The Difference Between Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana
The differences between Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana have sparked heated debates in the past.
Fortunately, the solution is relatively straightforward. By highlighting certain distinct traits of the Monstera Deliciosa and the Monstera Borsigiana, this article will assist you in differentiating between the Monstera Deliciosa and the Monstera Borsigiana.
The Deliciosa leaves are much bigger than the Borsigiana leaves. Both plants are climbers. When mature, the Borsigiana gaps between the nodes are longer, so it climbs and grows taller faster. The Deliciosa gaps between nodes are shorter, and it sprawls across the ground before climbing. If your Monstera has ruffles at the top of the petiole, it’s a Deliciosa, and if it doesn’t, it’s a Borsigiana.
The Monstera Deliciosa is frequently confused with the Monstera Borsigiana and vice versa. The growth rate, habit, and classification of the Monstera Deliciosa differ from those of the Monstera Borsigiana.
There is a difference in stem construction, leaf size, and even pricing. The plants, on the other hand, have striking similarities in their leaf structure and root system.
Growth Habit
One of the most noticeable distinctions between Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana
is the way they grow. The Monstera Deliciosa grows in a horizontal and widespread manner. This means that it tends to grow and spread in tandem with its surroundings.
Because they are slow climbers, you will usually discover them slithering across the earth. However, as the Deliciosa matures, it will eventually become a vine.
Borsigiana, on the other hand, has a vining growth habit. Its stem is longer and grows along the ground or up a particular stack. In comparison to Deliciosa, Borsigiana begins to climb and twine as a vine during its early stages of development.
It is more likely to be a Deliciosa if your Monstera looks a little unkempt, with nested leafstalk and stem. However, it appears that you have a Borsigiana if your Monstera has a neater growth pattern.
Size of the Leaf
Another feature that distinguishes Monstera Deliciosa from Monstera Borsigiana is the size of their leaves. The leaves of Monstera Deliciosa are leathery and attractive, and they are rather large.
In its natural habitat, its leaves can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in width and length.
Monstera Borsigiana, on the other hand, has smaller leaves than Monstera Deliciosa. According to reports, its leaves can only grow to a maximum size of 1.6 feet (0.5 meters). However, it is still a lovely leafy houseplant.
It is essential to understand that plant development differs depending on the circumstances. Water, light, and the growth environment can all affect the size of each leaf.
Comparing two plants produced simultaneously and in the same conditions is the best technique to determine the Monstera variety.
Growth Rate
If you have a fast-growing plant in your home, it could be Monstera Borsigiana. Even though the Borsigiana is always smaller than the Deliciosa, it grows at a significantly faster rate.
A Deliciosa grows at a rate of roughly 2 feet (1 meter) each year on average. Your Borsigiana may grow faster than this.
Do not panic if you wind up with Deliciosa instead of Borsigiana in your house. Deliciosa can grow to be as tall as 30 feet (9 meters) in their natural habitat. It would help if you also kept in mind that the plant’s growth pace can vary based on the situation.
Geniculum
The geniculum is one of the most notable differences between Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana. The geniculum refers to the stem joint that connects it to a leaf or leafstalk in plants.
At the end of each petiole, where it meets a leaf, Monstera Deliciosa possesses a wavy or wrinkly geniculum. Because of their curving texture and look, some people refer to them as “ruffles.” The plant’s unique structure allows for movement and flexibility.
Borsigiana, unlike Deliciosa, resembles the other plants with the usual geniculum. When you touch the leaf base that joins it to the stem, it is plain and straight and feels smooth.
Inspecting the geniculum of your plant can help you determine whether it is Deliciosa or Borsigiana. Don’t do it while it’s still young. Deliciosa develops these ruffles as it matures from semi-mature to full maturity.
Taxonomy
Many people mix up Monstera Borsigiana and Monstera Deliciosa. When you realize that they have a slight difference in taxonomy, your perplexity will vanish.
Taxonomy is the branch of science concerned with the identification, classification, and naming of plants. A taxonomic synonym exists for Monstera Borsigiana and Deliciosa. This indicates that they belong to the same taxon but are of a distinct species.
Stem Structure
Staring at the structure of the Monstera stems will help you figure out what kind of plant it is.
The difference between a Monstera Borsigiana and a Monstera Deliciosa is the distance between their nodes.
The round-like sections or patches that exist between the stems of a plant are known as nodes.
It is where you’ll find buds, branching twigs, and leaves. It’s the point on the Monstera that connects the petiole, which holds the leaf, to the main stem.
When comparing the Borsigiana to the Deliciosa, you will see that the intervals between nodes are much longer in the Borsigiana.
This is why, as it pushes new growth, Borsigiana tends to vine at a higher rate. So, if your Monstera seems a little haphazard, with the leaves clustered together, you might be dealing with a Borsigiana.
However, if your plant’s petioles appear to be scattered and away from one another, it could be a Deliciosa.
Price
Apart from the morphological differences among Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana, their rewards can also indicate the difference.
Monstera Deliciosa is a pricey plant that can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. Depending on the region, retailer, and seller, the price can even go up.
Borsigiana, on the other hand, is less expensive.
Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana have specific similarities. The following are the main parallels:
Perforated Leaf Structure
Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana are well-known for their dark green leaves that look to have been neatly cut with scissors.
The number, size, and appearance of these cuts between leaves might vary. However, they are generally oblong or semi-round in shape.
Leaf fenestration is the precise term for these natural leaf openings. These circle incisions, which run parallel to the leaf’s principal veins, enhance the Monstera’s moisture and nutrient intake.
This is because the Monstera vine’s roots and roots struggle to acquire enough water. Furthermore, Monstera produces perforated leaf structures as a result of rainfall and wind pressure.
The openings allow rain to fall through and directly onto the roots. They also provide some protection from wind harm to the plant.
These leaves with the long holes are a distinguishing feature of both Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana.
However, keep in mind that these changes occur as the plant ages. For a while, the leaves of the younger Monstera may appear smaller and virtually uncut.
Leaf Shape
Although Monstera deliciosa leaves are always larger than Monstera Borsigiana leaves, their leaf form is comparable. These Monsteras, which belong to the same genus as the blooming plants in the Arum family, have cordate leaves.
The leaves are shaped like a heart, with a deep cut base that extends to a broad, flat surface with a tapering apex. Despite the holes going from the center to the leaf margins, it still looks like a heart.
Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana have heart-shaped leaves in general, though some may not be perfectly cordiform.
Root System
Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana have the same structure of the root and have similar leaf characteristics. They both produce a large number of aerial roots, which are also known as adventitious roots.
Aerial roots emerge above the growing medium or earth, either down from the stem or up the primary roots. Moisture absorption, nutrition uptake, air exchange, and proliferation are all processes performed by aerial roots.
Typically, the Monstera is planted in the ground and gradually grows up, showing its aerial roots. Monstera, either Borsigiana or Deliciosa, uses its roots to move up the ground in the same way that orchids do.
The roots are robust and versatile enough to cling to supporting structures like trees, rocks, and buildings. Bear in mind that both Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana grow aerial roots over time. As the plant matures, you may only notice the roots growing up a significant distance into the air from the earth.
Growth Requirements
As they are members of the same family, the Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana have identical growing requirements for the most part. Continue reading to learn more about these plant-care suggestions.
Soil
To develop gracefully and healthily, Monstera requires a well-draining, peat soil-based potting mix. Both Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana prefer soil infiltrating at a medium rate, not too fast or too sluggish. Furthermore, a thriving Monstera will be the outcome of a rising media with high organic content.
Container
Select a pot that is 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter than the plant’s root ball. To avoid root bounding, repot the Monstera once its roots have extended around the sides and below the pot’s bottom.
Similarly, avoid using huge pots to prevent waterlogging, which can severely harm plant health.
Light
Monstera thrives under indirect sunshine. Even though it can withstand 3 to 6 hours in direct sunlight, too much sun exposure can cause the leaves to burn and scorch. When there is not enough natural light, it will appreciate artificial light.
Temperature
If you want to grow your Monstera deliciosa or Borsigiana outside, make sure it is beneath a canopy or in the shade.
The heat rising over the Monstera’s recommended average warm temperature of 60oF to 80oF (16oC to 27oC) is harmful to them.
Similarly, if the temperature drops below 45°F (7°C), cold damage or frost injury will occur.
Watering
Monstera requires a moderate amount of water. So, when the soil is dry, water the plant to a depth of about 2 or 3 inches below the surface. Maintain a consistent watering technique to avoid submerging or overwatering the plant.
Fertilizer
Monstera plants do not require a lot of fertilizer. Feed it a nitrogen-rich dry mix fertilizer throughout its active time, and do so every eight weeks throughout the year. Eventually, increase the amount of fertilizer used and, in due course, lessen the frequency.
Final Thoughts on The Difference Between Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana
Monstera Deliciosa – often known as the Swiss Cheese Plant – and Monstera Borsigiana – often confused for it – require similar care and management. The usage of well-draining soil and appropriately proportioned pots are two of the proper care guidelines.
Providing enough light, water, fertilizer, and temperature will also aid the plants’ growth.
Whilst you’re analyzing the similarities and differences between these two plants, don’t forget to take a step back and see how beautiful and majestic these plants are. They are large and lovely to behold and make excellent statement plants.
Read More:
Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophorid Tetrasperma) Guide: How to Grow, Care & Maintain
