Plant comparison
Monstera vs Fiddle leaf fig
The two big statement plants people choose between for a bright corner.
| Monstera | Fiddle leaf fig | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa | Ficus lyrata |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days | When the top 5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix | Well-draining indoor tree mix |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-24°C (65-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b (heated greenhouse / indoor only) | H1b |
| Mature size | Indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat | 1.5-3 m indoors |
| Growth habit | Climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support | Single-trunk or branched evergreen tree |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Monstera — Monstera if you prefer its climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit at indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat indoors.
- Choose Fiddle leaf fig — Fiddle leaf fig if you prefer its single-trunk or branched evergreen tree habit at 1.5-3 m indoors indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Monstera care and Fiddle leaf fig care. For pet-safety detail see Monstera and Fiddle leaf fig.
Monstera vs Fiddle leaf fig — frequently asked questions
Is Monstera the same as Fiddle leaf fig?
No — Monstera is Monstera deliciosa and Fiddle leaf fig is Ficus lyrata. The two big statement plants people choose between for a bright corner. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, monstera or fiddle leaf fig?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Monstera wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Fiddle leaf fig wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is monstera or fiddle leaf fig safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Monstera is mildly toxic to pets and Fiddle leaf fig is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do monstera and fiddle leaf fig get indoors?
Monstera matures to indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat, with a climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit. Fiddle leaf fig reaches 1.5-3 m indoors, single-trunk or branched evergreen tree. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can monstera and fiddle leaf fig live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Monstera needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Fiddle leaf fig needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.