Why Leaf Terms Matter

Consistent terms make comparison faster. Use this glossary to describe what you see so your searches return better matches.

Shapes (Selected)

  • Ovate: egg-shaped, broader at base (Ficus elastica).
  • Cordate: heart-shaped (Philodendron hederaceum).
  • Lanceolate: long, narrow, tapering (Dracaena spp.).
  • Pinnatifid: deeply lobed with cuts toward the midrib (Monstera).
  • Palmatifid: lobes radiating from a central point (Fatsia).

Margins

Entire (smooth), serrate (saw-toothed), crenate (rounded teeth), undulate (wavy).

Surfaces & Textures

  • Glabrous: smooth, no hairs (many aroids).
  • Pubescent: hairy/fuzzy (some Begonia, Tradescantia).
  • Glaucous: waxy, bluish bloom (Hoya kerrii leaves can appear waxy).

Venation Patterns

Parallel (Peace Lily), pinnate (Pothos), palmate (Schefflera). Check contrast—highly visible veins can be diagnostic (Alocasia).

Tips

Photograph next to a ruler/coin for scale; record juvenile vs. mature form if the plant is a morphing species (Monstera).

Know More: Houseplant Flower ID — Quick Reference