Monstera 'Burle Marx's Flame'

Identity and naming history of Monstera 'Burle Marx's Flame'

This cultivated Monstera is linked to the garden and living plant collection of Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Its exact species or hybrid identity and original wild locality remain unknown.

The plant continues in cultivation under the horticultural name ‘Burle Marx’s Flame’, with its known history tied to Burle Marx’s collection.

Growing Monstera ‘Burle Marx’s Flame’ indoors

• Support: Give the main stem a stable pole, plank or similar vertical support and fasten only the main vine with loose ties. Leave the leaf stalks free to move. Keep the stem supported as the plant matures so later growth has room to develop its more divided leaf form.
• Light: Keep the growing point in bright, filtered light away from harsh midday sun. In a much darker position, growth can slow and later leaves may stay smaller.
• Water and substrate: Water thoroughly after the upper part of the mix has dried, then let excess water drain. Use a chunky, aerated aroid mix that holds some moisture without remaining saturated.
• Growth and repotting: Its mature leaf form develops gradually as the climbing stem becomes established. Keep conditions warm and steady and feed lightly while new growth is active. Repot when the rootball is densely rooted or when the substrate has broken down and no longer drains well.

Troubleshooting Monstera ‘Burle Marx’s Flame’

• New leaves stay narrow and undivided: Juvenile plants normally begin this way. On an established vine, make sure the main stem is attached firmly to its support and move the plant gradually into brighter filtered light if the growing point is in a dark position. Any improvement from support or light will appear in new growth; existing leaves will not change shape.
• New leaves become progressively smaller: Check whether the stem has loosened from its support, whether the growing point is getting enough light and whether the rootball is crowded. Secure the stem again if needed, increase light gradually if growth is stretching, and repot only if roots are tightly packed or the substrate has compacted and drains poorly.
• Brown, dry margins: Repeated drought, hot direct sun or concentrated fertiliser can damage the edges. Rewet an overly dry rootball evenly, move the plant out of the direct beam and flush the substrate with plain water if fertiliser salts are likely to have accumulated.
• Yellowing with a persistently wet rootball: Pause watering and confirm that water can leave the container freely. Continued wilt or decline calls for a root check. Leave healthy firm roots intact, cut away only sections that are soft, hollow, slick or foul-smelling, and rebuild the root zone with an airy mix if necessary.

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.