Monstera adansonii variegata 'Aurea'

Cultivated form and natural range of Monstera adansonii variegata 'Aurea'

‘Aurea’ is a horticultural label for yellow-variegated Monstera adansonii within the species.

The species itself is native across tropical America, where it grows as a climber.

Growing Monstera adansonii variegata ‘Aurea’

• Light: Use bright, indirect light and acclimate the plant gradually after a move. Protect the leaves from strong direct sun, especially after a change in position.
• Feeding and pruning: Feed moderately while the plant is active. Keep enough green tissue along the continuing shoot, especially when pruning or taking a cutting.
• Support: Keep the nodes against a textured pole or plank so later leaves have room to enlarge. Attach the main stem loosely and leave each leaf stalk free.
• Water and potting mix: Let the upper part of a coarse aroid mix lose some moisture, then water the full root ball and drain it thoroughly. Let the upper part of the mix dry at its usual pace before the next thorough watering.
• Temperature and humidity: Use 18–27 °C as the normal growing range. Extended exposure below 12 °C should be avoided. Aim for 50–60% humidity and light airflow around the foliage.
• Repotting: Repot into a slightly larger container when the roots crowd the pot. If the plant or its support becomes unstable sooner, secure the support or use a more stable container.
• Propagation: Take a healthy stem or tip cutting with at least one node, retaining enough green tissue to support continued growth.

Common problems with Monstera adansonii variegata ‘Aurea’

• Yellow sectors develop tan or brown patches: Intense sun, uneven drying or root damage can mark yellow tissue. Move the plant out of harsh sun and rewet an overly dry rootball evenly. If wilting continues while the mix is moist, unpot the plant and assess the roots directly. Preserve firm roots, remove only soft, hollow, slippery or foul-smelling decay, and repot when the root zone needs rebuilding. Tan tissue will remain damaged; firm yellow tissue can stay on the leaf.
• A shoot turns solid green: Watch the next leaf if growth is otherwise healthy. If the vine continues without the Aurea pattern, cut back to the last healthy node that produced both green and yellow tissue.
• A shoot becomes almost entirely yellow and weak: Do not try to recolour it with fertiliser. If successive leaves remain weak and almost entirely yellow, shorten the vine to a healthier mixed node.
• Later leaves become smaller with fewer holes: Secure loose nodes to the support and move a shaded growing point gradually into brighter indirect light. If the root ball is tightly packed or the substrate has compacted and drains poorly, repot into fresh airy mix. Changes in leaf size and the hole pattern will show on new growth.

Monstera adansonii variegata ‘Aurea’ 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.

When was Monstera adansonii first published, and what does it mean?

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.