Plant comparison
Monstera vs Philodendron
Both are climbing aroids with split or perforated leaves — frequently confused at the garden centre.
| Monstera | Philodendron | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa | Philodendron hederaceum |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix | Chunky aroid mix |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 50-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°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 | Vines reach 2-4 m indoors |
| Growth habit | Climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support | Vining or self-heading evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Mildly 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 Philodendron — Philodendron if your spot has less light — it tolerates medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window), where Monstera prefers bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window).
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Monstera care and Philodendron care. For pet-safety detail see Monstera and Philodendron.
Monstera vs Philodendron — frequently asked questions
Is Monstera the same as Philodendron?
No — Monstera is Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron is Philodendron hederaceum. Both are climbing aroids with split or perforated leaves — frequently confused at the garden centre. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, monstera or philodendron?
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. Philodendron wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, 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 philodendron safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Monstera is mildly toxic to pets and Philodendron is mildly toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do monstera and philodendron 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. Philodendron reaches vines reach 2-4 m indoors, vining or self-heading evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can monstera and philodendron 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); Philodendron needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.