Monstera adansonii 'Mint'

Name and species background of Monstera adansonii ‘Mint’

In horticulture, the name ‘Mint’ is used for Monstera adansonii with muted green variegation such as this selection.

The species ranges across tropical America, from Central America and the Caribbean into South America, and grows as a climber in warm forest habitats.

Growing Monstera adansonii ‘Mint’ indoors

Guide the main stem up a slim pole or plank if you want the leaves to enlarge, leaving the individual leaf stalks free. Keep the growing point in bright indirect light; strong midday sun can leave tan damage on the paler parts of the thin blade.

Use a coarse aroid substrate that wets evenly and drains quickly. Water once the upper portion begins to dry and reduce frequency whenever cool conditions slow drying in the pot. Warmth, moderate humidity and airflow help new leaves open without staying damp.

A moderate-strength feed suits periods of active growth. If you prune or propagate the vine, work from healthy node-bearing growth and leave enough green tissue on the plant to support the remaining pale sections.

Troubleshooting Monstera adansonii ‘Mint’

• One leaf is greener or paler than the last: A single change can fall within normal variation, so no pruning is needed based on one leaf. Watch the next leaves; if the continuing shoot becomes clearly weak or settles into fully green growth, prune back to the last healthy node with a useful green-and-mint balance.
• Mint areas develop dry brown edges: Unevenly dry roots, hot direct sun, dry heated airflow or fertiliser salts may be responsible. Rewet the rootball evenly, move the leaf out of hot sun or drying airflow and flush the substrate with plain water if salts are likely to have accumulated. Leave firm undamaged tissue in place.
• Sticky residue or cottony clusters appear around nodes: Fixed brown or tan bumps with sticky residue indicate scale insects, while cottony or waxy clusters, sometimes with sticky residue, indicate mealybugs. Check the stem, leaf undersides and folded bases for these signs. If you confirm scale insects or mealybugs, isolate the plant, remove visible insects and apply a treatment labelled for the confirmed pest around the nodes, to the leaf undersides and into the folded bases. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.
• New leaves are narrow with few holes: Check whether the main stem is attached to support and whether light has fallen at the growing point. Reattach a loose stem and move the plant gradually into brighter indirect light if needed. Any improvement in leaf size or the hole pattern will appear in new growth.

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.