Monstera Borsigiana Vs Deliciosa

If you’re a houseplant enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered about the difference between Monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa. These two popular plants are often confused, but understanding their key distinctions helps you care for them properly and know exactly what you’re growing.

Both are stunning members of the Araceae family, famous for their iconic split leaves. However, they are not the same plant. The confusion is common in nurseries and online shops. This guide will walk you through every detail, from leaf size to growth habits, so you can identify your Monstera with confidence.

Let’s start with the big picture. For a long time, Monstera borsigiana was considered a separate species. Today, many botanists classify it as a subspecies or variety of Monstera deliciosa, often calling it Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana. Despite this taxonomic shift, the physical differences between the forms sold under these names are real and noticeable to growers.

Think of it like different cultivars of the same plant. They share a family tree but have unique characteristics. The main differences lie in their overall size, leaf structure, and how they grow. These variations affect where and how you should grow them in your home.

Primary Differences at a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of the main points of comparison:

Mature Size: Borsigiana is generally smaller; Deliciosa is larger.
Leaf Size: Borsigiana leaves are typically under 18 inches; Deliciosa leaves can exceed 3 feet.
Geniculum: The presence of a ruffled geniculum (the joint where the leaf meets the stem) is a key sign of a true Deliciosa.
Growth Habit: Borsigiana tends to have longer internodal spacing, making it appear more vining.
Growth Speed: Borsigiana often grows faster initially due to its vining nature.

Detailed Comparison of Key Features

Now, let’s break down each feature so you can become an expert at telling them apart.

1. Overall Size and Growth Habit

This is the most practical difference for indoor gardeners. Monstera deliciosa is a much larger plant overall. In its natural habitat, it can become enormous. Indoors, a mature deliciosa can easily reach 8 feet tall and wide, requiring significant space.

Monstera borsigiana stays more manageable. It’s often described as a “compact” or “climbing” form. It rarely reaches the massive proportions of its cousin indoors, usually topping out at a more modest 4-6 feet. This makes borsigiana a better fit for smaller living spaces.

2. Internodal Spacing

Internodal spacing is the distance on the stem between two consecutive leaves. This is a crucial, often overlooked clue.

Borsigiana: Has longer internodes. This means there’s more bare stem between each leaf. This trait contributes to its faster, more vining appearance as it stretches toward light.
Deliciosa: Has shorter internodes. The leaves grow closer together on the stem, creating a fuller, more robust look. The stem feels more substantial because of this.

If your Monstera looks a bit leggy or sparse, with visible stems between leaves, it’s likely a borsigiana. A stockier plant with densely packed leaves is probably a deliciosa.

3. The Geniculum (The Telltale Sign)

The geniculum is a specialized joint that connects the leaf blade (the flat part) to the petiole (the leaf stalk). It allows the leaf to move and angle itself toward light sources.

Deliciosa: Has a distinctly wrinkled or ruffled geniculum. It looks textured and corrugated, like a folded paper fan. This is one of the most reliable identifiers for a true Monstera deliciosa.
Borsigiana: Has a smooth geniculum. The joint is straight and lacks those distinctive wrinkles. It’s a simple, clean connection from petiole to leaf.

Check this feature on a mature leaf for the best results. Young leaves on both types may not show it clearly.

4. Leaf Size and Shape

While both develop fenestrations (the holes and splits), their leaves differ in size and proportion.

Deliciosa: Produces very large, leathery leaves. Mature indoor leaves can be 18 to 36 inches wide. They are often more rounded or heart-shaped and feel heavier and stiffer.
Borsigiana: Leaves are smaller, usually maxing out around 12-18 inches indoors. They are often slightly more elongated or oval in shape compared to the deliciosa’s rounder form. The texture can be a bit thinner.

Remember, a young deliciosa will have small leaves, and a borsigiana in perfect conditions can have sizable ones. Look at the geniculum and growth habit alongside leaf size.

5. Growth Speed and Maturity

Borsigiana often grows faster in its juvenile stage because of its vining habit. It will quickly trail or climb a pole. However, it may take longer to develop mature, fenestrated leaves if its needs aren’t met.

Deliciosa might seem slower initially as it builds a sturdier stem structure. But once established, it can put out large, fenestrated leaves more consistently as it matures. Its growth is more about bulk than length.

Why the Confusion Happens

There are a few reasons these plants are so frequently mixed up. First, they look almost identical when they are young seedlings. A baby borsigiana and a baby deliciosa are virtually indistinguishable.

Second, the naming in the horticultural trade is inconsistent. Many nurseries and stores label all Monstera with split leaves as “Monstera deliciosa” for simplicity, regardless of the form. The borsigiana type is often cheaper and faster to produce, so it’s very common in the mass market.

Finally, growth conditions greatly influence appearance. A borsigiana given perfect light, a moss pole, and excellent care can produce larger leaves that mimic a deliciosa, further blurring the lines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Your Monstera

Follow these steps to figure out which one you have.

Examine the Geniculum: Find a mature, healthy leaf. Look at the joint where the leaf blade meets the stalk. Is it ruffled and wrinkled (Deliciosa) or smooth (Borsigiana)?
Measure Internodal Spacing: Look at the main stem. Are the leaves spaced several inches apart on a long vine (Borsigiana), or are they clustered closer together on a thick stem (Deliciosa)?
Assess Overall Form: Is your plant towering, very large, and structurally dense (Deliciosa)? Or is it more of a long, climbing or trailing vine (Borsigiana)?
Check Leaf Size & Texture: Are the mature leaves exceptionally large (over 18 inches), thick, and leathery (Deliciosa)? Are they smaller, thinner, and more elongated (Borsigiana)?
Consider the Source: Did you buy it from a big-box store as a small, inexpensive starter plant? It’s more likely a borsigiana. Was it sold as a large, established “Monstera deliciosa” from a specialty nursery? It’s more likely the true deliciosa form.

Care Differences and Similarities

The good news is their basic care needs are very similar. Both thrive with consistent, attentive care. However, their growth habits lead to some slight differences in approach.

Light Requirements

Both need bright, indirect light to thrive and develop fenestrations. A deliciosa, with its larger leaves, might be slightly more susceptible to scorching in direct, harsh afternoon sun. A borsigiana, often growing faster, might stretch more dramatically if light is too low.

Watering and Humidity

Water both when the top few inches of soil are dry. The deliciosa’s thicker leaves may indicate a slighty better tolerance for occasional underwatering, but this is minimal. Both appreciate high humidity (above 50%) but will adapt to average home conditions. Browning leaf edges can be a sign of dry air for either plant.

Support and Pruning

This is where care diverges a bit.

Borsigiana: With its vining habit, it benefits greatly from a moss pole or trellis to climb. You can also let it trail from a hanging basket. Pruning can encourage bushier growth if it becomes too leggy.
Deliciosa: Due to its heavier weight and upright, spreading growth, it needs a very sturdy, thick moss pole or other robust support. Pruning is often for size control or to remove old leaves.

Both will develop aerial roots. You can guide these into the soil or a moss pole for added stability and nutrient uptake.

Soil and Fertilizing

Use a well-draining, chunky aroid mix for both. A blend of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and horticultural charcoal works well. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. There’s no need for different fertilizers between the two types.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your space and goals.

Choose Monstera borsigiana if:

You have limited floor space.
You want a faster-growing vine for a shelf or a smaller moss pole.
You prefer a trailing plant for a hanging setup.
You are on a tighter budget, as it is generally less expensive.

Choose Monstera deliciosa if:

You have a large, bright space and want a dramatic floor plant.
You desire those huge, iconic, perforated leaves.
You don’t mind a slower, more substantial growth pattern.
You want the classic, widely recognized form.

Both are excellent, resilient plants that will bring a tropical feel to your home. Neither is inherently better; they are just different.

Common Problems and Solutions for Both Types

Since their care is similar, they face the same issues. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide.

Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: Often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, and check your watering schedule.
No Fenestrations (Splits/Holes): The plant is either too young or not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location with indirect light.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves: This indicates insufficient light. The plant is stretching to find a light source. Provide more bright, indirect light.
Pests: Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

FAQ Section

Is Monstera borsigiana the same as Monstera deliciosa?

Botanically, Monstera borsigiana is generally considered a variety of Monstera deliciosa (Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana). However, for practical gardening purposes, they exhibit consistent differences in size, leaf structure, and growth habit, as outlined above.

Which grows faster, borsigiana or deliciosa?

Monstera borsigiana often exhibits faster vining growth due to its longer internodes. Monstera deliciosa grows more in girth and leaf size, which can seem slower initially but results in a larger plant over time.

How can I tell if my Monstera is a true deliciosa?

The most reliable indicator is the ruffled, wrinkled geniculum (the leaf joint). True Monstera deliciosa has this textured geniculum, while the borsigiana form has a smooth one. Also look for shorter internodes and the potential for very large leaves.

Can a borsigiana get as big as a deliciosa?

Typically, no. Even in ideal conditions, the borsigiana form tends to maintain a more vining, moderately-sized habit. It rarely achieves the massive, broad stature of a mature true deliciosa, especially when grown indoors.

Are their care needs different?

Their core needs for light, water, and soil are identical. The main difference in care is related to support: a deliciosa needs a sturdier, heavier support structure due to its size and weight, while a borsigiana can use a standard moss pole or trellis.

Why does my Monstera not have splits?

This is common! Lack of fenestrations is usually due to age (young plants don’t split) or insufficient light. Ensure your plant receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to encourage the development of those characteristic holes and splits.

Understanding the nuances between Monstera borsigiana and deliciosa empowers you as a plant owner. You can provide the right care, choose the perfect plant for your space, and finally solve the mystery of which one is gracing your living room. With this knowledge, you can appreciate the unique qualities of each form and enjoy the lush, tropical beauty they both bring into your home.