Monstera subpinnata

Origin and habitat of Monstera subpinnata

Monstera subpinnata is native to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It grows in the wet tropics as a root-climbing hemiepiphyte, ascending trees and other supports with aerial roots.

Growing Monstera subpinnata

Give this root-climbing species a tall, textured support and guide the main stem upward as it lengthens. Let aerial roots attach where possible. Secure only the main stem to the support and let each leaf stalk move with the divided blade.

Bright filtered light, warmth and a chunky aerated substrate support steady climbing growth. Water thoroughly, allow a partial dry-down and then water again; do not leave the root zone either permanently saturated or repeatedly bone dry.

Moderate humidity with airflow is suitable. Feed during active growth, repot in modest steps and propagate from node-bearing cuttings or by layering a section of stem before separation.

Common problems with Monstera subpinnata

• The vine begins to lean away from its support: aerial roots may have lost contact or ties may have loosened. Reposition the stem against a textured support, secure the stem loosely, leave the leaf stalks free and keep new aerial roots in contact as they form.
• Yellowing and wilt develop in wet mix: poor root aeration or root loss may be involved. Improve drainage and inspect if decline continues; remove only roots that are soft or hollow. For the recovery sequence, see the root rot guide.
• Brown edges recur: When the root ball repeatedly dries hard, shorten the watering interval slightly. Flush the mix if fertiliser salts have accumulated. If roots are soft or decaying, remove only damaged tissue, refresh the airy substrate and resume watering only after excess moisture has drained. Use the brown leaf tips guide if the cause is still unclear after those checks.
• Natural divisions look mixed with ragged tears: organised sections are normal; irregular fresh rips are mechanical damage. Protect expanding leaves from rubbing and support movement.

Monstera subpinnata 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 subpinnata, 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. Subpinnata combines Latin sub-, “somewhat” or “nearly”, and pinnatus, “pinnate”, describing the nearly pinnate arrangement of the narrow leaf segments.

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

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described it as Tornelia subpinnata in 1860 in Prodromus Systematis Aroidearum, page 359. Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler later placed it in Monstera as Monstera subpinnata in 1879 in Monographiae Phanerogamarum, volume 2, page 267.