Monstera Borsigiana Vs Deliciosa: Your Ultimate Identification & Care

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a plant nursery, staring at two stunning Monsteras that look almost identical? You wonder if the price difference is justified, or if you’re about to bring home a different plant than you thought. It’s a classic plant parent puzzle, and trust me, you are not alone!

The great monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa debate can feel confusing, but I promise, it’s easier to solve than you think. Think of me as your friendly gardening guide, here to shed some light on this leafy mystery so you can choose your perfect plant with total confidence.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down the key visual clues that separate these two beauties. We’ll explore their unique growth habits, discuss which one might be better for your space, and cover all the best practices for care. By the end, you’ll be able to spot the difference from across the room!

So, What’s the Real Story? A Quick Botanical Breakdown

Before we grab our magnifying glasses, let’s clear up a little botanical confusion. For a long time, gardeners and even botanists have gone back and forth on this topic. Is Monstera borsigiana a separate species, or is it just a variation of Monstera deliciosa?

Today, the general consensus is that what we call ‘Borsigiana’ is actually a specific form or variety of Monstera deliciosa, technically named Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana. Think of it like a Golden Retriever versus a Labrador Retriever—both are retrievers, but with distinct characteristics.

For us home gardeners, the botanical debate isn’t as important as the practical differences in their appearance and growth. Knowing these differences is the key to our monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa guide, helping you pick the plant that truly fits your home and lifestyle.

The Ultimate Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa Identification Checklist

Ready to become a Monstera detective? When trying to figure out how to monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa are different, it all comes down to observing a few key areas. Young plants can be nearly impossible to tell apart, so these clues are most reliable on semi-mature to mature plants.

The Geniculum: Your Secret Weapon for Identification

This might sound like a technical term, but don’t worry! The geniculum is simply the little joint that connects the leaf to the top of the leaf stalk (the petiole). It looks like a little knee or elbow, and it’s your number one clue.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: On a true Deliciosa, the geniculum is wrinkled or ruffly. It looks like it has little waves or crinkles in it, especially as the leaf matures.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: The Borsigiana, on the other hand, has a smooth, straight geniculum. It lacks the distinctive ruffles of its larger cousin.

If you remember only one tip from this article, make it this one. Checking the geniculum is the most trusted method among seasoned collectors.

Stem Growth and Internodal Spacing

Take a look at the main stem of the plant. The space between each leaf node (where a new leaf and aerial root emerge) is called the internodal space. This is another fantastic tell.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: Has a more compact growth habit. The internodal spacing is very short, making the plant look dense and bushy. The stem itself is often thicker.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: This one is a true vine! The internodal spacing is much longer, giving it a leggier, more vining appearance. It’s built to climb, and fast.
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Leaf Size and Fenestrations (The Famous Holes!)

Ah, the iconic splits and holes (fenestrations) that make us fall in love with Monsteras! While both produce them, there are some general differences in their mature state.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: This is the gentle giant. Given the right conditions, its leaves can grow to be a staggering three feet wide or more! As it matures, it often develops multiple rows of fenestrations, sometimes called “double fenestrations.”
  • Monstera Borsigiana: The leaves are still impressive but tend to max out at a more manageable size, usually around one to two feet wide. It typically sticks to a single row of fenestrations and may not produce as many holes as a Deliciosa.

Growth Habit: A Sprawler vs. a Climber

Finally, how the plant grows overall can give you a clue. This is one of the key benefits of monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa depending on what you’re looking for.

  • Monstera Deliciosa: Tends to grow outwards as much as it grows upwards. It becomes a wide, sprawling floor plant that commands a room. Its growth is generally slower and more deliberate.
  • Monstera Borsigiana: This variety is a much faster and more aggressive climber. It actively seeks something to latch onto and will quickly vine its way up a moss pole or trellis.

Which Monstera is Right for Your Home? Benefits & Considerations

Now that you can spot the differences, which one should you choose? Both are incredible houseplants, but they suit different spaces and plant parent styles. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

The Case for Monstera Deliciosa (The ‘True’ Form)

Choose a Deliciosa if:

  • You have a lot of space and want a true statement plant.
  • You have the patience to watch it slowly mature into a magnificent specimen.
  • You love the look of massive, ultra-fenestrated leaves.
  • You want that classic, lush, jungle-floor look.

Keep in mind: It requires a significant footprint, both in width and height, and can be more expensive due to its slower growth rate.

The Case for Monstera Borsigiana (The Agile Climber)

Choose a Borsigiana if:

  • You have limited floor space but plenty of vertical height.
  • You want to see rapid growth and get that “jungle vine” look faster.

    • *It’s generally easier to propagate and share with friends.

  • You’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option.

Keep in mind: It needs a sturdy support pole to thrive and can look a bit lanky if it doesn’t receive enough light.

A Unified Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa Care Guide

Here’s the best news of all: when it comes to care, these two plants are practically twins! Their needs are almost identical, making either one a fantastic choice for an enthusiastic beginner. Following this monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa care guide will set you up for success.

Light: The Key to Happy Leaves

Both Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect, or a spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Too much direct sun will scorch their beautiful leaves, while too little light will result in small leaves with no splits.

Watering: Less is More

This is where most new plant parents run into trouble. Monsteras hate “wet feet.” The golden rule is to water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. Stick your finger in the soil to check! Overwatering is one of the most common problems with monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa, leading to yellow leaves and root rot.

Soil & Potting: Building a Strong Foundation

They need a chunky, airy, and well-draining soil mix. A standard potting mix will hold too much water. You can buy a specialty aroid mix or easily make your own! A great basic recipe is:

  1. One part high-quality indoor potting mix
  2. One part orchid bark
  3. One part perlite or pumice

This mix allows oxygen to get to the roots and prevents waterlogging. Follow these monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa best practices for a happy root system.

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To Climb or Not to Climb: The Importance of Support

In the wild, these plants climb up trees to reach the light. Giving them a moss pole or trellis to climb will encourage them to produce larger, more mature leaves with more fenestrations. This is especially crucial for the vining Borsigiana.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Monstera Practices

Being a Greeny Gardener means caring for our plants and our planet. Embracing a sustainable monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa care routine is easy and rewarding.

  • DIY Moss Poles: Instead of buying plastic poles, try making your own by wrapping sphagnum moss or coco fiber around a sturdy stick or bamboo stake.
  • Peat-Free Soil: When making your soil mix, opt for sustainable alternatives to peat moss, like coco coir. It provides similar benefits without depleting precious peat bogs.

    • –Propagate and Share: One of the best parts of owning a Borsigiana is how easily it propagates! Taking cuttings and sharing them with friends is a wonderfully eco-friendly monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa practice that spreads the plant love without the carbon footprint of shipping.

  • Natural Pest Control: If you spot pests, reach for insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution before turning to harsh chemical pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Borsigiana vs Deliciosa

Is a Monstera Borsigiana Albo different?

Yes and no! The ‘Albo’ refers to the white variegation. A Monstera Borsigiana Albo is simply a variegated version of the Borsigiana form. It has the same smooth geniculum and vining habit, but with beautiful splashes of white on its leaves.

Why are my Monstera’s leaves not splitting?

This is almost always due to two factors: age and light. Monsteras need to reach a certain level of maturity before they begin to fenestrate. More importantly, they need enough bright, indirect light to fuel the energy required to produce those iconic splits. If your plant is mature but has solid leaves, slowly move it to a brighter location.

Can I tell the difference when the plants are very young?

It is extremely difficult, and often impossible, to tell them apart when they are just babies. Most juvenile Monsteras look identical. You typically need to wait until the plant has at least 5-7 leaves and is beginning to mature before the key identifiers, especially the geniculum, become apparent.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Choice!

So, the great mystery is solved! The key to the monstera borsigiana vs deliciosa puzzle lies in the details: a ruffly geniculum and sprawling habit for the Deliciosa, and a smooth geniculum and vining nature for the Borsigiana.

But at the end of the day, no matter which one you have or which one you choose, you are bringing a spectacular, air-purifying, and joy-inducing piece of the tropical jungle into your home. Both are stunning, rewarding, and relatively easy to care for.

Don’t get too caught up in the labels. Pick the plant that speaks to you, give it the love and light it deserves, and watch it transform your space. Now go forth and grow with confidence!

Rimon Chowdhury
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