Monstera deliciosa 'Golden' ('Lemon Lime')

Wild range from lowlands to cloud forest

Southern Mexico and Guatemala form the native range of Monstera deliciosa. The species inhabits forest from about 90 to 2,750 m and may grow on the ground, over rock or as a large climber on trees.

Care for fenestrated aroid roots and climbing growth

Light and settling in: Give the plant bright, filtered light for sturdy, compact growth. Acclimate it slowly to stronger exposure and screen it from hot midday sun.

Light: Its yellow-green colour is normal. A healthy leaf does not need to become dark green, and stronger light should not be used to force a colour change.

Watering: Water deeply when the top section of the rootball feels slightly dry. Let excess water leave the pot and check that no water remains inside a decorative cover.

Growth and support: Consistent warmth and moderate humidity support regular leaf development. Shield the plant from cold air, cold surfaces and direct heat.

Troubleshooting patterned leaves and climbing growth in Monstera deliciosa 'Golden' ('Lemon Lime')

Yellowing, wilt or brown edges

Chartreuse to golden foliage is normal for this plant. If the colour suddenly looks washed out and growth weakens, inspect the roots, moisture, fertiliser and the amount of light received. Heavy feeding cannot turn the established golden colour dark green. Nutrients should be added only after root trouble and accumulated salts have been excluded. The surface can dry while the lower part of the pot remains saturated. Wilt under those conditions means the roots may no longer be supplying water. If many roots have died, repot the firm roots that remain in fresh airy substrate and a smaller container.

Spots, scorch or physical damage

Scorch is likely when a dry patch appears only on the brightest side after relocation. Brown tips throughout the plant indicate a broader water-supply or salt problem. A black new leaf after transport or a sharp temperature change may have been damaged by cold or heat. Separate the plant if soft darkening spreads beyond the leaf.

Pest signs on leaves and nodes

Fixed insects with sticky residue indicate scale, cottony wax suggests mealybugs, and pale feeding scars with dark deposits suggest thrips. Keep a plant with an enlarging leaf spot away from neighbouring plants and leave the foliage dry. Look for an insect or mite before choosing a pest treatment.

Changes to check

Water droplets released naturally at a leaf edge are called guttation and can dry into pale deposits on golden foliage. The residue sits on the surface and softens with water.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Golden’ (‘Lemon Lime’) 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.

Who first published Monstera deliciosa, and what does the name 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. The Latin epithet deliciosa means delicious, referring to the edible ripe fruit.

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

Frederik Michael Liebmann first described Monstera deliciosa in 1849 in Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra den Naturhistoriske Forening i Kjøbenhavn, volume 1, page 19.