| Positive | NativePlantFan9 | On Mar 9, 2005, NativePlantFan9 from Boca Raton, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: This type of Monstera is often confused with the larger Monstera deliciosa. Both are commonly available at nurseries and in the plant market commercially. However, while Monstera deliciosa has larger leaves with more holes, wrinkles and perforations, the leaves of Monstera borsigiana are much smaller, rarely getting larger than 2 feet (the leaves of Monstera deliciosa, meanwhile, can get to well over 3 feet). Also, the leaves of Monstera borsigiana have much fewer holes and perforations than Monstera deliciosa. Monstera borsigiana also attaches itself at a young age. Also, at the base of the leaf stem of the true Monstera deliciosa, it is wrinkled or crinkled. Meanwhile, Monstera borsigiana lacks this feature. Also, more stalk is visible between the leaf holes and nodes of Monstera borsigiana, similar to most vining type Philodendrons. Meanwhile, much less stalk is visible between the nodes of Monstera deliciosa.
There are 3 main forms of Monstera borsigiana available: the all-green variety (shown here and very commonly available), the Monstera borsigiana 'Albo variegata' variety (also commonly available), and the Monstera borsigiana 'Aurea variegata' (less commonly available). Like the all-green variety shown here, the 'Albo variegata' and 'Aurea variegata' varieties of Monstera borsigiana are often confused with Monstera deliciosa. Again, identifying charcteristics of Monstera deliciosa and Monstera deliciosa (shown at top) must be known to avoid confusion, which is very common, even in the plant industry, which often incorrectly labels Monstera borsigiana as Monstera deliciosa.
Like Monstera deliciosa, Monstera borsigiana is very useful for growing indoors. Monstera borsigiana, like Monstera deliciosa, can also be grown outdoors in zones 10a through 11, from sun to partial shade to full shade. The all-green type stays all-green throughout it's light requirements usually. Meanwhile, the 'Albo variegata' variety of Monstera borsigiana requires light or the white portions on the leaves will burn out. |
