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split leaf philodendron vs monstera deliciosa

When it comes to lush, tropical houseplants, the debate between split leaf philodendron vs monstera deliciosa is a hot topic for New Zealand plant lovers. Both plants offer stunning, dramatic foliage and bring vibrant greenery to your indoor spaces. However, while these names are often used interchangeably, there are important differences to consider when choosing the right plant for your home or garden.

A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and easy-care nature. This lush foliage plant brings an instant jungle vibe to any home or office, thriving in bright, indirect light with minimal fuss. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting, the Monstera deliciosa is a statement piece that’s both beautiful and forgiving, making it one of the best indoor plants in New Zealand.

From $44.09

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical, White
Moss pole for plants.

Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and stronger as they climb the poles, and are ideal for training climbing, indoor plants. The nursery industry commonly uses these poles for Philodendron, Pothos, and Monstera plants as a few examples. They are available in 50 cm and 100 cm lengths.

From $6.90

rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$53.75
A Monstera 'Monkey Mask' plant with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.
Monstera 'Monkey Mask'

Monstera 'Monkey Mask' is a very popular indoor plant due to its striking foliage. It produces dark green, heart-shaped leaves with distinct holes...

From$44.09
Philodendron 'Atom' growing as an indoor plant and featuring lush, dark green foliage.
Philodendron 'Atom'

Philodendron 'Atom' is a compact, tropical plant known for its glossy, dark green leaves with deep lobes and softly ruffled edges. This dwarf variety...

From$37.19
A Philodendron 'Birkin' with lovely variegated foliage growing as an indoor plant.
Philodendron 'Birkin'

Philodendron 'Birkin' is a striking indoor plant characterised by its deep green leaves, adorned with creamy white pinstripes. It grows upright in a...

From$44.09
Philodendron 'Xanadu' with lush green foliage growing indoors in a pot.
Philodendron 'Xanadu'

Philodendron 'Xanadu' is a lush, tropical plant prized for its dense clumps of deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. It forms a tidy, fountain-like...

From$24.95
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$515.35
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features...

From$17.87
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.01
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

OUT OF STOCK
A Monstera siltepecana plant growing up a pole.
Monstera siltepecana

Monstera siltepecana is a very popular indoor plant due to its striking foliage. It produces dark green leaves that have a dominant, silver colouring...

OUT OF STOCK
monstera-standleyana-variegata-1
Monstera standleyana albo

Monstera standleyana Albo, commonly known as Variegated Philodendron Cobra, is a highly sought-after indoor plant owing to its striking foliage. It...

OUT OF STOCK
Philodendron minima plant growing in a pot.
Philodendron minima

Philodendron minima is a compact, vining tropical plant prized for its small, glossy green leaves with natural splits. Ideal for indoor growing, it...

OUT OF STOCK
A large Philodendron bipinnatifidum plant with large and lush, dark green leaves.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum

Philodendron bipinnatifidum, also known as Lacy Leaf Philodendron, is a bold, tropical plant with large, deeply lobed green leaves that create a...

OUT OF STOCK
A large Monstera adansonii plant growing in a pot and featuring lush, dark green foliage.
Monstera adansonii

Monstera adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a very popular indoor plant due to its striking foliage. It produces dark green...

OUT OF STOCK
A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.
Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Yucca 'Banana Split' plant.
Yucca Banana Split (Spanish Dagger Yucca)

Yucca Banana Split, commonly known as the Spanish Dagger Yucca, is a variegated, evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features...

OUT OF STOCK
Philodendron scandens plant growing on a shelf with trailling stems.
Philodendron scandens

Philodendron scandens, commonly known as Heart Leaf Philodendron, is a popular indoor vine with glossy, heart shaped leaves that emerge bronze and...

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Philodendron scandens

Philodendron scandens, commonly known as Heart Leaf Philodendron, is a popular indoor vine with glossy, heart shaped leaves that emerge bronze and...

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A beautiful Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' indoor plant with lush, dark green and dark red leaves.
Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'

Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ is a bold, tropical houseplant known for its large, glossy leaves that emerge coppery red and mature into deep green with a...

OUT OF STOCK
Spathiphyllum 'Domino' variegated peace Lily with elegant white flowers.
Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum 'Domino', commonly known as the Variegated Peace Lily, is a stunning indoor plant admired for its lush green leaves marbled with creamy...

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Philodendron Thai Congo plant growing in a pot.
Philodendron 'Thai Congo'

Philodendron 'Thai Congo' is a striking tropical plant known for its large, glossy, oval shaped leaves that emerge light green and deepen in colour...

OUT OF STOCK
A Philodendron 'Little Phil' plant with lush green foliage on a bench.
Philodendron 'Little Phil'

Philodendron 'Little Phil' is a compact, upright variety prized for its broad, deep green leaves and tidy, self-supporting growth habit. Perfect for...

OUT OF STOCK
Philodendron selloum plants in a tropical garden and featuring lush, dark green foliage.
Philodendron selloum

Philodendron selloum is a bold tropical plant valued for its large deeply divided glossy green leaves and dramatic architectural form. This evergreen...

OUT OF STOCK
A Philodendron 'Silver Arrow' plant with silver-green foliage growing in a pot.
Philodendron 'Silver Arrow'

Philodendron 'Silver Arrow' (Philodendron hastatum) is a striking evergreen plant prized for its long arrow shaped leaves finished in a distinctive...

OUT OF STOCK
Philodendron wendlandii plant with lush green foliage.
Philodendron wendlandii

Philodendron wendlandii is a striking tropical plant known for its rosette of long, glossy green leaves with a slightly leathery texture and...

OUT OF STOCK
An exquisite Philodendron 'Pink Princess' plant with pink and dark green leaves being grown as an indoor plant.
Philodendron 'Pink Princess'

Philodendron 'Pink Princess' is a highly sought after evergreen plant admired for its dramatic dark green leaves splashed with vibrant pink...

OUT OF STOCK
A Philodendron 'Hope' plant about 70 cm tall, growing as an indoor plant with lush, green foliage.
Philodendron 'Hope'

Philodendron 'Hope', also known as Tree Philodendron, is a bold and tropical plant admired for its deeply lobed, lush green leaves. This evergreen...

OUT OF STOCK
Philodendron micans (Velvet Philodendron) in a pot with velvet covered green and purple leaves.
Philodendron micans

Philodendron micans, also known as Velvet-leaf Philodendron, is a lush tropical vine valued for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves that shimmer in...

OUT OF STOCK
A stunning Calathea rufibarba (Velvet-Leaf Calathea) plant in a pot with lush green foliage.
Calathea rufibarba (Velvet-Leaf Calathea)

Calathea rufibarba, also known as Velvet Leaf Calathea or Furry Feather Calathea, is admired for its elongated, wavy green leaves with rich burgundy...

OUT OF STOCK
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dietes, Monstera, and Philodendron, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search split leaf philodendron vs monstera deliciosa

Understanding the Difference: Split Leaf Philodendron vs Monstera Deliciosa

You may have heard people refer to monstera deliciosa as split leaf philodendron, but they are actually two distinct plants. The confusion arises because both plants feature leaves with deep splits or fenestrations, creating a similar dramatic effect. However, monstera deliciosa (often called the Swiss Cheese Plant) belongs to the Monstera family, while the split leaf philodendron is typically referring to Philodendron bipinnatifidum, a separate species entirely.

If you’re searching for that classic tropical vibe, Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) is a popular choice. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves develop striking holes and slits as they mature. In comparison, true split leaf philodendron leaves are usually more deeply lobed, have ruffled edges, and the overall plant tends to sprawl more horizontally rather than climb.

Growth Habits and Care Needs

When choosing between split leaf philodendron vs monstera deliciosa, consider the space and care requirements. Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant, happy to wind up a moss pole and reach impressive heights, making it ideal for corners and vertical decor. Split leaf philodendron, on the other hand, stretches outward, forming a lush mound with a more shrub-like appearance.

Both plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, but monstera deliciosa can tolerate lower light conditions better than most philodendrons. Regular watering and occasional humidity boosts will keep either plant thriving. If you love indoor jungle-style decor, you might also be interested in exploring other varieties like Monstera albo 'variegata', or unique climbers such as Monstera siltepecana and Monstera standleyana albo.

Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space

When comparing split leaf philodendron vs monstera deliciosa, think about your desired look and your available space. Split leaf philodendron’s wide, bushy growth suits larger rooms or conservatories, while monstera deliciosa’s upright growth fits tight corners or as a statement indoor plant.

If you’re after a similar effect with a more compact plant, consider Philodendron minima, known for its dainty split leaves and vining habit.

Final Thoughts

Both split leaf philodendron and monstera deliciosa are timeless choices for New Zealand homes, perfect for creating that lush, tropical feel. Understanding the differences between split leaf philodendron vs monstera deliciosa will help you pick the plant that best suits your interior design and care preferences. For those eager to expand their houseplant collection, explore our range of Monsteras and Philodendrons to bring vibrant greenery to your home.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
We all know Duranta Geisha Girl and Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant), but the real surprises come from plants like Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm), Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', and Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'.
–The Plant Company

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