Monstera deliciosa 'Golden' ('Lemon Lime')

Horticultural and botanical background of Monstera ‘Golden’ and ‘Lemon Lime’

The names Monstera deliciosa ‘Golden’ and ‘Lemon Lime’ refer to the cultivated form with broad chartreuse-to-golden-green colour. They do not denote a separate botanical variety.

Botanically it remains Monstera deliciosa, a climber native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. Young plants start with simpler foliage, while an established climbing stem can produce much larger, more divided new leaves.

Care for Monstera deliciosa ‘Golden’ (‘Lemon Lime’)

• Keep the colour bright without scorching the leaves: A bright, filtered position suits the chartreuse foliage. Introduce any direct sun gradually so the leaves can acclimatise.
• Water deeply: Let the upper layer of the root ball lose moisture, then soak the mix and let the pot drain. A bark-rich, open potting mix helps excess water drain while keeping air around the roots.
• Plan for a climbing plant: Give the main stem a sturdy support and enough surrounding space for larger leaves to open cleanly. Keep leaf stalks free to move and attach only the stem to the support.
• Repot and feed in response to growth: Move up in container size when the roots are crowded or the plant is unstable. Feed during active growth without exceeding the product rate, and use a cutting with a viable node if you propagate it.

Problems and practical fixes for Monstera deliciosa ‘Golden’ (‘Lemon Lime’)

• The foliage looks yellower than expected: First compare the leaf with healthy older foliage on the same plant; chartreuse and golden tones are part of this selection. Treat the change as a problem when leaves that were previously greener fade while the pot remains wet. In that case, extend the drying interval. If wilting or softness at the stem base follows, inspect below the surface and remove dead or mushy roots while leaving firm pale or tan roots intact.
• Brown margins or tan patches appear: Location and timing usually give the best clue. A dry patch on the window-facing side after stronger light suggests scorch; crisp margins after a very dry root ball point to missed watering; damage soon after feeding can come from excess salts. Reduce the relevant stress and keep care steady while new foliage develops.
• The vine starts making progressively smaller leaves: Check whether the stem is still climbing securely. Restore contact with a pole or board. If the position is dim, move the plant gradually into brighter indirect light. Only disturb the roots if they are crowded or the potting mix has broken down: repot crowded roots into a roomier container, or replace broken-down mix with fresh airy mix. The response will show in later leaves; foliage that has already opened will remain unchanged.

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.