Monstera Borsigiana Vs Deliciosa: The Definitive Gardener’S

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a plant nursery, staring at two stunning Monsteras, and felt a little bit lost? They look almost identical, but the price tags are different, and the labels are confusing. You’re not alone! It’s one of the most common questions we get here at Greeny Gardener.

I’m here to help you solve the great monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa mystery once and for all. Think of me as your friendly guide, ready to point out the subtle clues that separate these two leafy giants.

This is more than just a botanical debate; knowing the difference helps you choose the right plant for your space and give it the best possible care.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the key visual identifiers, explore their unique growth habits, and share tailored care tips. By the end, you’ll be able to spot the difference like a seasoned pro and choose the perfect Monstera for your home jungle.

The Great Monstera Mix-Up: Why Is There So Much Confusion?

First things first, let’s clear the air. Botanically speaking, Monstera deliciosa is the official species. The plant we call ‘Borsigiana’ is widely considered a smaller, faster-growing form or cultivar of the same species, not a separate one.

For us plant parents, however, the distinction is incredibly useful. The two forms have different growth habits and mature sizes that directly impact how we care for them and where they’ll fit in our homes.

The confusion often starts at the nursery. Many growers don’t differentiate between them, and young plants look virtually identical. It’s often the faster-growing, easier-to-propagate Borsigiana that is mislabeled and sold as a Deliciosa. Don’t worry—after this, you’ll know exactly what to look for.

Your Ultimate Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa Identification Guide

Ready to become a Monstera detective? Let’s dive into the four key clues. Remember, these differences are most obvious in mature or semi-mature plants. It can be nearly impossible to tell with very young starter plants!

The Geniculum: The Telltale Wrinkle

This is the most reliable way to tell them apart, and it sounds more complicated than it is! The geniculum is the small joint that connects the leaf to the top of the leaf stalk (the petiole). It’s what allows the leaf to swivel and orient itself toward the light.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: On a mature Deliciosa, the geniculum has a distinct, beautifully wrinkled or ruffly texture, almost like crinkled paper. It’s a very clear and bumpy feature.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: The Borsigiana has a smooth, straight geniculum. There are no ruffles or wrinkles to be found, even on a large, mature plant.

Pro Tip: If you can only check one feature on a plant you’re thinking of buying, make it this one. The geniculum doesn’t lie!

Leaf Size & Shape: A Tale of Two Titans

While size can vary with care and conditions, there’s a general trend in how the leaves of these two plants mature.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: This is the true giant! Mature leaves can grow up to three feet wide. They tend to be broader and more leathery, with a distinctly heart-shaped base where the petiole meets the leaf.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: The leaves are still impressive but generally smaller, maxing out around one to one-and-a-half feet. The overall shape is often slightly more elongated or rounded compared to the Deliciosa’s pronounced heart shape.
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Fenestrations & Splits: How They Develop

Those iconic holes and splits (called fenestrations) are what we all love about Monsteras. How they appear is another fantastic clue.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: As a Deliciosa matures, it famously develops multiple rows of fenestrations. You’ll see the classic splits along the edge of the leaf, plus a second (and sometimes third!) row of holes closer to the central vein.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: The Borsigiana tends to be a bit simpler. It will get plenty of splits that run to the edge of the leaf, but it rarely develops that second inner row of holes. It typically sticks to one row of fenestrations.

Growth Habit: The Climber vs. The Sprawler

This is where understanding the how to monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa difference really impacts your care routine. Look at the main stem and the space between the leaves (the internodal spacing).

  • Monstera Deliciosa: This form grows more like a dense, sprawling shrub. The space between each leaf node is short and compact. This gives it a fuller, bushier appearance, making it a fantastic statement floor plant.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: This is a true vine. It grows much faster and has long gaps of stem between its leaves. Its mission is to climb, and it will quickly become leggy and unruly without a moss pole or trellis to support it.

Tailoring Your Care: A Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa Care Guide

While 90% of their care is identical, their different growth habits call for a few specific approaches. Following these monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa best practices will ensure your plant thrives.

Light Requirements

Both plants crave bright, indirect sunlight. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Too much direct sun will scorch their leaves, and too little light will result in slow, leggy growth with no splits.

The faster-growing Borsigiana may show signs of stretching for light more quickly, so keep an eye on it!

Watering & Soil

Here, their needs are the same. Pot them in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix. A great DIY recipe is equal parts potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite. This prevents root rot, one of the most common problems with monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa.

Water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. I always recommend the “finger test”—if you stick your finger in and it feels moist, wait a few more days!

Support & Staking: The Key Difference

This is crucial. Because of its vining nature, a Monstera Borsigiana needs a support pole to thrive and produce large, fenestrated leaves. Giving it something to climb encourages it to mature. A moss pole is ideal, as the aerial roots can grow into it for water and nutrients.

A Monstera Deliciosa can be grown as a floor plant for much longer due to its bushy habit. However, as it gets massive, it will also benefit from a sturdy stake or trellis to keep it from toppling over.

Benefits of Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa: Which One is Right for You?

So, after learning all this, which green beauty should you bring home? This simple breakdown will help you decide.

Choose a Monstera Borsigiana if…

  • You have limited floor space but plenty of vertical height.
  • You want a plant that grows quickly and shows progress fast.
  • You love the look of a lush, vining plant climbing a moss pole.
  • You’re interested in variegated varieties like the Albo or Thai Constellation (these are almost always the Borsigiana form).

Choose a Monstera Deliciosa if…

  • You have ample space for a wide, bushy statement plant.
  • You dream of growing massive, three-foot leaves with double fenestrations.
  • You are a patient gardener who enjoys watching a plant slowly mature into a majestic specimen.
  • You want a plant that can stand on its own as a floor plant for years.
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Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Monstera Care

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet, too. Incorporating sustainable monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa practices is easy and rewarding.

  • Use Peat-Free Soil: Peat bogs are vital ecosystems. Opt for potting mixes that use renewable resources like coco coir as a base. Your Monstera will love it just as much!
  • Water Wisely: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your plants. It’s free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water.
  • Natural Pest Control: If you spot pests like spider mites, skip the harsh chemicals. A simple solution of neem oil, a drop of dish soap, and water is a fantastic eco-friendly monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa pest deterrent.
  • Propagate and Share: The best things in life are free! Instead of buying a new plant, propagate your Monstera by taking a cutting with a node. It’s a sustainable way to create more plants and share the joy with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa

Is my Monstera Albo a Borsigiana or Deliciosa?

Your variegated Monstera Albo (and Thai Constellation, for that matter) is almost certainly a Monstera Borsigiana. This is the form that carries the stable variegation that is so sought after. Its vining habit also makes it easier for growers to propagate.

Why doesn’t my mature Monstera have ruffles on the geniculum?

If the geniculum is smooth, you have a beautiful Monstera Borsigiana on your hands! Even when it gets large and produces stunning leaves, a Borsigiana will never develop those signature Deliciosa ruffles. It’s the most definitive trait.

Can a Borsigiana get as big as a Deliciosa?

In terms of height, absolutely! A well-cared-for Borsigiana can easily climb to the ceiling. However, its individual leaves will likely never reach the massive three-foot-wide potential of a true, mature Deliciosa.

Do they require different fertilizers?

Nope! Their nutritional needs are identical. A balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing season is perfect for both. Hold off on fertilizing in the fall and winter.

The Choice is Yours!

At the end of the day, the monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa debate isn’t about which plant is “better”—it’s about which one is better for you and your home.

Both are magnificent, rewarding, and surprisingly easy to care for. Whether you choose the fast-climbing Borsigiana or the majestic, sprawling Deliciosa, you’re bringing a piece of the tropical jungle indoors.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you can walk into any nursery with confidence. Go find your perfect Monstera, give it a happy home, and enjoy the journey.

Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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