The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is a sought-after plant known for its unique characteristics. Its deeply lobed leaves have an undulating, flame-like appearance, setting it apart from other Monstera varieties. Discovered in Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx’s collection, this plant boasts vibrant green foliage that develops striking fenestrations and intricate patterns as it matures. Understanding its specific needs ensures it thrives and maintains its distinctive aesthetic.
Monstera Burle Marx Flame Care Essentials
Light
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window with filtered sunlight provides ideal conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch leaves, causing brown spots and fading. Insufficient light results in slower growth, smaller leaves, and reduced fenestration development.
Watering
Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. This Monstera prefers consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if left in soggy conditions. Thoroughly soak the soil until water drains freely from the pot’s drainage holes. Empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, airy soil mix is essential. An ideal blend includes a high-quality indoor potting mix, supplemented with orchid bark, perlite, and charcoal. This combination ensures aeration, prevents waterlogging, and retains moisture without becoming dense. A suitable mix is 60% indoor potting mix, 20% orchid bark or chunky coco coir, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal.
Temperature and Humidity
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-29°C). Growth slows below 65°F (18°C), and temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can stress the plant. High humidity, between 40-80%, is also beneficial. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, group plants, or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring through summer), the Monstera Burle Marx Flame benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, monthly. A 5-2-3 NPK ratio or general houseplant fertilizer is suitable. Reduce or cease fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can cause nutrient burn, so follow product instructions and flush the soil periodically to prevent salt buildup.
Repotting Your Monstera Burle Marx Flame
Repotting the Monstera Burle Marx Flame is necessary when the plant outgrows its container or the soil mixture breaks down. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. Repot every 1-2 years, ideally during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, carefully avoiding root ball damage. Place fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, position the plant, then fill around the roots, firming to eliminate air pockets. After repotting, water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light, avoiding immediate fertilization to aid recovery.
Propagating Monstera Burle Marx Flame
Propagating the Monstera Burle Marx Flame is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node and one or two leaves. A node is a small bump on the stem where new roots and leaves emerge. Make a clean cut just below the chosen node with clean, sharp shears.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or moist sphagnum moss. If using water, submerge the node while keeping leaves above the waterline, changing water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. For sphagnum moss, keep it consistently moist but not saturated. Place the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light to encourage root development, which takes several weeks. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant the cutting into a suitable potting mix.
Troubleshooting Common Monstera Burle Marx Flame Issues
Several common issues can affect the Monstera Burle Marx Flame. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient light. Check soil moisture and adjust watering. Browning leaf tips or edges are a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity or ensure consistent watering.
A lack of fenestrations, or splits and holes, occurs in young plants or those not receiving enough bright, indirect light. Optimal lighting encourages this development in mature plants. Slow growth may indicate a need for more light or fertilizer.
Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. Inspect regularly for signs of infestation, like webbing from spider mites or cottony masses from mealybugs. Treat with soapy water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Root rot, characterized by mushy, brown roots, is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. If suspected, repot into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming affected roots.