If you are trying to tell your Monstera plants apart, you are not alone. Distinguishing Monstera borsigiana from deliciosa involves examining leaf size, growth pattern, and stem texture. This guide will give you the clear, side-by-side details you need to identify which one you have.
The confusion is common. For years, these plants have been mislabeled in nurseries and online.
We will break down the key differences. You will learn what to look for on your own plant.
Monstera Borsigiana Vs Deliciosa
Understanding the debate between these two Monstera types is the first step. The Monstera deliciosa is the classic, well-known Swiss Cheese Plant. Monstera borsigiana is often considered a subspecies or smaller variety.
Some botanists argue they are the same species with natural variation. For plant owners, the practical differences in care and appearance are what matter most.
We will compare them across several categories. This will help you make a confident identification.
Botanical History And Naming Confusion
The naming history of these plants is tangled. Monstera deliciosa was first described in 1849. The name “borsigiana” appeared later, often attributed to a plant found in a Berlin garden.
Today, many experts treat Monstera borsigiana as a synonym for a smaller form of Monstera deliciosa. In horticulture, the label persists due to distinct growth habits.
Nurseries use the name to describe a faster-growing, more vining plant. This has cemented the separation in the plant community.
Key Taxonomic Debates
The core debate centers on whether they are separate species. Current research leans toward them being one species. The variations are likely due to environment and genetics.
For your purposes, you can think of them as two forms of the same wonderful plant. Knowing which form you have helps predict its growth.
Leaf Size And Shape Comparison
Leaf appearance is the most noticeable difference. It is the easiest place to start your investigation.
Look at the mature leaves on your plant. Juvenile plants of both types look very similar.
- Monstera Deliciosa Leaves: These grow remarkably large. A mature indoor leaf can reach 3 feet in width. The leaves are thicker and more leathery to the touch. They have a pronounced heart shape at the base.
- Monstera Borsigiana Leaves: The leaves are smaller. They typically stay under 18 inches wide, even on mature plants. The leaf texture is often slightly thinner. The heart-shaped base is less dramatic.
The fenestrations (holes and splits) also differ. Deliciosa leaves develop deep, inner fenestrations that go toward the central rib. Borsigiana leaves usually have splits only along the outer edges.
Growth Pattern And Plant Habit
How the plant grows is a major clue. Their overall structure and speed set them apart.
Observe your plant’s stem and how it climbs. This is a reliable indicator.
- Monstera Deliciosa Growth: This plant has a more upright, less vining habit. It develops a thick, sturdy stem that can become semi-erect. It grows slower, focusing energy on larger leaves. The internodes (spaces between leaves) are shorter.
- Monstera Borsigiana Growth: This is a vigorous climber. It has a distinct vining habit with longer internodes. The stem is thinner and more flexible. It grows faster, producing more leaves quickly, but they remain smaller.
If your plant rapidly trails or climbs, it is likely a borsigiana. A more statuesque, self-heading plant is probably a deliciosa.
Stem Texture And Geniculum
This is a technical but very accurate way to tell them apart. You need to check the leaf stem, called the petiole.
Look at where the leaf blade connects to the petiole. This joint is called the geniculum.
- Find a mature leaf on your Monstera.
- Gently feel the petiole just below the leaf base.
- In a true Monstera deliciosa, the geniculum is rough and textured. It feels almost wavy or corrugated.
- In Monstera borsigiana, the geniculum is smooth. There is no rough texture at the joint.
This characteristic is consistent in mature plants. It is one of the most trusted methods for identification.
Overall Size And Mature Height
Considering the plant’s final size helps with planning your space. Their potential height varies significantly.
A Monstera deliciosa can become an indoor giant. With proper support, it can reach 8 feet or more tall indoors. Its spread is wide due to the large leaves.
Monstera borsigiana stays more manageable. It is better suited for trailing from a shelf or climbing a moss pole. Indoors, it may reach 4-6 feet in length but is less massive.
Choose deliciosa for a bold floor statement. Choose borsigiana for a faster-filling climber on a pole or trellis.
Care Requirements: Similarities And Differences
Fortunately, their basic care needs are very similar. Both thrive with consistent attention. The main differences relate to their growth speed and size.
Light Needs
Both plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch their leaves.
Monstera deliciosa may tolerate slightly lower light due to its larger leaves. But growth and fenestration will slow. Borsigiana, with its faster growth, often shows a greater need for consistent light.
Watering Schedule
Water both plants when the top few inches of soil are dry. The pot should have good drainage.
Because borsigiana often grows faster, it may use water more quickly. Always check the soil moisture rather than watering on a strict schedule. Overwatering is a common problem for both types.
Soil And Fertilization
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is ideal. A mix for aroids works perfectly.
Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks is sufficient. The faster-growing borsigiana may benefit from slightly more frequent feeding, but be cautious not to over-fertilize.
Support And Pruning
Both plants are climbers and appreciate support. A moss pole or trellis allows them to attach their aerial roots.
Monstera borsigiana’s vining habit means it may need to be tied to its support more often. Pruning is straightforward for both. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves at the stem base. You can prune to control size or shape, but pruning borsigiana may be needed more often due to its speed.
Common Misidentifications And How To Avoid Them
Many plants get incorrectly labeled. Here is how to avoid common pitfalls.
Juvenile Monstera deliciosa plants are often sold as borsigiana. Without mature characteristics, they are hard to tell apart. Ask the seller for the plant’s source or look for the geniculum on any mature leaves present.
The “Monstera deliciosa var. sierrana” is another distinct form. It has even larger leaves with more holes. It is less common but sometimes added to the confusion.
When buying, purchase from reputable specialty nurseries. They are more likely to have correct labels. If a price seems too low for a large “deliciosa,” it might be a borsigiana.
Propagation Techniques For Each Type
You can propagate both plants the same way. Stem cuttings with a node and an aerial root are best.
- Select a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where a leaf meets the stem).
- Make a clean cut just below the node using a sterilized knife or shears.
- Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Ensure the node is submerged or buried.
- Wait for roots to develop, which can take several weeks. Then, pot it in soil.
Borsigiana cuttings may root slightly faster due to their vigorous nature. But both are generally easy to propagate.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellow leaves, brown spots, and pests affect both plants. Here are quick fixes.
- Yellow Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot drains well. It can also indicate a need for fertilizer.
- Brown Leaf Edges: Often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
- No Fenestrations: If your plant isn’t developing splits, it likely needs more light. Move it to a brighter location with indirect light.
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Remember, borsigiana’s thinner leaves might show stress from low humidity a bit quicker.
FAQ: Monstera Borsigiana And Deliciosa
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is Monstera Borsigiana The Same As Monstera Deliciosa?
Botanically, they are generally considered the same species. Monstera borsigiana is typically viewed as a smaller, faster-growing variety or form of Monstera deliciosa. For plant care, the differences in growth habit are meaningful.
Which One Grows Faster, Borsigiana Or Deliciosa?
Monstera borsigiana is known for its faster, more vining growth. It produces leaves more quickly but they are smaller. Monstera deliciosa grows slower, putting energy into larger, more fenestrated leaves.
How Can I Tell For Sure Which Plant I Have?
Check the geniculum (the joint where the leaf meets the stem). A rough, textured geniculum indicates Monstera deliciosa. A smooth geniculum points to Monstera borsigiana. Also, observe the mature leaf size and growth pattern.
Are Their Care Needs Different?
Their basic care is very similar. The main difference is that borsigiana may need slightly more frequent watering and fertilizing due to its faster growth. Both need bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Can Both Plants Get Large Fenestrations?
Monstera deliciosa is famous for its large, inner fenestrations. Monstera borsigiana usually develops splits only along the leaf edges. Even mature borsigiana leaves rarely show the complex inner holes of a mature deliciosa.
Identifying your Monstera plant just takes a close look. Focus on the leaf size, the stem texture, and how it grows. Whether you have a majestic deliciosa or a vigorous borsigiana, both are rewarding plants. Understanding their traits helps you provide the best care for years of enjoyment.