The Monstera Standleyana Aurea is a highly sought-after houseplant, celebrated for its distinctive gold and yellow variegation across its deep green leaves. Unlike some other Monstera varieties, this plant features elongated, glossy foliage without fenestrations, or natural holes. Its appealing patterns and vining growth habit make it a popular choice for adding tropical elegance to indoor spaces.
Monstera Standleyana Aurea Care Essentials
Light
Monstera Standleyana Aurea thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without the harsh intensity of direct sun. While it tolerates lower light, its variegation may become less pronounced, and growth can slow. Direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves.
Signs of insufficient light include smaller new leaves or reduced variegation, while excessive light can lead to leaf curling or browning. Rotate the plant every few weeks for even growth and consistent light exposure. Placing it a few feet from a south or west-facing window, possibly with a sheer curtain, can diffuse intense light.
Water
Proper watering is crucial for Monstera Standleyana Aurea. The plant prefers its soil to dry out partially between waterings, typically when the top two to three inches feel dry. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot from saturated soil.
When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. Empty any excess water from the saucer. Underwatering can cause leaves to droop, but the plant tolerates slight dryness better than excessive moisture.
Soil
A well-draining, airy potting mix is crucial for Monstera Standleyana Aurea. The roots require good aeration to prevent waterlogging. An ideal mix should be rich in organic matter while allowing water to pass through efficiently.
Suitable components include coco coir or peat moss for moisture retention, combined with perlite or pumice for aeration and drainage. Incorporating orchid bark or pine bark fines further enhances the chunky, well-draining structure this Monstera prefers.
Temperature and Humidity
Monstera Standleyana Aurea flourishes in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress it.
This tropical plant appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally around 60-80%. Higher humidity contributes to healthier foliage and growth. Methods to increase humidity include using a pebble tray, grouping plants, or employing a humidifier.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Monstera Standleyana Aurea benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer is suitable.
Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the product label to prevent root burn. Apply fertilizer once every four to six weeks during the growing months, as this plant is not a heavy feeder. Reduce or halt fertilization entirely during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Supporting Healthy Growth
Providing Support
As a vining and climbing plant, Monstera Standleyana Aurea benefits from structural support. In its natural habitat, it climbs trees using aerial roots, which helps its leaves grow larger and more mature. Providing a moss pole, trellis, or stake encourages this natural climbing habit.
Guide its stems and aerial roots onto the support structure. Aerial roots attach to the pole, providing stability and allowing the plant to develop more robust foliage. Without support, the plant may trail, resulting in smaller leaves and a less upright growth habit.
Pruning
Pruning Monstera Standleyana Aurea helps maintain its shape and size, encourages bushier growth, and removes dead or yellowing leaves. Strategic pruning stimulates new growth from nodes below the cut, leading to a fuller plant.
Use clean, sharp shears to make cuts just above a node. Removing leggy or unruly stems directs the plant’s energy towards more compact development.
Repotting
Repotting is necessary when Monstera Standleyana Aurea becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or the plant drying out more quickly. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growth.
Select a new pot only one or two inches larger in diameter than the previous one. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen any circling roots, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Propagating Monstera Standleyana Aurea
Propagating Monstera Standleyana Aurea is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section that includes at least one node and preferably one or two leaves. A node is where roots and new growth will emerge.
Cut the stem a few inches below a node using clean, sharp shears. The cutting can then be placed in various rooting mediums. Water propagation is popular; simply submerge the node in water, changing the water every few days. Sphagnum moss or a mix of perlite and coco coir are also effective rooting mediums, offering a moist yet aerated environment.
Provide the cutting with bright, indirect light and consistent warmth to encourage root development. Roots typically form within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once a robust root system has developed, the new plant can be transitioned into a well-draining potting mix.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Loss of variegation or browning on the variegated areas of Monstera Standleyana Aurea can occur due to insufficient light. The yellow portions of the leaves contain less chlorophyll, making them more susceptible to damage from intense direct sun or fading in low light. Adjusting the plant’s position to bright, indirect light helps maintain its vibrant patterns.
Yellowing leaves indicate a watering issue, most often overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft, it signals too much moisture. Conversely, if yellowing is accompanied by crispy spots, the plant may be underwatered. Drooping leaves can also signal over or underwatering, or a sudden change in environmental conditions.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites or mealybugs, can affect Monstera Standleyana Aurea. These pests cause discoloration, sticky residue, or fine webbing on the leaves. Regularly inspect foliage and promptly treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Slow growth may indicate inadequate light, a lack of essential nutrients, or the plant being root-bound. Address these factors by optimizing light, providing balanced fertilizer during the growing season, or repotting to encourage more vigorous development.