Monstera 'Burle Marx's Flame'

From Roberto Burle Marx’s Rio collection

Monstera ‘Burle Marx’s Flame’ came from Roberto Burle Marx’s living plant collection in Rio de Janeiro and was introduced in 1981.

Care for fenestrated aroid roots and climbing growth

Watering and support: Aerial roots can grow into a moist moss pole, but the pole must stay evenly damp if it is to provide moisture to those roots. Water the pot when its upper third has dried, soaking the terrestrial roots and draining them fully; assess a moss pole separately so pole moisture does not trigger unnecessary pot watering.

Light: Give it bright, filtered light. A bright position supports compact growth and the development of progressively larger leaves; protect the foliage from hot midday sun. Move the plant into stronger light in stages so that leaves formed in shade have time to adjust.

Humidity and airflow: Keep conditions warm and reasonably humid, with gentle air movement around the leaves. Protect new growth from cold draughts and radiator air, and raise surrounding humidity without repeatedly wetting the foliage.

Troubleshooting Monstera 'Burle Marx's Flame': leaf, node and root changes

Normal leaf pattern and shape

Deep, fingerlike divisions are normal on later leaves. Ragged bites, scraped surfaces or missing pieces that cross those divisions indicate fresh damage. Leave firm, stable fenestration or silver patterning intact; intervene only when texture or distribution changes.

Yellowing, wilt or brown edges

Several leaves becoming smaller in succession usually mean. The vine has lost climbing contact, needs more light or has stressed roots. Yellow leaves or wilt in a heavy, wet pot mean the roots need inspection. Living roots feel firm; fully decayed sections are soft, hollow or easily stripped.

Spots, scorch or physical damage

If green stem tissue becomes wet and soft, the damage can advance quickly. Set the plant apart from nearby plants and cut back to a firm, healthy node if the soft area continues upward. After relocation, one dry patch on the most. Exposed side is likely sun or heat damage. Move the vine back and increase the light gradually.

Pest signs on leaves and nodes

Cottony insects, fixed scales, black specks or silver feeding marks are easiest to find around nodes and unfurling leaves. Treat only after identifying the pest.

Smaller leaves or lost climbing contact

Fasten the stem nodes against a broad support. Then check if poor light or unhealthy roots are holding back the new growth. A long bare section can be shortened above. A healthy node after the missing support or light has been restored.

The change does not match the established leaf pattern

Keep neighbouring stems and ties away from an emerging blade. Its narrow segments can snag and split if the roll is pulled around an obstacle.

Monstera ‘Burle Marx’s Flame’ 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.

About the name Monstera

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

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