If you’ve ever found yourself in a garden center, staring at two beautiful plants with holes in their leaves, you’re not alone. Telling the difference between a philodendron swiss cheese vs monstera adansonii is a common puzzle for plant lovers. They look incredibly similar at first glance, but they are distinct species with unique needs and traits.
This guide will help you become an expert at identifying them. We’ll look at the leaves, growth habits, and care tips that set them apart. Knowing which is which ensures you can give your plant the best possible care, helping it thrive in your home.
Philodendron Swiss Cheese vs Monstera Adansonii
Let’s clear up the biggest source of confusion right away. The name “Swiss Cheese Plant” is often used for both, but it technically belongs to Monstera deliciosa, the larger cousin with split leaves. The “Swiss Cheese Vine” usually refers to Monstera adansonii. Meanwhile, Philodendron is an entirely separate genus. The plant most often mistaken for a Monstera adansonii is actually a Philodendron pertusum (now classified as Monstera adansonii in many cases) or a Philodendron of the ‘Monstera’ group. For this article, we’ll compare the true Monstera adansonii with the Philodendron commonly sold as a “Swiss Cheese” type, focusing on the leaf differences you can actually see.
Leaf Shape and Structure: The Most Obvious Clue
The leaves provide the easiest way to tell these two plants apart. While both have fenestrations (those cool holes), the form and texture are different.
Monstera Adansonii leaves are generally more oval or egg-shaped with a pointed tip. They are thinner and more papery in texture. The fenestrations are larger, more numerous, and often extend to the leaf’s edge, making the leaf look more hole than leaf sometimes. The leaves are asymmetrical, with one side of the leaf base appearing slightly higher on the stem than the other.
Philodendron (Swiss Cheese Type) leaves are typically more heart-shaped with a broader, more rounded base. They are thicker and more leathery to the touch. The fenestrations are usually smaller, fewer in number, and tend to stay enclosed within the leaf margin, not touching the edge. The leaf base is more symmetrical, attaching evenly to the stem.
Side-by-Side Leaf Comparison
- Texture: Monstera = thin/papery. Philodendron = thick/leathery.
- Shape: Monstera = elongated oval. Philodendron = wide heart.
- Holes: Monstera = large, many, reach the edge. Philodendron = smaller, fewer, enclosed.
- Symmetry: Monstera leaf base is uneven. Philodendron leaf base is even.
Growth Habit and Vine Structure
How these plants grow is another dead giveaway. Observing the stems and aerial roots will confirm your leaf-based identification.
Monstera Adansonii is a vigorous climber. Its stems are long and can become quite thick and woody as they mature. It produces long, cord-like aerial roots that are firm and brownish. These roots actively seek out surfaces to cling to, like a moss pole or tree bark. The spacing between leaves (internodes) can be quite long, especially if the plant is seeking light.
Philodendron (Swiss Cheese Type) also vines, but its stems often remain more slender and flexible. The aerial roots are thinner, more fibrous, and often appear as small nubs along the stem. While it appreciates support, its clinging instinct is sometimes less aggressive than the Monstera’s. The leaves often grow closer together on the stem, creating a fuller appearance.
The New Leaf Test: A Surefire Method
One of the most reliable ways to identify your plant is to watch a new leaf unfurl. This process is distinct between the two genera.
On a Monstera Adansonii, new leaves emerge tightly rolled and sheathed in a protective cataphyll. This thin, papery sheath dries up and falls off as the leaf matures. You’ll see the leaf slowly unroll and expand, with its fenestrations already visible in the tight roll.
On a Philodendron, new leaves are also rolled, but they are protected by a more substantial, often pinkish or reddish sheath called a cataphyll. This sheath is more persistent and may remain attached at the leaf base for some time, even after the leaf has fully opened. It’s a very distinctive feature once you know to look for it.
Care Requirements: Subtle but Important Differences
While their care is broadly similar, getting the details right depends on knowing which plant you have. Here’s a breakdown of their needs.
Light Preferences
Both plants enjoy bright, indirect light. However, Monstera Adansonii is often slightly more tolerant of medium light levels, but its fenestrations will be more pronounced with brighter light. The Philodendron variety generally craves consistent bright, indirect light to maintain its growth rate and prevent legginess. Direct sun can scorch the leaves of both.
Watering Needs
This is a key area of difference. Due to its thinner leaves, Monstera Adansonii tends to dry out a bit faster and may need watering more frequently. Always check the top inch of soil. The thicker-leaved Philodendron holds water better and is more susceptible to overwatering. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering with this one. Good drainage is non-negotiable for both.
Soil and Potting Mix
A well-draining, airy mix is crucial. You can use a similar mix for both, with a slight adjustment:
- Start with a high-quality indoor potting soil.
- Add perlite and orchid bark for aeration.
- For Monstera Adansonii, ensure the mix is very chunky.
- For Philodendron, you can use a slightly more moisture-retentive mix, but still ensure it drains well.
Humidity and Temperature
As tropical plants, they both appreciate humidity above 50%. Monstera Adansonii is often a bit more adaptable to average household humidity, while the Philodendron may show crispy leaf edges if the air is too dry. A humidifier or pebble tray can help. Keep them in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and away from cold drafts.
Common Problems and Solutions
Identifying problems early depends on knowing your plant’s normal state. Here are common issues for both.
- Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering, especially in Philodendrons. Check soil moisture. Could also be nutrient deficiency.
- Brown, Crispy Edges: Usually low humidity or underwatering. More common in Philodendrons in dry air.
- Small Leaves, No Holes: Insufficient light. Both plants need good light to develop their characteristic fenestrations.
- Leggy Growth: The plant is stretching for light. Move it to a brighter location and consider pruning to encourage bushier growth.
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
The good news is both plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings, and the method is almost identical.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots grow from).
- Using clean shears, cut just below a node.
- You can root in water or directly in soil. For water, place the node in a jar, ensuring leaves stay dry. Change water weekly.
- Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks. For soil propagation, plant the cutting in moist mix and keep it humid.
- Once roots are a few inches long (in water) or you feel resistance (in soil), pot it up in its own container.
Philodendron cuttings sometimes root a tiny bit faster, but the difference is minimal. Both are very rewarding to propagate.
Styling and Support in Your Home
These are fantastic trailing or climbing plants. Your choice of support can define their look.
Let them trail from a hanging basket or high shelf for a cascading effect. This works well for both, especially when they’re young. For a vertical statement, provide a moss pole or coir totem. Monstera Adansonii, with its strong aerial roots, will readily attach itself to a moist moss pole. You can also train them along a wall or trellis for a living art piece. Remember, the direction you point the growing tip will determine the plant’s path.
Why the Confusion Exists
The mix-up has historical and commercial roots. Both are in the Araceae family, so they are distant cousins. The nickname “Swiss Cheese Plant” was catchy and got applied to any plant with holes. Nurseries sometimes used names interchangeably to sell plants. Older classification systems grouped some Monsteras with Philodendrons. Thankfully, modern taxonomy and informed plant parents are helping clear the air.
Final Summary: Quick Identification Chart
- Leaf Texture: Papery = Monstera. Leathery = Philodendron.
- Leaf Shape: Long Oval = Monstera. Wide Heart = Philodendron.
- New Leaf Sheath: Thin, falls off = Monstera. Thick, persistent = Philodendron.
- Aerial Roots: Thick, cord-like = Monstera. Thin, fibrous = Philodendron.
- Watering: Dries quicker = Monstera. More drought-tolerant = Philodendron.
FAQ Section
Are Monstera adansonii and Swiss Cheese Philodendron the same?
No, they are not the same plant. They belong to different genera (Monstera vs. Philodendron). The true Swiss Cheese Plant is a Monstera, but many Philodendrons with fenestrations are mistakenly given that name.
Which is easier to care for, Monstera adansonii or the Philodendron?
Both are considered relatively easy. Monstera adansonii might be slightly more forgiving with watering frequency, while the Philodendron type can be more tolerant of occasional neglect once established. It often depends on your specific home environment.
How can I encourage more holes in the leaves?
Provide plenty of bright, indirect light. Fenestrations are the plant’s adaptation to allow light to reach lower leaves and to withstand wind and rain in their natural habitat. More light usually equals more and larger holes.
Can I plant them together in the same pot?
It’s not recommended. Their slightly different care needs, especially regarding watering, could lead to one plant suffering. They also have different growth rates and habits which could make the pot look unbalanced over time.
Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering. Check that your pot has drainage holes and that you’re allowing the soil to dry out appropriately between waterings. Other causes include lack of light, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging of older leaves.
Understanding the distinctive fenestrated leaf differences between these plants is more than just a party trick for plant enthusiasts. It’s the key to providing tailored care that meets their specific needs. By paying attention to the leaf texture, shape, and growth habits, you can confidently identify whether you have a Monstera adansonii or a Swiss Cheese-type Philodendron. This knowledge empowers you to create the perfect environment for your green friend, ensuring it grows healthy and displays those beautiful, holey leaves for years to come. So next time you see one, take a closer look—you’ll know exactly what you’re seeing.