact
The Monstera style: tropical statement
The Monstera deliciosa is THE architectural plant par excellence. Its large perforated leaves (up to 90 cm in diameter when mature) create an immediate visual impact and add a lush jungle touch.
Perfect for:
- Minimalist interiors needing a green focal point
- Spaces with high ceilings
- Tropical, bohemian, or mid-century modern style
- Large bright rooms (living room, sunroom)
The Philodendron style: versatility and diversity
With their incredible variety, Philodendrons suit all styles:
- Philodendron scandens: perfect hanging or on a shelf, cascade of heart-shaped leaves
- Philodendron birkin: compact and graphic with white stripes, ideal for small spaces
- Philodendron Pink Princess: collector’s piece with its pink variegation, contemporary style
- Philodendron gloriosum: velvety foliage and white veins, understated elegance
Perfect for:
- Small spaces and apartments
- Offices and bedrooms
- Varied plant arrangements
- All decor styles
📍 Good to know
Discover our room-by-room plant guide to place your tropical plants in the right spot.
Space and growth: anticipate development
Monstera: allow plenty of space
A Monstera deliciosa can reach 2 to 3 meters tall indoors and spread significantly. Its aerial roots seek to climb and need a support (moss or wood).
📏 Minimum recommended space
1m² floor space, minimum 2.5m ceiling height for a mature plant.
Philodendron: from compact to giant
Size varies greatly depending on the species:
| Category | Size | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | 30-60 cm | P. birkin, P. micans, P. brasil |
| Climbers | 1-3 m | P. scandens, P. melanochrysum |
| Giants | 1,5-2 m | P. gloriosum, P. verrucosum |
💡 Advantage
You can choose the size that fits your space.
Budget and availability
Monstera: accessible and popular
The Monstera deliciosa is widely available and affordable:
| Size | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Small plant (20-40 cm) | €15-30 |
| Medium plant (60-80 cm) | €40-70 |
| Large specimen (1-1.5 m) | €80-150 |
| Variegated varieties (Thai Constellation) | €100-500 |
Philodendron: from very affordable to collector
The price range is much wider:
Toxicity: an important common factor
⚠️ Warning
Philodendrons and Monsteras both contain calcium oxalate crystals, toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, and cats.
Symptoms if ingested: mouth irritation, tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting.
Precautions:
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Wear gloves when handling (irritating sap)
- Wash your hands after care
🐾 Non-toxic alternatives
If you have pets or young children, check out our toxic plants guide and discover our collections of non-toxic plants.
So, Philodendron or Monstera: which one to choose?
Choose a Monstera if:
- You have a large, bright space
- You want a statement plant with strong visual impact
- You like the tropical style and large graphic leaves
- You want an iconic and easy-to-find plant
- You have a moderate budget (for the classic deliciosa)
Choose a Philodendron if:
- You have limited space or medium light
- You’re new to indoor plants
- You’re looking for diversity (colors, shapes, sizes)
- You want an adaptable and tolerant plant
- You enjoy collecting and discovering new species
Why not both?
Good news: Philodendron and Monstera have similar needs and coexist perfectly! You can create a tropical arrangement by combining:
- A Monstera deliciosa as a centerpiece
- A hanging Philodendron scandens to add verticality
- A compact Philodendron birkin to vary textures
Common care tips for success
Whether you choose one or the other, these golden rules apply:
- Well-draining substrate: mix potting soil, perlite, and bark (40/30/30)
- Pot with drainage: essential to prevent root rot
- Leaf cleaning: dust regularly to optimize photosynthesis
- Fertilizer: feed every 15 days in spring-summer (balanced NPK)
- Repotting: every 2-3 years or when roots come out of the pot
- Staking: provide support for climbing species
Frequently Asked Questions
In Mediterranean or tropical climates (USDA zones 10-11), yes, in shade or partial shade. Elsewhere, keep them indoors or bring them outside in summer, avoiding direct sun.
With good care, Philodendrons and Monsteras can live for several decades. Some century-old specimens exist in botanical gardens.
Fenestrations appear with maturity and depend on light. Make sure your plant gets enough bright indirect light and be patient.
Yes, it's a natural aging process. The plant focuses its energy on new shoots. Remove yellowed leaves.
Absolutely! Both root very well in water or directly in soil. Take a stem with at least one node and one leaf. Roots appear in 2-4 weeks.
The main difference is the foliage: the Monstera has leaves with perforations (fenestrations) and cuts, while the Philodendron usually has whole leaves without holes. They belong to the same family (Araceae) but are two distinct botanical genera.
Yes, Philodendrons are generally more tolerant and adapt better to medium light conditions. They forgive watering mistakes more easily, making them ideal for beginners.
Fenestrations (holes) only appear on mature plants and require bright indirect light. If your Monstera lacks light, new leaves will remain whole. Be patient and make sure it gets enough light.
Yes, both contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, and cats. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling as the sap can be irritating.
In conclusion: a lifestyle choice
Choosing between Philodendron and Monstera isn’t just about aesthetics: it reflects your space, experience, and the time you can dedicate to your plants.
The Monstera stands out as the tropical queen of bright, spacious areas, offering maximum visual impact with reasonable care. The Philodendron, with its endless variety, adapts to all interiors and skill levels, from beginners to passionate collectors.
The key? Choose the plant that resonates with your lifestyle and space. And remember: in the wonderful world of Araceae, there’s no wrong choice, only beautiful green encounters.
