How do they differ?

Philodendron doesn't always like to climb and window its leaves

Monstera and Philodendron are both assigned to the Araceae family and are therefore related to each other. Nevertheless, there are two different genera, as the plants differ significantly in their growth, among other things. We have summarized the most important features for you here:

• Monstera species are exclusively climbing plants
• Philodendron species thrive as climbing plants, shrubs and trees alike
• On the adult window leaf, the leaves are always deeply incised, often with additional holes
• Philodendron leaves are diverse in shape, from ovoid to lanceolate, often with entire margins, rarely slit

Some of the most popular philodendrons for indoor culture stand out with leathery leaves with a reddish shimmer on the underside. In contrast, the foliage on the window leaf is glossy green on both sides.

Flowers and fruits are only superficially similar

Where the two jungle plants feel at home, they surprise with their blossoms at an advanced age. As is typical of the arum family, the cobs are encased in creamy white bracts. This is where the similarities end, because there are the following major differences:

• Window leaf flowers are hermaphroditic, with male and female flower parts
• Philodendron flowers are monoecious, with male and female flowers growing separately
• Window leaf blossoms give off a subtle scent
• Philodendron flowers smell of carrion to attract the right pollinators in the jungle

Manual pollination is therefore necessary for a philodendron as a houseplant to bear fruit after flowering. Although the piston-shaped fruits are visually similar, there is one important difference. The ripe fruit one Monstera deliciosa is suitable for consumption, whereas the poisonous fruit of a philodendron can cause significant nausea.

Monstera filters the water - Philodendron cleans the air you breathe

In addition to their magnificent appearance, both types of plants are useful in different ways in indoor culture. The window leaf develops for a long time Aerial rootsthat absorb water and nutrients and act as adhesive organs. If these aerial roots tend to grow in an aquarium, they filter nitrate and nitrite out of the water, which the fish really like.

A philodendron is able to filter poisonous substances from the air through its mighty leaves. That is why the tree lover is also welcome in offices to absorb carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene.