I bought a split leaf 2 years ago at a yard sale for $2. When I got it, there was only 2 small leaves. Since then, I would say it is about 3 1/2 - 4 ft tall and about 7-8 ft in diameter. There are so many leaves:) I love it, but I need to prune it back some because after I transplanted it into a new pot, the leaves are pointing in different directions and some of them are upside down now. I have tried to prop them up to face the right way, but I am afraid of breaking the thin stock. For some reason, their branches are thicker than the base. So, how would I go about pruning the leaves back? Do I just cut them where I would want it, or is there a certain spot on the branch, base, or what I call (conjunction-a cluster of branches from one place)? I won't do anything to it until I know it won't hurt it. This thing likes to grow fast!!! I can almost guarantee that I won't be able to find this place again on the web, so if you know the answer to my question, please email me at cpenena@hotmail.com. Very much appreciated.

When you say they look different, are you referring to the monstera having holes in its leaves? When young the leaves dont have holes- its only the larger leaves that get holes. there is another smaller leaved plant that resembles a young monstera leaf but its more vining. doesnt get the same holes, but has the lobed shape. This is Monstera Borsigiana: http://aoki2.si.gunma-u.ac.jp/BotanicalGarden/PICTs/hime-monstera.jpeg If this plant is what you are referring to: http://www.kraftgardens.com/products/photos/philodendron_swiss_cheese.jpg that is Monstera obliqua- also known as swiss cheese plant, buckshot plant, etc. It is more of a vining plant, and doesnt get leaves as big as M. Deliciosa. on this page they show both types: www.tropgard.com/plant_ profiles/philodendron.htm the "split leaf philly" they refer to is actually Monstera Deliciosa, but young enough to not show the holes. the "swiss cheese plant" shown is M. Obliqua

There is always the chance of reverting..............but the more "mixing/swirling" of white and green areas, the better chance of that continuing. If the sectors are more solid it depends on where the new growth originates........if it comes from a white area it will more likely be white........if it is from a green area it will more likely stay green. Tissue that is too white will be weak and may die if there is not enough supporting green. My first plant only had a thin strip of white running up the stem on one side and would show only as a little white variegation on every other leaf or so. I kept growing it and cutting the plant up until I eventually got the new growth emerging from the desired intercept of green and white. This new branch was better but still not ideal so the process was repeated until I got these well variegated plants.

I agree with the others re: the genus being Monstera and not Philodendron, based on my readings. Where I am more confused is what is M. deliciosa vs. “var. Borsigiana.” There was a rumor going around that anything without the wrinkled portion at the leaf and petiole attachment (don’t know what that’s called) being Borsigiana, but I’ve seen some mature legit deliciosa have younger leaves without the wrinkle. I just can’t tell. I can’t even tell what I have, and no clue about the plant I had before! Haha. The variegated ones, be it yellow or white, are stupendously and obscenely expensive in the US. I can’t find a proper cutting with a node with a minimum of two leaves that costs under $130 or so (or else I’d have one!). I would love to grow one but for that price, I have a list of 5 more I’d prefer to grow. Even when you do find one, it may have to be shipped from overseas and the risk of it passing customs or not is on the buyer. At least here on the west coast, the cost of regular green Monstera deliciosa is reasonable, anywhere from $10-40 depending on size, retail store, and condition. They are primarily labeled as “split leaf Philodendron” still, and are usually pre-fenestration and juvenile, so maybe that’s why it’s cheaper than one would think. That said, it’s not common and readily available like some other common houseplants like spider plants or pothos, which are literally everywhere in every store. The M. adanansonii is rare to be found, but when you do, it’s not as expensive as one would expect. At the time I got mine, it was a good $50-100 for a cutting online (+ shipping + risk), but I found it for $49 with a good 6-7 leaves. Still highway robbery - but less so than online.