Monstera acacoyaguensis

Native Range and Forest Habitat

Monstera acacoyaguensis is native from southern Mexico, especially Chiapas, into Belize. In wet tropical forest, this climber gains height by attaching its stem and aerial roots to surrounding vegetation.

Care for Monstera acacoyaguensis

• Support: Start the main stem on a textured pole, plank or other stable vertical support while it is still easy to train. Keep the nodes close to the support so later growth has room to size up.
• Light: Use bright, indirect light and protect the foliage from hot midday sun, especially after moving the plant from a darker position. Weak light can lead to longer gaps between leaves and smaller new growth.
• Water and substrate: Water deeply once the upper layer of a chunky aroid mix has begun to dry, then let the pot drain fully. Avoid both repeated severe wilting and a dense, permanently wet centre around the roots.
• Temperature, feeding and repotting: Warm conditions, moderate humidity and airflow suit active growth. Feed while new leaves are developing and repot when roots have occupied the existing mix, choosing only a modest increase in pot size.

Common problems with Monstera acacoyaguensis

• Young leaves have few or no holes: This can be normal juvenile growth. On an established vine, secure a loose stem to a broad support and move a dim growing point gradually into brighter indirect light. Existing leaves will remain as they are; more and larger holes can appear only in new growth.
• Successive leaves get smaller: A loose climbing stem or falling light can reduce leaf size. Reattach the stem and move the plant gradually into brighter indirect light if the position has become dim. If roots are tightly packed, move up one pot size; if the mix has compacted and drains poorly, replace it with fresh airy substrate. New growth will show whether conditions have improved.
• Yellow lower leaves with a wet pot: Let the rootball drain and extend the interval before watering. If wilt continues in a sour-smelling, slow-draining mix, inspect the roots. Keep firm roots, remove only soft, hollow or slippery damaged tissue and repot into fresh airy substrate.
• Dry brown edges: An unevenly dry rootball, hot sun or salt buildup may be responsible. Rewet evenly, reduce direct sun exposure and flush the substrate with plain water if fertiliser residue is likely.

Monstera acacoyaguensis is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

How did Monstera acacoyaguensis get its name?

Monstera comes from Latin monstrum or monstrosus, words for something unusual or abnormally formed, referring to the striking holes and divisions in the leaves. Acacoyaguensis means “from Acacoyagua” and refers to Acacoyagua in Chiapas, Mexico.

Michel Adanson established the genus Monstera in 1763 in Familles des plantes, volume 2, page 470.

Eizi Matuda first described Monstera acacoyaguensis in 1949 in Madroño, volume 10, page 48.