The Monstera deliciosa and Borsigiana are both members of the Araceae family, but there are several notable differences between the two plants. Monstera deliciosa, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, is a clump-forming evergreen vine that is native to Central and South America.
It has large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes, or fenestrations, and a long, aerial root system. It is often grown as a houseplant in temperate regions and can reach heights up to 10 feet if given the right support.
Borsigiana, also called Ceriman, is a large tropical plant that is native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines. It features huge, deeply lobed leaves with pointed tips and can reach heights up to 12 feet with a spread of more than 6 feet.
Unlike Monstera deliciosa, it has no aerial root system; the roots measure up to 4 inches in diameter and grow down from the rhizome. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical climates and can be used as a foliage plant in homes and gardens.
Overall, the most obvious difference between Monstera deliciosa and Borsigiana is the structure of their leaves and stems. Monstera deliciosa has distinctive holes or fenestrations in its leaves, while Borsigiana has pointed, deeply lobed leaves with no such fenestrations.
Also, Monstera deliciosa features aerial roots, while Borsigiana has no aerial roots, its large root system growing down from the rhizome instead.
Do Monstera Borsigiana get holes?
Yes, Monstera borsigiana (also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant) is well-known for the holes (fenestrations) that appear in its large, bright green leaves. The holes form as the plant ages and are completely natural – they represent maturity, rather than disease.
The larger the plant, the more holes you can expect to see. The plant requires very humid and warm environments, such as tropical rainforests, to cultivate the holes because moisture helps the leaves grow larger and more robust.
When Monstera borsigiana isn’t kept in humid climates, leaves often won’t form the distinct holes unless the plant is very old. If the plant is kept in very dry climates, the leaves won’t grow as large which will prevent holes from forming.
The best way to ensure your Monstera borsigiana develops its characteristic holes is to keep it in warm, humid environments with plenty of light and water.
How often should I water Monstera Borsigiana?
Monstera Borsigiana is a tropical plant that enjoys a humid and warm environment, so depending on the temperature and humidity of your home, it will need to be watered more frequently in warm and dry weather and less frequently in cool and humid weather.
Generally, it should be watered every 1-2 weeks in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter.
When watering, ensure the soil is thoroughly soaked and allow the excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root and stem rot which is fatal for Monstera Borsigiana. Check the soil every 1-2 days by gently pressing a finger into the soil to assess its moisture content.
If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Fertilize monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer to keep your Monstera Borsigiana in top condition.
Does Monstera deliciosa grow fast?
Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss or Mexican cheese plant, is a fast-growing and easy to care for houseplant. It is known for its beautiful foliage of large, beautiful leaves that look like Swiss cheese.
The plant can grow very quickly when given the right conditions and care. When grown in ideal conditions, it can grow up to two or three feet a year. In order for Monstera deliciosa to grow quickly, it needs bright indirect light and moist, well-draining soil.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy, and should not be allowed to dry out completely. The plant should be fertilized lightly twice a year with a diluted liquid fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mix.
In addition to providing the appropriate growing conditions and care, another way to promote fast growth of Monstera deliciosa is to prune it correctly. To encourage the plant to grow more stems, the stems should be pruned to the desired height.
Pruning should be done carefully so as not to damage the stems or leaves. It is also important to keep the plant’s roots confined to the pot to encourage more top growth.
With the right care and growing conditions, Monstera deliciosa can grow quickly, producing beautiful foliage and making an attractive addition to any home.
What is the rarest Monstera deliciosa?
The rarest Monstera deliciosa is the albo-variegata variety, which features white or yellowish variegation on its foliage. This variegation is caused by a naturally-occurring genetic mutation, which makes it very difficult to find in the wild.
The albo-variegata is a prized and sought-after variety by plant collectors. The rarity of this variety makes it much more expensive than the common green variety. It requires very specific care in order to survive and thrive, such as bright, indirect light and adequate humidity.
It also needs to be periodically misted and allowed to dry out between waterings. Given the rarity and high demand, this Monstera deliciosa can cost anywhere from $500 – $5000 for a single specimen.
Can you force a Monstera to Variegate?
No, it is not possible to force a Monstera to variegate. Variegation is a natural expression of a plant’s genetics, so it is only possible to grow variegated Monsteras by finding one that is naturally variegated.
Therefore, it is impossible to force a Monstera to variegate. Some people may try to “force” variegation by exposing the plant to extreme temperatures, taking cuttings and rooting them in a colder area, or using chemicals and other methods to induce changes in the plant’s genetics.
However, these methods can be dangerous and can often lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, it is not recommended to try to force a Monstera to variegate.
How do I know if I have a Monstera deliciosa?
To determine whether you have a Monstera deliciosa, look for physical characteristics that identify this unique species. The Monstera deliciosa is an evergreen tropical vine with large, distinctive split leaves that have holes in them.
The plant can grow to 6 feet or taller, with mature leaves up to 2 or 3 feet long. Its glossy green leaves also have a blue-green underside and are covered in a wax-like substance. Its stems are thick and woody and have aerial roots, which are long and hanging.
Also, the Monstera deliciosa produces an interesting fruit, referred to as a “Monstera deliciosa fruit. ” The fruit of this plant is a large, green, spiky structure containing an edible white pulp covered in black seeds.
Lastly, this plant is native to tropical regions, so if your plant is growing in an area of high humidity and temperatures, it is more likely to be the Monstera deliciosa.
Are Monstera deliciosa and split-leaf philodendron the same thing?
No, Monstera deliciosa and split-leaf philodendron are not the same thing. Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as Swiss cheese plant, is a species of flowering evergreen tropical plant native to Mexico and Central America.
Its leaves are heart shaped with deep splits that give the plant its signature look. Split-leaf philodendron (Scientific name: Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is a species of flowering evergreen tropical plant native to Central American rainforests.
Its leaves are deeply lobed at the edges and it grows on tree trunks in wide open spaces. It has velvety leaves which are used to absorb sunlight. Both plants are popular houseplants and are easy to care for.
However, their differences in appearance and growth pattern make them two distinct species.
Is a philodendron Monstera a Monstera deliciosa?
No, a Philodendron Monstera is not a Monstera deliciosa. While both plants are part of the Monstera genus, a Monstera deliciosa is a tropical evergreen vine that is native to Mexico and Central America, while a Philodendron Monstera is a much large climbing vine, which is native to the tropical forests of Colombia.
They share many similar characteristics, including large, heart-shaped leaves with deep splits, but the main differences are the native regions and size of the leaves. Monstera deliciosa leaves are much smaller, never exceeding 12 inches in length, whereas Philodendron Monstera leaves can grow up to 24 inches.
Are there two types of Monstera?
Yes, there are two types of Monstera. The most common type is the Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant. This plant has very distinctive leaf holes and is native to tropical rainforests in Central America.
It is an easy care houseplant and can grow to 6 feet tall and wide.
The second type of Monstera is the Monstera adansonii, also known asm the split-leaf philodendron. This type has larger leaf holes and split leaves with a much more lobed pattern than the deliciosa. It is also known as the sharingan plant because of its unique foliage.
This plant grows much faster than the first type and can reach heights of up to 10 feet. It is native to tropical South America and will thrive in brighter and more humid conditions than the Monstera deliciosa.
Why does my Monstera have no holes?
Your Monstera plant may not have any holes on its leaves due to one of several factors. To begin with, it may be a young plant, as Monsteras are slow growing and may not develop any holes on leaves for some time.
Alternatively, if the environment in which it is growing is too shaded or too cool, Monsteras can struggle to develop holes. It may also be because your plant has not been pollinated – Monsteras require pollination from insects in order to produce the signature holes.
Finally, the plant may need more fertiliser or richer soil in order to grow the leaves with holes. If you believe your plant is lacking in any of these areas, you can make simple steps to rectify the problem and enable your Monstera to grow to its fullest potential.
How many types of Monsteras are there?
There are currently around 45 accepted varieties of Monstera within the family Araceae. Some of the most commonly known varieties are Monstera deliciosa (split-leaf philodendron), Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese plant), Monstera standleyana, Monstera obliqua (Monkey Mask), Monstera epipremnoides, and Monstera friedrichsthalii.
Additionally, there are many hybrids developed from these varieties. Some of the popular hybrid varieties include Monstera Thai Constellation, Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata, and Monstera San Diego.
However, some of the closely related plants may be labeled and sold as Monsteras but they do not actually fall into the genus Monstera. Species like Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, Philodendron Guanadense, and Rhaphidophora decursiva are often mislabeled as Monsteras.
How do I know what type of Monstera I have?
If you’re not sure what type of Monstera you have, there are several ways to identify it. First, look at the leaves. Monsteras are generally distinguishable by the presence of natural slits, holes, or fenestrations in the leaves.
If you have a Monstera with these unique characteristics, you likely have some variety of Monstera deliciosa or Monstera adansonii.
If your Monstera doesn’t have any natural slits, holes, or fenestrations, your plant may be a Monstera obliqua or a Monstera standleyana. To distinguish between these two more accurately, check the shape of the leaves.
Monstera obliqua leaves tend to be more arrow-shaped and have a wavy pattern of veins running through them, while Monstera standleyana leaves are more round and have more of a straight line pattern of veins.
Finally, if you still have difficulty, you can contact an expert for help. Reaching out to a local nursery or seeking the advice of an experienced gardener can help you pinpoint your plant more accurately.
How big do Borsigiana leaves get?
Borsigiana leaves can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and up to 75 cm (30 inches) in width, giving them a large, tropical feel. The leaves are characterized by their pointed ends and diamond-shaped veins along their midribs.
Their deep green hue adds to their alluring presence. The length and width of the Borsigiana leaves depend on several factors such as the climate, amount of sunlight exposure, and the amount of water and nutrients it’s provided.
Borsigiana plants contain a taproot system that can reach very deeply in the soil for accessing water and nutrients. With the right environment, these leaves can reach their full potential.
How can you tell big form Monstera?
To tell a big form Monstera from a smaller form, you will need to look for the presence of certain characteristics. Most commonly, the big form Monstera will have larger leaves that may have more than one split in them.
The stem of the big form will look more woody as it matures and the number of aerial roots will be greater on the bigger form. Additionally, the big form will have more aerial nodes (‘holes’ along its vine where leaves originate).
It is also likely to have a thicker stem and will tend to be somewhat bushier in form than smaller forms. Finally, the big form will produce a large spathe (a modified leaf or bract) that looks more like a flower and can be over a foot long when mature.
How do you grow a baby in Monstera?
Growing a baby Monstera is relatively easy, as this robust and hardy plant has incredibly hearty roots. Plant the stem cutting in well-draining soil, with at least half of its stem covered in soil. Water regularly and provide adequate light, both direct or indirect, ensuring that the soil is always kept moist.
Keep in a location between 65 to 85 degrees F, which helps the plant thrive. You can place the pot outdoors in partial shade, but ensure that it has plenty of protection from strong winds and direct sunlight.
Fertilize the Monstera at least four times a year, using a balanced liquid fertilizer. If the plant is putting on more foliage than normal, apply fertilizer every three to four weeks to maintain a balanced nutrient profile.
To encourage the growth of a baby Monstera, provide a support stake or string to promote upward growth. As the stems become longer and thicker, they can be trained to grow in different directions, such as along a trellis.
Additionally, you can prune off the lower older leaves, as the plant will produce new shoots each time.
If you would like to propagate your Monstera, you can easily do so through stem cuttings. Simply cut off a mature stem near the base and replant it. It is best to use rooting hormone to help the new plant get established.
With a little patience and care, you’ll have a thriving baby Monstera in no time.
Why is my Monstera deliciosa not splitting?
If your Monstera deliciosa is not splitting, then it is likely not receiving the right care conditions. Monstera deliciosa is a tropical species native to the rainforest, so it does best in a bright, indirect light and loves humidity.
It will develop fenestrations—or split leaves—when it is receiving the proper light and moisture. Additionally, the plant will not split until it is matured and can reach the size of 3–4 feet. To encourage splitting, you may need to adjust your plant’s care regimen.
Move it to a location that receives bright but indirect light, and make sure it is getting plenty of watering. Both of these factors will help promote healthy fenestration.