Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss-cheese plant, originates from Central America and is one most favored monstera species. It can grow up to 840 inches (21 meters) tall and between 72 to 96 inches (183 to 244 cm) wide.
The names monstera deliciosa and monstera borsigiana are among the most popular, particularly among indoor plants lovers. But monstera deliciosa vs borsigiana: what are the differences and similarities?
Scientifically, monstera deliciosa is an accepted name for monstera borsigiana, according to Atlas of Florida Plants. And research issued by the University of Costa Rica confirmed that the name monstera borsigiana is a synonym of monstera deliciosa, representing one of its variations.
Read on to find out every you need to know about monstera borsigiana, its characteristics, and the best tips for caring for monstera borsigiana.
See also: 7 Best Soil For Growing Monstera Deliciosa.
Is Borsigiana and Deliciosa The Same?
Monstera deliciosa and monstera borsigiana are the same, they are not separate species. Monstera borsigiana is a synonym of monstera deliciosa suggested by the Royal Botanic Gardens.
However, there are a few physical distinctions between monstera deliciosa and monstera borsigiana. The main differences are visual, including leaves, and color. Additionally, monstera borsigiana is more expensive.
There is nothing significant to make monstera borsigiana its own species.
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Because monstera deliciosa and monstera borsigiana are genetically similar, they also have the exact growing requirements. They slightly need the same:
- Type of soil
- Amount of sun exposure and light
- Humidity
- Watering
- And fertilizers to grow.
See also: 11 Most Favored Peperomia Varieties (Including their characteristics!)
Here are monstera borsigiana characteristics.
Monstera Borsigiana Characteristics
Monstera deliciosa ‘Borsigiana Albovariegata,’ also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, White Variegated Borsigiana, or albo monstera, is a smaller-leaved monstera variety. Monstera Borsigiana is characterized by brilliant pure white variegation.
The table below shows monstera borsigiana characteristics.
| Scientific Name | Monstera deliciosa |
| Common Names | – Swiss cheese plant – Monstera deliciosa – Hurricane plant – Ceriman – Cutleaf Philodendron – Windowleaf – Split-leaf Philodendron |
| Phonetically Spelled as | mon-STER-ah de-lis-ee-OH-sah |
| Family | Araceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Maintenance requirements | Medium |
| Temperature requirements | Monstera borsigiana thrives in average warm temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 Celcius) |
| Required pH | Monstera borsigiana requires a neutral to acidic pH (between 6.0 to 8.0) |
| Sun exposure | – Monstera borsigiana thrives in partial shade or dappled sunlight. – Monstera borsigiana requires 2 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Soil Drainage for Monstera Borsigiana | Monstera borsigiana does well in rich, well-drained, and peat-based potting soil. |
| Monstera Borsigian Propagation method | – Layering – Stem cutting |
| Region Of Origin | Central America |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | 10 to 12 |
| Toxicity | – Monstera borsigiana might be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. – Monstera borsigiana also be poisonous to Humans |
Best Tips For Caring For Monstera Borsigiana
Now, let’s discuss how to properly care for monstera borsigiana.
1- Monstera Borsigiana Care
Monstera borsigiana grows well year-round in warm and prefers an average warm temperature of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 Celcius). It also thrives in medium brightness but not direct sunlight and high humidity.
In general, monstera borsigiana can grow quite large and require sturdy support to prevent the stems from breaking. When grown indoors, monstera borsigiana does not produce flowers or fruits.
In its native habitat, monstera borsigiana produces edible fruit that tastes cross between a banana and pineapple.
2- Monstera Borsigiana Light Requirements
Monstera borsigiana prefers partial shade with direct sunlight for 3 to 6 hours per day. Be watchful when adapting monstera borsigiana to new light levels, as its beautiful and large leaves burn easily.
- If you place monstera borsigiana under too much direct light during summer, this may burn the foliage.
- If planted indoors, ensure you frequently move monstera borsigiana outside under direct sunlight to encourage healthy growth.
3- Monstera Borsigiana Soil Requirements
Outdoors, monstera borsigiana thrives most in well-drained, moderately moist soil, and high organic matter content. Use medium loamy, light sandy, and heavy clay soils with acid or neutral pH to encourage healthy growth.
Monstera is prone to root diseases, particularly during colder seasons. Providing your monstera borsigiana with well-draining soil and regularly watering your plants can help root diseases.
Allow the top 2 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) of soil to dry between waterings. And when planted in a pot or container, monstera borsigiana requires peat-based potting media.
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4- Monstera Borsigiana Water Requirements
Water monstera borsigiana regularly, every week to two weeks throughout the growing season. Plant monstera borsigiana in a pot or container with drainage holes as it will help prevent overwatering the plant.
- Also, ensure that the soil is dry between waterings.
- Mist the foliage using demineralized water or a rainwater spray bottle to increase humidity indoors.
5- Monstera Borsigiana Temperature Requirements
Monstera borsigiana generally prefers bright, indirect sunlight in temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 29 Celcius).
During summer, monstera borsigiana thrives outdoors in a semi-sheltered location as long as temperatures don’t fall below 45 °F.
Leaving Monstera Borsigiana in cold temperatures for an extended period will damage them.
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See also: 9 Beautiful Succulents That Grow Well In Dark Room.
Common Monstera Borsigiana Insects And Pests
Like any plant, monstera borsigiana is also susceptible to pests and insects.
The table below contains the most common monstera borsigiana insects and pests problems, how to identify them, and how to solve them.
| Pests Or Insects | How To Identify | How To Fix |
| Spider mites | – Spider mites are tiny and difficult to spot with the naked eye. – Common signs of a spider mite infestation include webbing and delicate white. | Use water or insecticidal soap to wash off spider mites. |
| Mealybugs | – You can identify mealybugs by their white, wax-covered bodies. – Yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death are also signs of mealybugs. | – Separate infested plants from healthy ones. – Use insecticidal soap to treat Mealybug. – You can also remove Mealybug by hand or wipe them off using a Q-tip. |
| Aphids | Aphids produce large amounts of honeydew, which might result in severe sooty mold infestations on leaves. | Use water, insecticidal soap, or even insecticide to wash off Aphids from Monstera Borsigiana. |
| Scale | Symptoms include yellowing, stunted growth, and honeydew, leading to sooty mold. | – Isolate infested plants from the healthy ones. – You can also use Q-tips and alcohol to crush and remove monstera borsigiana. |
Common Monstera Borsigiana Diseases
Without proper care, monstera borsigiana can develop diseases, here are the most common monstera borsigiana diseases and how to prevent them.
1- Root and stem rot
Signs of root and stem rot in monstera borsigiana include wilt and flagging. Affected roots will turn brown or black with a soft, mushy texture that you can easily pull away from the plant.
To prevent root and stem rot, ensure you correctly water your monstera borsigiana. Both overwatering and underwatering can damage root tissue.
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Underwatering generally can cause damage to root tissue, which leaves it vulnerable to disease. But overwatering is more often the leading cause of these issues in houseplants.
How To Prevent Monstera Borsigiana Root And Stem Rot:
- To prevent root and stem rot, use a well-draining potting growth media and avoid overwatering your monstera borsigiana.
- Adopt a consistent and regular watering schedule.
- Repot monstera borsigiana only when roots have reached the pot’s side and bottom or when you notice an increase in pot size.
2- Leaf spot
Leaf spot diseases generally weaken trees and shrubs by interrupting the process of photosynthesis, according to the University of Minnesota.
Common signs of leaf spots are dark brown spots on leaves and a yellow border.
How To Prevent Monstera Borsigiana’s Leaf Spot:
- To prevent monstera borsigiana’s leaf spot, avoid leaving your plants in low temperatures and overcrowding plants.
- Reduce humidity by using a humidifier.
- Monstera borsigiana will need airflow. You can increase airflow by placing your plants near a window or using a fan.
- It is not generally recommended to use chemicals to manage leaf spots.
3- Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease, and common symptoms are yellowing along leaf edges, progressing to tan, and ultimately dark brown, according to the University of California.
To prevent Anthracnose, avoid misting and wounding monstera borsigiana’s leaves as this increases the pathogen’s spread.
See also: Best Tips For Making Spider Plant Bushier.
Wrapping Up
Even though there are some visual differences between monstera deliciosa and borsigiana, they are scientifically the same. Monstera borsigiana is a synonym of monstera deliciosa.
Whether, you think you have monstera borsigiana or monstera deliciosa, use monstera care tips in this article to keep your plants healthy, beautiful, and strong.
