Monstera Deliciosa vs Philodendron Selloum
Monstera climbs and its leaves have holes as well as splits. Selloum spreads outward from a low trunk with solid lobed leaves and needs far more width.
Monstera Deliciosa rates 4/5 for humidity - group plants or run a humidifier in winter. Philodendron Selloum rates 3/5, so normal household humidity works. Monstera Deliciosa originates in Central America; Philodendron Selloum in South America. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated easy, both want bright indirect light, both take moderate watering and both stay large.
Choose
Monstera Deliciosa if…
- ✓it will live in a bathroom, kitchen or a humidified room
- ✓the look is what you are after: The Monstera Deliciosa is famous for its stunning split leaves and easy care. A statement plant that can grow quite large.
Choose
Philodendron Selloum if…
- ✓your home runs dry in winter and you will not add a humidifier
- ✓the look is what you are after: Large deeply lobed leaves create dramatic tropical effect. Gets very big.
Monstera Deliciosa vs Philodendron Selloum: side by side
| Attribute |
Monstera Deliciosa
|
Philodendron Selloum
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Light | ●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
| Humidity | ●●●●○ 4/5 Above average |
●●●○○ 3/5 Average |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Large 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) |
Large 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Air purifying | Yes | Yes |
| Native to | Central America | South America |
Key differences between Monstera Deliciosa and Philodendron Selloum
Monstera Deliciosa needs damper air
Monstera Deliciosa rates 4/5 for humidity - group plants or run a humidifier in winter. Philodendron Selloum rates 3/5, so normal household humidity works.
They come from different habitats
Monstera Deliciosa originates in Central America; Philodendron Selloum in South America. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Monstera Deliciosa and Philodendron Selloum apart
The confusion is old -- monstera was sold as 'split-leaf philodendron' for decades. Monstera leaves have holes as well as splits and the plant climbs; selloum leaves are deeply lobed but solid, and the plant spreads outward from a low trunk instead of climbing. Selloum needs much more floor width.
Care at a glance
Monstera Deliciosa
Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron
The Monstera Deliciosa is famous for its stunning split leaves and easy care. A statement plant that can grow quite large.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water when top inch dry, mist occasionally.
Full Monstera Deliciosa care guide →
Philodendron Selloum
Tree Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron
Large deeply lobed leaves create dramatic tropical effect. Gets very big.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, regular watering, needs space.
Full Philodendron Selloum care guide →Monstera Deliciosa vs Philodendron Selloum: common questions
What is the difference between Monstera Deliciosa and Philodendron Selloum? +
The confusion is old -- monstera was sold as 'split-leaf philodendron' for decades. Monstera leaves have holes as well as splits and the plant climbs; selloum leaves are deeply lobed but solid, and the plant spreads outward from a low trunk instead of climbing. Selloum needs much more floor width. On care, monstera Deliciosa rates 4/5 for humidity - group plants or run a humidifier in winter. Philodendron Selloum rates 3/5, so normal household humidity works.
Which is easier to care for, Monstera Deliciosa or Philodendron Selloum? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is monstera deliciosa needs damper air.
Is Monstera Deliciosa or Philodendron Selloum safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Monstera Deliciosa is toxic to cats and dogs and Philodendron Selloum is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Monstera Deliciosa or Philodendron Selloum? +
They are the same. Both score 4/5 for light, meaning beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, Monstera Deliciosa or Philodendron Selloum? +
Neither - both score 3/5. For each one, water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
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