People often mix up the Monstera adansonii with epipremnoids because they look nearly identical in many ways.
To avoid such confusion, you need to see the defining differences between these two plants.
This article will help you by giving you a brief guide to the characteristics of Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides.
Monstera adansonii differs from epipremnoids in leaf size, color, texture, and perforations. There are also minor differences in their growth habit, taxonomy, and price. On the other hand, these two plants have similarities in root system, petiole and stem structure.
Say goodbye to questions that come to mind about your Monstera variety. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to grow an adansonii or an epipremnoid.
Contents
taxonomy
Let’s start with the taxonomic difference between Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides.
Taxonomy refers to the scientific classification of plants and animals based on their natural relationships.
Although it does not directly demonstrate a physical difference, the taxonomy can help you understand why Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides differ.
For botanists, taxonomy plays an important role in future research on plant growth patterns and care management.
Under the genus Monstera, there are many cultivars. Monstera adansonii, along with epipremnoides, are among the most popular variations along with deliciosa, borsigiana, and variegata. In other words, they are part of the same family but differ in type.
Holes in the leaves
Monstera attracts people for its leaves that appear to have been deliberately cut by a pair of delicate hands. Although all Monsteras display this trait, you may notice some differences between each variety.
Monstera adansonii has green leaves with a series of fine holes. These perforations come in different sizes and shapes, but usually end in a flattened circle or ellipse.
Additionally, complete or complete foramina are the defining feature of an adansonii which separates it from the epipremnoids.
Although Monstera epipremnoides also has perforated leaves, the incisions are relatively much larger. Holes of different sizes often appear elongated.
Additionally, the perforations usually extend near the midrib to and across the edges of the leaves.
Basically, you are worried about a Monstera adansonii if your plant has leaves with a continuous cluster of narrow holes.
Alternatively, if your plant’s leaves have a pinnatifid appearance (with the leaf margin/edge broken or separated like a feather), you are growing an epipremnoid.
And speaking of holes, you might be wondering if they are vital or just for plant aesthetics.
Knowing that Monstera originally thrived in the rainforest, they use these boreholes to deal with extreme environmental conditions, such as heavy rains and high winds.
The leaves also change as the plant ages. For example, your Monstera leaf may appear whole and almost uncut during the growth phase.
But the perforated leaves will eventually grow once your plant reaches maturity.
Foliage color and texture.
There are also slight differences between the color and texture of Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides leaves.
Monstera adansonii attracts public attention with its deep, dark green leaves. When you look at it, you usually get the same vibe as when looking at fresh grass growing.
This contrasts with the color of the epipremnoid leaves. The leaves of Monstera epipremnoides have a much lighter green tone with a yellowish touch.
Although this is the case, this plant will still look beautiful in the home, as the foliage is much brighter and shinier.
Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides have leaves that look waxy as soon as you touch them.
However, according to reports, epipremnoids seem to have a thicker and tougher texture.
You may also be interested in: Why Are My Monstera Adansonii Leaves Turning Yellow? (and solutions)
sheet size
Another characteristic that can help you distinguish a Monstera adansonii from an epipremnoides, or vice versa, is the size of the leaves.
Monstera epipremnoides generally has larger leaves than adansonii.
The leaves of epipremnoid shoots grow alternately 33-53 cm long and 33 cm wide. (Source: North Carolina State University)
In some cases, the leaves may appear larger or smaller. Don’t get me wrong, keep in mind that certain factors affect foliage development.
Therefore, a Monstera can produce healthier and more thriving leaves if it lives in a well-conditioned environment.
Additionally, older plants often produce more pronounced leaves than those that have just started growing.
growing habit
Monstera is known for its growth habit.
A vine represents a form of growth based on a long stem that generally twists and wraps around anything it reaches. The vine does not need to develop strong stems, but allows the plant to use its energy for rapid growth.
While these two Monstera have a vine, the Adansonii have a more drooping characteristic.
This makes it a great choice when people like the effect of beautiful hanging vines.
Adansonii can add a beautiful accent to any background by placing them in hanging baskets or simply stretching them out on a surface.
If you notice that one of your Monsteras is growing too slowly, check to see if the plant has limited roots.
Roots sticking out of drainage holes are a common sign. Repotting and modifying your plant can help alleviate this problem.
Price
If you didn’t pay a hundred dollars for your plant, you can be sure it’s a Monstera adansonii.
Plant prices can vary greatly depending on where you live. But epipremnoids are usually much more expensive, with the amount ranging from 100 to 200 dollars.
The price may even skyrocket if it is from a reputable seller or a famous store.
If you scour the Amazon, you will find it somewhat difficult to find epipremnoids due to their rarity.
This incident contributes to epipremnoids being much more expensive than adansonii.
You may also like: Monstera Deliciosa Vs Adansonii (differences and similarities)
Check out this list of similarities between Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides to learn more about each plant. They have several similarities as these two have a close relationship.
petiole
The petiole is the part of the plant, connected to the vine, which supports the leaf of a deciduous leaf. For Monstera, its petioles are thin and quite round.
There are no differences between the appearance and texture of the petiole of Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides.
Like other common plants, its petioles are mostly green. You will also notice that they have a smooth and even texture when you touch them.
Also, the petiole length of Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides is somewhat similar.
An adansonii petiole grows 8 to 24 inches (20 cm to 60 cm) long. It is not much different from Epipremnoides with a wingspan of 30-50 cm.
Both petioles of these Monstera species appear shorter than the leaf they bear. The petioles also tend to protrude at the base of the lamina.
In both plants, the formation of the wing sheath is evident when meeting the vine.
root system
Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides have aerial roots.
Aerial roots are those that hold a plant in the air. It goes by another name cord roots because the roots sprout sporadically from their usual location, which is the ground.
Having these types of roots is why Monstera can adapt to almost any environment. They may crawl or roam widely in your growing medium.
Be artistic and grow your Monstera, adansonii, or epipremnoides somewhere where it can use its roots and thrive profusely.
stem structure
In general, Monstera plants have a similar stem structure.
For Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides, its stem is a long spreading vine that clings to aerial roots.
It is thick and usually green in color. Apart from that, there is no other particularity since its stems are not aromatic either.
Neither Monstera adansonii nor epipremnoides develop runners. Runners refer to the horizontal branch that produces new rooted plants (as in strawberry).
So if your Monstera is growing, you are dealing with a different species or variety.
The leaves of Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides fan out directly from the vine.
There are nodes all along the vine, and this is where the petioles grow, which support the leaves.
Check out these fast facts on Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides.
- Contrary to popular belief, Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides are different from each other. They have contrasting characteristics including taxonomy, growth habits, and price. There are also minor differences in leaf size, color, texture, and perforations.
- Since Monstera adansonii and epipremnoides belong to the same aroid family, they have many similarities. These similarities can be seen in their root system, petiole, and stem structure.
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