Monstera albo borsigiana

Monstera deliciosa is a plant that has been confused with Monstera borsigiana. They are very similar in appearance, but one way to tell the difference between them is by looking at their geniculum, which is the stem joint connecting the leaf or leafstalk to the stem.

A monstera deliciosa will have a smooth geniculum whereas a Monstera borsigiana will have a bumpy geniculum. This article will help you identify these differences and take care of your plants!

Difference Between the Monstera deliciosa vs borsigiana

The most significant distinctions between a Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana are listed below. Knowing these factors can help you avoid making the error of confusing one for another.

Geniculum:

A geniculum is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Monstera deliciosa versus Monstera borsigiana.

In plants, the geniculum is the stem joint that connects the stem to the monstera leaves or leafstalk.

Leaves:

Another clear difference between a Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana is their leaves.

Monstera deliciosas have large, deeply cut leaves with pointed tips, while Monstera borsigiana have smaller and less deeply-cut leaves with blunt tips.

Flowers:

Flowers are also an identifying factor for these two species. When blooming, monstera deliciosas produce large spathes (leaves surrounding the flower) that can be up to 20 inches long.

Borsigiana flowers are much smaller in comparison and lack the large spathes.

Stem:

The stem is another feature that sets these two plants apart.

A Monstera deliciosa has a thick, woody stem with a smooth surface.

Monstera borsigiana, on the other hand, has a thin stem with bumps or ridges running along it.

Size:

Finally, monsteras also vary in size. A Monstera deliciosa can grow up to 30 feet tall, while a Monstera borsigiana typically only grows about 15 feet tall.

Growth Habit:

Monstera deliciosas enjoy bright light and humid, moist soil conditions. These plants can also climb up walls or trees with their aerial roots because of the strength in its stem.

Monstera borsigiana needs much less sunlight than monstera deliciosas, but it still likes to be misted occasionally and bathed in water once a month during summer months.

Its root system not as strong as that of a monstera’s so care should be taken when placing this plant near an exterior wall where rain might fall directly on it.

Additionally, these plants require more fertilizer throughout the year compared to other houseplants since they are fast-growing epiphytes, meaning they absorb nutrients from the air through their leaves rather than from the growing medium.

Monstera borsigiana can grow up to 15 feet tall, whereas monstera deliciosas are much larger.

One of the most distinguishing characteristics between Monstera deliciosa and Monstera borsigiana is their geniculum, which is the stem joint that connects the leaf or leafstalk to the stem.

Monstera deliciosas can climb up walls or trees with their aerial roots because of the strength in its stem, while Monstera borsigianas have thinner stems that are not as strong and rely more on growing mediums for support.

These plants also require fertilizer throughout the year compared to other houseplants since they grow so fast.

Finally, another difference is their growth habit:

Monstera deliciosas enjoy bright light and humid soil conditions but do best near exterior walls where rain might fall directly on them, or beside windows that allow sunlight through all day long because of their ability to climb vertically from the ground.

However, these plants require more water throughout the year compared to other houseplants since they are fast-growing epiphytes.

Monstera deliciosa

Perforated Leaf Structure

Both the Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana are widely known due to their dark green mature leaves that almost appear to have been delicately cut with scissors.

These cuts between a leaf can vary in number, size, and appearance. But they are mostly semi-round or oblong in shape.

These natural leaf holes have been technically named “leaf fenestration”. These circle incisions existing along with the primary veins of the leaf are basically to increase moisture and nutrient uptake of the Monstera.

This is for the reason that the roots along with the Monstera vine struggle in getting water.

Moreover, Monstera develops these perforated leaf structures as an adaptive response to the rainfall and wind pressure.

The holes allow the rain to drop in between them and directly to the roots. They also give a sort of relief to the plant from wind damage.

Both the Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana have the defining quality of the holey leaves.

But remember that these changes go with the age of the plant. So, leaves of the younger Monstera may appear smaller and almost uncut for some time.

Leaf Shape

Though the leaves of the Monstera deliciosa are always comparably larger than those of the borsigiana, their leaf shape is similar.

Being under the same genus as the flowering plants in the Arum family, these Monstera form cordate leaves.

The leaves mimic the shape of a heart, with a deeply cut base extending to the broad and flat surface that ends with a tapering apex.

Despite the holes stretching to the leaf edges from the center, you will still picture it out like a heart.

Generally, Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana have heart-shaped leaves though some may not be in perfect cordiform.

Root System

They are both grown from the same subterranean stem, and aside from similar physical qualities in the leaves of Monstera deliciosa and Monstera borsigiana, they also have a comparable root structure. They both develop numerous aerial roots (or adventitious roots) and

Aerial roots are the sort that grow down from the stem or up the primary roots above the growing medium or ground. Aerial roots help to retain moisture, uptake nutrients, exchange air, and propagate plants.

Have you ever seen an orchid? Monstera uses its roots, like those of the orchids, to mobile up the ground. Borsigiana or deliciosa are two different cultivars of Monstera (formerly known as Trudelii).

It may attach itself to trees, rocks, or walls. The roots are tough and flexible enough to grip onto supports such as trees, boulders, or buildings.

Remember that over time, Monstera deliciosa and Monstera borsigiana develop aerial roots. As a result, the roots may only be found growing up in the air several feet above the ground as the plant matures.

Growth Requirements

The demands of Monstera deliciosas and borsigianas under the same family are generally comparable throughout most of the time. Continue reading to learn more about these plant care suggestions.

Soil

Monstera prefer a well-draining, peat soil-based potting mix to grow healthily and successfully.

The Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana thrive in soil that does not penetrate or develop too slowly, as well as one that does not infiltrate or degrade too quickly. In addition, a rich organic material in the growing medium will result in a flourishing Monstera plant.

Container

Choose a container with a diameter of 2 or 4 inches greater than the plant root ball. To minimize the chance of rootbounding, repot the Monstera once its roots have draped over both sides and below the bottom of the pot.

Similarly, avoid watering plants in containers that are too large, as this can cause waterlogging and result in plant damage.

Light

Monstera thrives in dappled light. While it can withstand 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, too much sun exposure might scorch its leaves.

It will also appreciate artificial light during the times when there isn’t enough natural sunshine.

Temperature

Monstera deliciosa or borsigiana may be kept outside if properly protected from the sun.

It is not good for the Monstera plant to grow in a location where the heat that is soaring above the average warm temperature of 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C) is too high.

Similarly, a temperature that falls below 45°F (7°C) will cause cold damage or frost injury.

Summary

– Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana leaves are cordate shaped, with uniquely cut leaf bases.

– Monstera deliciosa and borsigiana both develop long aerial roots that grow from the stem or primary root system above the soil level.

– They prefer a well-draining peat-based growing medium. It is not recommended to plant them in containers that are too large as this can cause waterlogging which leads to damage to the plant.

– While it is okay for Monsteras to be grown outside if properly protected from sunlight, they will need artificial light during days where there isn’t enough natural sunshine. A temperature below 45°F (or about 15 degrees celsius) may lead to cold damage or frost injury.