If you’re a houseplant enthusiast trying to decide between Monstera and Philodendron, understanding their growth speed can help you make the right choice. This listicle breaks down the growth rates of popular Monstera and Philodendron species, so you know what to expect when adding these tropical beauties to your indoor jungle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant parent, this guide highlights key growth details to help you nurture your plants successfully.
Monstera deliciosa Growth Speed
Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant, is known for its dramatic, fenestrated leaves. Under optimal conditions—bright, indirect light and consistent moisture—it can grow rapidly, adding up to 24 inches per year. Its climbing habit means it can quickly cover a trellis or moss pole, making it a fast-growing focal point in your collection.
Monstera adansonii Growth Speed
Monstera adansonii, the smaller cousin with signature holey leaves, grows moderately fast but generally slower than M. deliciosa. It typically grows about 12-18 inches annually indoors. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, which encourage more vigorous growth, but it’s more sensitive to low light, which will significantly slow its development.
Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf) Growth Speed
Philodendron hederaceum, commonly called Heartleaf Philodendron, is prized for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It is one of the fastest-growing Philodendrons, often adding 12-24 inches of new growth yearly under bright, indirect light. Its adaptability to lower light makes it a popular choice for beginner growers wanting quick results.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum Growth Speed
Philodendron bipinnatifidum, or Tree Philodendron, grows more slowly compared to vining types, typically reaching 6-12 inches of growth per year indoors. However, it can become quite large and bushy over time with proper care. Its growth rate increases when given ample space, humidity, and bright indirect light but remains moderate compared to Monstera deliciosa.
Philodendron gloriosum Growth Speed
Philodendron gloriosum is a slow to moderate grower, often producing only a few inches of new leaf per year. It is a rhizomatous species with large, velvety leaves, and it requires high humidity and warm temperatures to grow steadily. Its slower growth rate makes it a prized collector’s plant rather than a rapidly expanding one.
Monstera obliqua Growth Speed
Monstera obliqua is one of the rarest and slowest-growing Monsteras, often growing only a few inches per year. Due to its rarity and delicate nature, it demands very specific humidity and light conditions, which limits its growth speed. This species is best suited for advanced growers patient enough to wait for its striking, lace-like leaves to develop.
Philodendron micans Growth Speed
Philodendron micans is a trailing species with velvety, heart-shaped leaves that grows at a moderate pace, typically 12-18 inches annually indoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, and under these conditions, it can quickly produce long, cascading vines. Its moderate growth speed makes it an appealing option for hanging baskets or shelves.
Monstera standleyana Growth Speed
Monstera standleyana, often confused with Philodendrons due to its leaf shape, grows moderately fast, about 12-18 inches per year indoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture to thrive. Its growth speed is slower than Monstera deliciosa but faster than many slow-growing Philodendrons, making it a good middle-ground choice.
Philodendron brasil Growth Speed
Philodendron brasil, a variegated form of Philodendron hederaceum, grows quickly and can add 18-24 inches of new growth annually. It’s a robust vining plant that adapts well to various indoor conditions, although brighter light intensifies its variegation and promotes faster growth. This makes it a favorite for growers wanting both speed and attractive foliage.
Monstera dubia Growth Speed
Monstera dubia is a shingling plant that grows slowly to moderately indoors, usually around 6-12 inches per year. It requires high humidity and bright, indirect light to encourage its characteristic leaf shingling along a support. Its slower growth rate compared to other Monsteras makes it better suited to patient growers seeking a unique plant.
How to Choose
When deciding between Monstera and Philodendron based on growth speed, consider your space, patience, and care routine. Monsteras like M. deliciosa grow faster and become larger, ideal if you want a statement plant quickly. Philodendrons offer more variety in growth habits—vining types like Heartleaf grow fast, while species like gloriosum grow slowly but have unique foliage. Light, humidity, and temperature are more critical than species alone; a well-lit, humid environment will maximize growth for either genus. Also, think about maintenance: faster growers may require more pruning and support structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which grows faster, Monstera deliciosa or Philodendron hederaceum?
Both can grow quickly under ideal conditions, but Monstera deliciosa generally grows faster and larger, often exceeding 24 inches per year compared to about 12-24 inches for Philodendron hederaceum.
Q: Does low light affect growth speed?
Yes, both Monsteras and Philodendrons slow down significantly in low light. Philodendrons tend to tolerate low light better but will still grow more slowly than in bright, indirect light.
Q: How does humidity impact growth?
High humidity promotes faster, healthier growth for both genera. Monsteras especially appreciate humidity above 60%, while many Philodendrons can tolerate slightly lower levels but still thrive with consistent moisture in the air.
Q: Are there fast-growing Philodendrons suitable for beginners?
Yes, Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf) and Philodendron brasil are fast growers and easy to care for, making them excellent choices for beginners.
Q: Can Monstera plants outgrow indoor spaces quickly?
Yes, particularly Monstera deliciosa can grow large and fast, so providing vertical support and enough room is important to manage their growth indoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize to support growth?
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for both Monsteras and Philodendrons to encourage steady growth.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Monstera and Philodendron based on growth speed depends largely on your environment and preferences. Monsteras generally grow faster and larger, creating dramatic indoor plants quickly, while Philodendrons offer a wide range of growth rates and forms to suit different spaces and patience levels. Both thrive best in bright, indirect light with adequate humidity and regular care. Understanding these growth nuances helps you pick the right plant to fit your space and lifestyle, ensuring a thriving, green oasis in your home.
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