The fastest reliable check is the geniculum: Philodendron has a hinged, knee-like joint where the leaf stalk meets the leaf, Monstera does not. After that, look at leaf shape (Monstera develops holes and splits with age, most Philodendron species do not), stipules (Philodendron has them, Monstera does not), and the way the plant climbs.
Monstera and Philodendron are both climbing aroids and are constantly confused, especially as juveniles, because their leaves can look superficially similar before they mature. Here is how to tell them apart, point by point.
Look for the geniculum (the leaf-stalk hinge)
The single most reliable feature in our experience is the geniculum, a small, slightly swollen joint where the petiole (the leaf stalk) meets the leaf blade. Philodendron species have one; Monstera species do not. Run your finger up the petiole towards the leaf. On a Philodendron you will feel a small thickening, a flexible knee, just below the leaf. On a Monstera the petiole runs smoothly into the leaf with no joint.
The geniculum is what lets Philodendron leaves move and orient themselves toward the light. Monstera achieves the same thing differently, with the leaf simply held at the petiole's natural angle.
Compare leaf shape and fenestrations
Both groups have a juvenile leaf shape and a different adult leaf shape, which is one reason new growers get caught out.
Monstera species develop fenestrations (holes inside the leaf) and pinnate splits (cuts from the edge inward) as they mature. Monstera deliciosa is the obvious example; Monstera adansonii has fenestrations even on small leaves. If you see a leaf with mature holes or splits, it is almost certainly a Monstera.
Philodendron mostly does not fenestrate. There are exceptions (Philodendron pedatum, Philodendron bipennifolium) but the great majority of indoor Philodendron species hold solid, undivided leaves their whole lives. So a heart-shaped trailing plant with solid leaves and a hinged petiole is much more likely to be a Philodendron hederaceum than a Monstera.
Check for stipules
Stipules are small, papery sheath-like structures at the base of a new leaf. Philodendron produces them around every emerging leaf; you will see a thin, often translucent, leaf-like wrap that browns and dries off as the leaf matures. Monstera does not have stipules in the same way; new leaves emerge from a cataphyll (a stiffer green sheath) that dries and persists on the stem for some time before falling off.
If you can see dry, papery scraps falling off near new growth, you are looking at a Philodendron. If you see green, blade-like cataphylls drying down and remaining on the stem, it is a Monstera.
How they climb
Both genera are hemiepiphytes. They start life on the forest floor, climb the nearest tree, and root into the bark as they go. In a domestic setting that means both will appreciate a moss pole or other climbing support. The mechanics are slightly different.
Monstera produces long, thick aerial roots from each node that anchor it to a support and absorb moisture and nutrients. The aerial roots are obvious, woody, and often long enough to reach the floor from the upper canopy.
Philodendron climbers also produce aerial roots but they are usually shorter, finer, and more numerous. Some Philodendron species are creepers rather than climbers (Philodendron gloriosum, Philodendron mamei), growing horizontally along the ground from a thick rhizome. Monstera does not do this.
Petiole and stem clues
The petiole itself often gives the genus away on closer inspection.
Philodendron petioles are typically rounded, smooth, and uniform along their length. Monstera petioles often have a small, raised wing or groove running along them, particularly in mature Monstera deliciosa. The stem on a climbing Monstera tends to be thicker and woodier with age; Philodendron stems usually stay greener and softer.
Popular Monstera & Philodendron lookalikes
A few specific pairs cause most of the confusion. Worth knowing:
- Monstera deliciosa vs Philodendron bipinnatifidum (selloum). Both have big, deeply lobed leaves. Philodendron leaves are more finely divided and lack fenestrations within the lobes; Monstera leaves have holes inside the lobes once mature.
- Monstera adansonii vs Philodendron hederaceum. Both are climbing or trailing plants with similar-sized leaves. Monstera adansonii has fenestrations from a very young stage; Philodendron hederaceum is solid-leaved and heart-shaped.
- "Mini Monstera" (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) vs Monstera deliciosa. This one is not even a Monstera. Rhaphidophora belongs to a different genus and is named "mini Monstera" purely for its appearance. It fenestrates earlier and stays smaller.
Why it matters for care
Care is broadly similar between the two genera (bright indirect light, water when the top few centimetres of compost dry, similar substrate), but there are a few useful differences. Most Philodendron species tolerate lower light better than Monstera. Monstera generally needs a moss pole earlier to develop mature, fenestrated leaves; without a climbing surface, even adult Monstera will keep producing smaller, juvenile foliage. If you have not yet identified your plant correctly, you may be giving it the wrong support.
If you would like to compare side by side, our Monstera collection and Philodendron collection show juvenile and mature forms of the most common species we grow. If you can share a photo, we are happy to help you identify what you have; drop us a message.
Related questions worth knowing
Are Monstera and Philodendron the same family? Yes. Both belong to Araceae, the aroid family, along with Anthurium, Alocasia, Pothos and Spathiphyllum. That is why their care needs and growth habits overlap so much.
Are they pet-safe? No. Both contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat if chewed. Keep them out of reach of cats and dogs, or choose from our pet-safe houseplants instead.
Will Monstera leaves split if I leave it alone? Often yes, but only with enough light, time and (usually) something to climb. See why your Monstera does not have holes yet for the detail.