Monstera Monkey Leaf, or Monstera adansonii, is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves with natural perforations. These holes, or fenestrations, develop as the plant matures, giving it a unique, airy appearance. Its vining habit allows it to trail from hanging baskets or climb with support, adding a tropical touch to any space.
Identifying Your Monstera Monkey Leaf
Monstera Monkey Leaf is typically Monstera adansonii, known for its large, glossy leaves with prominent oval holes and a slight texture. While it can be confused with the much rarer Monstera obliqua, there are clear distinctions.
Monstera obliqua leaves are notably thinner, almost papery, with a higher ratio of larger, rounder holes compared to M. adansonii. M. obliqua also grows much slower, with leaves typically not exceeding 10 to 25 centimeters, unlike the larger M. adansonii leaves.
Essential Care for Monstera Monkey Leaf
Light Requirements
Monstera adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat beneath a rainforest canopy. Place the plant near an east or west-facing window for soft morning or late afternoon sun, avoiding harsh intensity. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves; insufficient light slows growth and reduces fenestrations. If new leaves lack holes, it may need more light.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is beneficial, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, ensuring the plant isn’t left in standing water. Frequency varies; more in active growing seasons, less in winter.
Soil and Potting Needs
Monstera adansonii requires a well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich potting mix. An aroid mix, including potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss, is recommended. This mix provides aeration and prevents compaction. Repot every one to two years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes. Choose a pot with drainage holes that is only slightly larger to prevent excess moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, Monstera adansonii prefers warm, stable environments. Temperatures should range between 18°C and 27°C (65-80°F), ideally not dropping below 10°C (50°F). High humidity, ideally 60% or above, is also beneficial. Increase humidity using a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping with other plants.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Monstera adansonii benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-10-10) every two to four weeks, diluted to avoid root burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Monstera Monkey Leaf
Propagating Monstera adansonii from stem cuttings is straightforward. The best time is during the active growing season (spring or summer). Select a healthy stem with at least one node, the small bump where leaves and roots emerge.
Using sterilized shears or a sharp knife, make a clean cut 12 to 18 cm long just below a node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged. Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining soil mix.
For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass, submerging the node. Change water every few days until roots develop (up to three weeks). Once roots are a few inches long, transplant into soil.
When propagating directly in soil, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a small pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and place the pot in bright, indirect light. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can increase humidity, promoting root development.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor soil drainage, potentially leading to root rot. Ensure the topsoil dries between waterings and check for proper drainage. Crumpled or browning leaf edges often point to dry air, inconsistent watering, or low humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Pest infestations are a concern. Spider mites, thriving in dry conditions, cause yellow or white speckles and fine webbing. Manage them by rinsing the plant and increasing humidity.
Mealybugs appear as small, white, cotton-like masses, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Dab them with rubbing alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap. Scale insects, appearing as small bumps, can be scraped off, then treated with an alcohol wipe or neem oil for larger infestations.
Leggy growth, with long, stretched stems and sparse leaves, suggests insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with diffused light for more compact growth.