Some indoor plants look so similar that at first you would say they are one, but in fact they are a completely different type of plant. Not to mention that even in the store, the plant can have the wrong name on the label, so we don’t know exactly which plant it is right from the start. These are some of the most common indoor plants that we confuse with each other, so let’s see how to tell them apart so that they can then apply appropriate care.
Monstera Deliciosa / Philodendron
First, we will start with the one that is perhaps most often misnamed, which is Monstera Deliciosa.
In our country, the name Philodendron or “Filadendron” has been used for Monstera Deliciosa for many, many years. However, they are two different types of plants.
The genus Monstera currently knows about 50 different species of Monstera, and the most famous member is the beautiful Monstera Deliciosa.
That is why it is wrong to call Monstera “Philadendron” or Philodendron, because it is a completely different genus of plant.
Similarities between Monsters and Philodendrons exist because both species belong to the same family Aroidae, subfamily Aroidae, but Monsters are Monsters and Philodendrons are Philodendrons.
Take a look at the Monstera category where you can find more about Monstera Deliciosa, its maintenance and propagation, as well as some other Monstera species.
Epipremnum Aureum / Philodendron Hederaceum
These two beautiful creepers are often confused with each other and are often mislabeled already in the store.
I remember once when in Konzum they sold both golden creeper and Philodendron Hederaceum at the same time, and the name Scindapsus was written on both of them (which is the third type of creeper).
Epipremnum Aureum belongs to the genus Epipremnum, while (logically) Philodendron Hederaceum belongs to the genus Philodendron.
These two plants can really look similar at first, but once you realize their differences, you won’t be able to confuse them.
Philodendrons are characteristic in that their new leaves develop from the “cover” (eng. sheath) which, once the leaf develops, starts to dry and after some time falls off. Epipremnum, on the other hand, does not have this protective covering on the new leaves, but the leaf develops directly from the stem.
This is perhaps the most easily discernible physical difference between these two plants, if we cannot be sure by the appearance of the leaf itself.
But when you look a little closer, the leaves themselves are also different. Philodendron leaves have a more heart-shaped shape, while Epipremnum has a slightly more elongated leaf shape. Also, to me personally at least, Philodendron leaves look much more delicate and thinner than those of Epipremnum.
Another interesting difference is the color of the new leaves. New leaves on Epipremnum will be the same color as the rest of the plant from the beginning (possibly a little lighter and will darken over time), while new leaves of Philodendron Hederaceum can be darker at first, brownish-purple, and eventually become green like the older leaves.
In articles – Golden creeper (Epipremnum Aureum) | care and propagation and – Philodendron Hederaceum Brasil | care and maintenance you can read more about the maintenance of these beautiful creepers.
Yucca / Dracaena
When, in addition to the scientific names of plants, folk names are mixed in, that’s when confusion can really arise. In this case, both Yuka and Dracena are referred to as the Tree of Life. To me, the Tree of Life is Dracena Fragrans, but to you it might be Juka.
That is why in this case, so that neither you nor I would protest, we will stick to their official names – Juka and Dracena.
The genus Yucca includes about 50 different species of Yucca, among which is the one that is most commonly grown as a houseplant – Yucca gigantea (or elephantipes). On the other hand, the Dracena genus today has about 120 different species, and the one we often confuse with Yuka is Dracena Marginata, and sometimes Dracena Fragrans.
Even though both Yucca and Dracena originate from areas where a warm and dry climate prevails, and they also belong to the same plant family – Asparagaceae, the care for these two plants is somewhat different, so it is important to determine which of these two species you have.
How to maintain Yucca, read in – Yucca elephantipes | care and maintenance, and read more about Dracaena in – Dracaena (various species) – care and maintenance.
You will almost always find jukes on sale with already quite thick trunks, while Dracena Marginata is generally sold with much, much thinner trunks. As for Dracaena Fragrans, it is sometimes sold with a thinner and sometimes with a thicker trunk, so there can also be confusion.
But what you will definitely tell the difference between the two species is the leaves. Juke leaves are sharp, hard and rough to the touch, and the very tip of the leaf can easily sting you. While, on the other hand, Dracaena leaves are soft, pliable and smooth to the touch.
