Monstera sp.

Origin and identity of this Monstera sp.

The exact native origin of this plant remains unknown. The genus Monstera ranges from Mexico through tropical America; that broad range cannot be narrowed to a locality for this plant.

The abbreviation “sp.” indicates that the exact species has not been established. No collection locality or narrower species identification accompanies it.

Care for Monstera sp.

Start with bright filtered light, a vertical support and a chunky aroid mix with strong aeration. Watch how quickly this root ball dries and adjust the watering interval to the plant in front of you.

Water thoroughly, then allow a partial dry-down before watering again. If the leaves and roots prove especially thin, shorten that interval; if they are thicker and slower to lose water, allow a little more drying. Avoid keeping the pot continuously saturated.

Warm conditions, moderate humidity and airflow are suitable. Feed lightly during active growth and propagate only from node-bearing stem sections.

Problems to watch for with Monstera sp.

• New leaves stay small and the gaps between them become longer: The vine may lack climbing contact, usable light or healthy roots. Reattach the leader securely to its support and, if the site is dim, acclimatise the plant to stronger indirect light. If the pot is tightly root-filled, move the plant up one container size. Compacted substrate or soft roots need root-zone correction before any pruning is considered.
• Yellowing and wilt develop while the mix is wet: inspect drainage and the roots if decline continues. Remove only roots that are fully soft, hollow or foul-smelling; the root rot guide covers recovery.
• Brown margins appear: if the root ball is repeatedly drying hard, shorten the interval slightly; if salts have accumulated, flush the mix. If roots are damaged, restore aeration around them and wait until the mix reaches its normal watering point. The brown leaf tips guide helps distinguish these causes.
• Pests: Silver scars with black specks point to thrips, fine stippling with webbing to mites, fixed bumps or sticky honeydew to scale, and cottony clusters or sticky honeydew to mealybugs. Isolate the plant and inspect new growth, the nodes and leaf undersides. Remove visible pests or heavily affected material where practical, then apply a treatment labelled for the confirmed pest to the new growth, nodes and both leaf surfaces. Repeat it at the intervals stated on the label for the full course.

Monstera sp. 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.

Monstera: where the name comes from

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.