The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is a sought-after houseplant, valued for its distinctive, flame-like foliage. Its deeply lobed leaves are a rich, glossy dark green. New leaves start lance-shaped or heart-shaped, gradually developing intricate fenestrations and elongated, pointed shapes as they mature. Discovered in the 1970s and formally named a cultivar in 2022, its exact origin is debated, with some classifying it as a hybrid or a cultivar/mutation of Monstera deliciosa.
Caring for Your Monstera Burle Marx Flame
Light Requirements
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it scorches leaves. Insufficient light leads to slower growth, leggier stems, and less vibrant foliage.
Watering Schedule
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before watering the Monstera Burle Marx Flame. Soak the plant until water drains. Overwatering leads to consistently wet soil and root decay. The plant tolerates drying out between waterings better than being waterlogged, but underwatering causes dehydration.
Ideal Soil Mix
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame thrives in a well-draining, airy potting mix. This substrate mimics its natural epiphytic habitat, allowing roots to breathe and preventing waterlogging. A common blend includes indoor potting mix with amendments like perlite, orchid bark, or sphagnum moss. The ideal pH range for the potting mix is between 5.5 and 6.5, which supports nutrient absorption.
Humidity and Temperature
This tropical plant prefers high humidity. Maintaining levels above 60% is beneficial and prevents leaf issues like crispy edges. Methods to increase humidity include using a humidifier, placing pebble trays near the plant, or grouping plants together. The Monstera Burle Marx Flame thrives in warm temperatures, ranging between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), and should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilization
During its growing season, the Monstera Burle Marx Flame benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month. This provides nutrients for healthy growth. During cooler months, reduce or cease fertilization as the plant’s metabolism slows. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient burn, damaging the roots.
Propagating Monstera Burle Marx Flame
Propagating the Monstera Burle Marx Flame is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem that includes at least one node and preferably an aerial root. A node is the point where a leaf or aerial root emerges, containing dormant cells for new growth.
After taking the cutting, root it in water or a well-draining substrate. For water propagation, place the cutting in a container with water, ensuring the node is submerged while leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and ensure fresh oxygen. Roots begin to form within a few weeks.
Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted directly in a moist potting mix. Plant the cutting with the node buried an inch deep, maintaining consistent moisture without oversaturating the soil. High humidity around the cutting aids in rooting, achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation dome. Once a root system develops, the new plant can be potted.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is resilient, but it can encounter issues. Yellowing leaves indicate either overwatering or nutrient deficiency. If the soil remains consistently wet, root rot occurs, leading to yellowing and wilting foliage, while a lack of nutrients causes pale or yellowing leaves.
Brown leaf tips or edges indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. This plant thrives in higher humidity, and dry air causes crispy leaf margins. Consistent watering and increased humidity alleviate this symptom. Stunted growth or smaller leaves indicate insufficient light or the need for a larger pot. Lack of bright, indirect light slows growth, and root-bound conditions restrict development.
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, or thrips affect Monstera Burle Marx Flame. They are identified by small insects on the foliage, sticky residue, or webbing. Regular inspection, especially of leaf undersides, allows early detection. Treatment involves wiping affected areas with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap, or applying horticultural oil to eradicate them.