Monstera adansonii 'Mint'

Across tropical America and the Caribbean

Monstera adansonii is widespread across tropical America and parts of the Caribbean. It grows in moist forest, beside rivers, along forest edges and in clearings and secondary vegetation.

Care for fenestrated aroid roots and climbing growth

Leaf care: Prune a shoot that remains wholly green or almost entirely pale at the last node showing a more balanced stem pattern.

Growth and support: Give the vine a vertical pole or plank and guide the stem rather than the leaf stalks towards it. Aerial roots can be directed to the support or potting mix without forcing them.

Watering: Water when the upper layer has dried and the middle of the root ball is only lightly moist. Rewet the complete pot and let all surplus drain; do not leave the roots standing in water or allow the vine to remain severely dry.

Light: Provide bright filtered light to support the green portions of the leaves, and introduce any stronger exposure gradually. Protect the pale mint areas from hot direct sun; light cannot direct the mint pattern on later leaves.

Troubleshooting patterned leaves and climbing growth in Monstera adansonii 'Mint'

Normal leaf pattern and shape

The fine pale network across the blade is this plant’s normal mint pattern. A new irregular mosaic deserves attention when leaves also become distorted or growth shortens. Repeated all-green or very pale growth can be shortened at an earlier node where green and mint colouring occur together. Test any spray on one patterned area because young mint leaves may mark after an unsuitable application. Compare several later leaves before intervening; stable firm patterning does not require treatment.

Yellowing, wilt or brown edges

Grey-black water-soaked damage with yellow margins, especially along the edges of natural holes. Wilt in damp substrate can mean that damaged roots are no longer taking up enough water. Remove compacted, waterlogged mix and roots that are completely soft. A fully dry rootball can produce the same wilt. Check moisture through the entire pot before deciding if the plant needs watering or a root inspection.

Spots, scorch or physical damage

Keep the foliage dry, prevent splashing between plants and remove severely affected material with clean tools if the spotting continues to spread. Brown edges on several leaves often come from damaged roots, uneven watering or concentrated fertiliser. Scorch usually stays on the most exposed surface.

Pest signs on leaves and nodes

Thrips leave scraped pale lines and tiny black deposits; scale or mealybugs are more likely when leaves feel sticky. Treat only after finding the pest.

Changes to check

Move a plant showing both colour and growth changes away from other aroids and avoid taking cuttings until the cause is known.

Monstera adansonii ‘Mint’ 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.

What does Monstera adansonii mean, and who first published it?

Monstera comes from Latin monstrum or monstrosus, words for something unusual or abnormally formed, referring to the striking holes and divisions in the leaves. Adansonii honours French naturalist Michel Adanson.

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

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Monstera adansonii in 1830 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 4, page 1028.