Monstera deliciosa ‘Sierrana’

Name History and Species Background

George S. Bunting published Monstera deliciosa var. sierrana in 1965 from material collected in the Sierra de Juárez of Oaxaca, Mexico. The varietal name is now a synonym of Monstera deliciosa and does not denote a separate botanical variety, though growers continue to use ‘Sierrana’ for this cultivated leaf form. Monstera deliciosa ranges across southern Mexico and Guatemala, climbing through wet tropical forest.

Care for Monstera deliciosa ‘Sierrana’

• Give the vine a firm surface to climb: Set a young vine against a vertical support and keep the stem in contact as it grows. The narrow, deeply divided mature outline develops on established growth.
• Keep conditions consistent: Bright indirect light and thorough watering after partial drying suit the plant well. Water the full root ball and let excess water leave the pot.
• Keep the root mix open: Use a coarse aroid mix and increase pot size gradually. Repot when roots are crowded, the plant becomes unstable or the mix has worn out. Feed during periods of steady new growth.
• Expect simpler leaves after propagation: Propagate with a stem section carrying a viable node. The new shoot may begin with less divided leaves before the climbing habit becomes established again.

Troubleshooting Monstera deliciosa ‘Sierrana’

• A young plant does not yet have the narrow mature divisions: That is normal juvenile growth. Keep the vine climbing and give it time to establish; assess the mature ‘Sierrana’ outline on later leaves.
• Each new leaf is smaller than the one before it: Make sure the stem has not slipped away from its support. Once climbing contact is secure, check whether the plant is receiving enough filtered light. Root crowding or a dense, collapsed mix can also slow the vine, but repot only when those conditions are actually present.
• The plant yellows while the root ball stays wet for a long time: Lengthen the gap between waterings and check drainage. If the vine also droops or the lower stem becomes soft, inspect the roots; cut away any roots that have turned mushy, break apart easily or smell rotten, leaving firm, healthy roots in place before repotting. The root rot guide gives a step-by-step recovery plan.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Sierrana’ 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 deliciosa 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. 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.