Monstera is a large climbing plant. But, some species are smaller or compact. These miniature Monsteras perfectly complement indoor settings as an ideal small ornamental plant. Today, let’s talk about one such small Monstera, known as Monstera Acuminata.
What is Monstera Acuminata?
Monstera Acuminata is a member of the Araceae plant family. It likes rich soil and needs to be almost completely dry between waterings. Place your plant near a well-lit window. But, make sure it’s not in direct sunlight. This replicates its natural habitat.
People often choose this Monstera as an ornamental plant. This is due to its striking and unique leaves. Acuminata is known for its air-purifying qualities, in addition to its beautiful foliage. This plant is endemic to Guatemala, characterized by a short, flat stem with nodes about 5 to 10 cm apart. It has petioles around 15 cm long, while the leaf blades range between 10 to 25 cm.
It is found in its natural environment. It grows only on the largest trees. This is as detailed by aroid.org. The juvenile plants are much smaller with more heart-shaped leaves. They have thick, waxy leaves. The leaves grow in two stages. They overlap with an elliptical stem. The stem is cross-shaped.
This smaller Monstera is epiphytic, meaning it grows on other plants. This is crucial to consider. It’s key for creating the perfect indoor environment for your Acuminata. Generally, this plant requires minimal attention.
To care for your Acuminata well, you must mimic its natural conditions closely. The plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It needs well-draining soil that keeps some moisture. Between waterings, allow the soil to dry out almost completely to prevent root rot. Monstera Acuminata also likes humidity. Consider using a humidifier or misting the leaves.
Monstera Acuminata Plant Care Guide
Soil
For the compost, you can use a blend of peat, sphagnum moss, charcoal, and sand. A 100% soil-less medium, such as sphagnum moss, also works well. It allows roots to spread freely. But, growth in this medium may be slow at first.
Or, an aroid planting mix ensures all the necessary nutrients for Monstera Acuminata. The planting medium must be well-draining and nutrient-rich. Then, your Monstera will flourish.
In tropical climates like Indonesia, you can plant this ornamental plant any time of the year. In other climates, planting Monstera Acuminata is best between spring and fall.
Watering
Understanding when and how much to water your plant is key. Monsteras are generally resilient but must regular watering.
Water Monstera Acuminata only when the top 5 cm of the soil has dried out. While watering once a week might suffice, ensure it’s moderate and even. The actual watering needs of your plant depend on the environment you provide.
In dry and hot climates, Monstera Acuminata may need more frequent watering. In moderate climates, watering once a week may be enough.
Monsteras need more water in bright windows. They get less water further away. So, three main factors control how much to water your plant. They are light, temperature, and humidity.
Signs of under-watering include:
- Yellow, dry leaves with brown spots.
- Wilting leaves.
- Extremely dry potting soil.
- Crispy and wrinkled leaves.
Water your Acuminata regularly in dry seasons. But, water less in rainy seasons due to environmental changes. However, always check the soil condition before watering. You can check soil moisture using the finger test, a wooden stick, or a moisture meter.
Lighting
This Monstera plant enjoys bright, indirect light. If you suspect direct sunlight at certain hours, block it with sheer curtains or blinds.
Outdoors, plant it under shade cloth or trees to avoid leaf burn from direct sunlight. As an indoor ornamental plant, Monstera Acuminata can survive under moderate sunlight.
Temperature & Humidity
This warmth-loving plant requires high temperatures for good growth. Average room temperatures not less than 18°C are suitable for Monstera Acuminata. It can tolerate a greatest temperature of up to 30°C. We also recommend misting the leaves often.
The species dislike freezing temperatures, so protect it from freezing cold. For very cold climates, bring outdoor plants inside during freezing weather. As a tropical plant, it thrives in a warm and humid environment.
This plant requires a humidity level of 40 to 80%. Like other Monsteras, it enjoys a humid environment. Mist your plants to provide moisture for their aerial roots.
You can also increase air humidity using other methods. These include grouping plants or using a pebble tray. Or, you can buy a humidifier. It can control humidity for ornamental plants. But, it may be more expensive.
Fertilization
Occasionally nourish your plant with a light application of fertilizer. You can use a 20-20-20 liquid NPK fertilizer. Dilute about half a teaspoon in a gallon of water. Pour this solution directly onto the soil during watering sessions.
Slow-release granular fertilizers are also beneficial. They release nutrients into the soil. This protects your Acuminata from getting too much fertilizer. Flush the potting soil every few months to remove any buildup of fertilizer salts.
Repotting & Pruning
Repot your Acuminata every two years to give the roots more space to grow. Avoid disturbing the root system too much during repotting as it can shock the plant. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger in height and width than the previous one.
Trim stems without leaves. Provide plant stakes or moss poles to help your plant climb. This plant is a favorite for many due to its compact size but aggressive growth. You can prune it anytime. Trim old, rotting leaves to enhance aesthetics and growth.
Propagating Monstera Acuminata
Propagation is easy with Monstera Acuminata. Simply cut the stem at points where aerial roots are present at the nodes. These cuttings will root, even in water. The ideal
Stem Cutting in Soil
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Sterilize all your tools before you begin the process. You can do this with rubbing alcohol or a bleach and water solution. Clean tools are germ-free. They are important. They can stop infection or disease.
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Take a 10-15 cm cutting from a healthy stem. Allow the cutting to dry for a few hours so that a callus can form.
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Dip the cutting end into rooting hormone powder; this helps your cutting root faster. Commercially available rooting hormones are fine, but we recommend using organic root stimulants.
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Plant the cutting in a deep pot filled with a moistened mix of peat moss and sand in equal parts.
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Keep the stem cutting in a bright area with plenty of warmth. Water the mixture whenever it feels dry to maintain moisture levels.
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Cover your cutting with a plastic bag; this will keep the needed moisture for rooting. But, make a few holes for air circulation. Open the cover for 2-3 hours every day.
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The plant will likely root soon. Root development can take a few weeks to several months. This depends on many factors. Cuttings taken from the same plant at the same time can root at different times.
Propagating Monstera in water
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Another rooting medium for your cuttings is water. In this method, all other steps are like the previous section. But, you will place the cutting in water, not soil.
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Use filtered water and let it sit for a few hours (preferably overnight). This helps to dispel chlorine or other impurities.
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Trim any leaves near the bottom end of the cutting. This is important because leaves will rot in water.
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Place the bottom end of the stem cutting into a jar of water. Keep this jar in a sufficiently bright position but not under direct sunlight. Maintain warmth and humidity.
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Change the water every 3-4 days or whenever it gets murky. Under optimal conditions, you will see small roots in 2-3 weeks.
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Once established, move the stem cutting to a pot with good quality mix. Don’t leave the cutting in water too long as it may cause weak roots.
Air Layering
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Another favorite method for propagating Monstera is air layering. You should wrap a node with damp sphagnum moss.
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Secure the moss with plastic wrap but leave some gaps for airflow. Wrap loosely so that you can check root progress. You can also use ties or strings.
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Spray the sphagnum moss with water to keep it moist. Once the roots grow, make a cut right below the node, and you will have a stem cutting.
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Plant this cutting in suitable potting soil for Monstera plants. This method is the safest as you won’t lose any part of your plant even if it fails.
You can use any of the above methods. Then, continue with the plant care we discussed. This will grow your cuttings into healthy Acuminata plants.
Flowers The plant has large white to yellowish flowers ranging from 10-30 cm. From the inside, the flowers resemble a beehive structure. Most grown in temperate regions will produce flowers and fruit.
Adult Acuminata plants have leaves like Monstera Adansonii. But, they take several years to mature. Compare its leaves with Monstera Adansonii. You’ll notice that Acuminata’s leaves are smaller and smoother.
As Acuminata plants mature, the leaves start developing fenestrations or leaf holes. These holes help Acuminata withstand wind. They also protect it from the rains of tropical storms in its native habitat. Outdoors, this plant can grow between 1.8 to 4.5 meters. It has a varied growth rate. As a young plant, Monstera Acuminata grows or slowly. Once the plant matures, it will grow faster.
This evergreen hemi-epiphytic climber can develop long stems with proper support. Its leaves are graceful, with a smooth texture and hue. The elongated oval leaves on climbing plants have holes in them. If your Monstera plant has long stems without leaves, it needs something to climb on for growth.
Common Problems with Monstera Acuminata
Yellow Leaves
Monstera leaves turn yellow when they are either undernourished or over-watered. Overwatered Monstera Acuminata tends to have sweaty leaves. Do not water your plant until the soil feels almost completely dry. If the issue persists, replant your plant in fresh soil. Also, give it houseplant fertilizer.
Pests
Prepare a soap mixture and apply it to the leaves and stems to combat scale insects. To kill spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water. Do this in the bathroom or outdoor garden to avoid an unnecessary mess in your home.
Treating houseplant pests early is easy. Neem oil or rubbing alcohol is usually enough. But, for severe infestations, you might need to use horticultural oil or fungicide.
Monstera Root Rot
This disease attacks roots in damp or wet soil. It can greatly reduce the lifespan of your Monstera. Early leaf drop, wilted leaves, and poor growth are key indications of root rot.
Root rot occurs if your plant is not drying out properly or is over-watered. Wet soil prevents aerial roots from absorbing oxygen, leading to oxygen deficiency. It’s advisable to trim any rotting roots as this disease can easily spread to healthy roots. Prevent this condition by planting Acuminata only in well-draining soil.
Also, protect your plant from too much water. Let the soil dry slightly before the next watering.
Very Small New Leaves
If the young leaves are unusually small, your plant might not be getting enough sunlight. This Monstera tends to have small leaves as an indoor ornamental plant. Try moving it to a brighter spot, like near a window. This will help its leaves grow better.
Tips for Growing Monstera Acuminata:
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This plant is sensitive to sunlight. We suggest putting it on a west or east-facing windowsill. Or, where it can get morning or afternoon sun.
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Don’t repot too often. Doing so causes too much growth. Instead, regularly prune the plant by pinching new growth.
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Always use room-temperature, filtered water for your ornamental plants. Let the water sit overnight for chemicals like chlorine to evaporate.
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It’s better to under-water your Monstera plants than to over-water them. Underwatering is less harmful than overwatering. An overwatered Monstera is more prone to issues like root rot.
FAQs about Monstera Acuminata
Is Acuminata pet-friendly?
Keep Acuminata away from pets as it is highly toxic if ingested.
Can Monstera Acuminata tolerate full sunlight?
Monsteras are versatile in terms of lighting conditions. They survive in dim light but grow faster in bright locations. A few hours of full sunlight is good for this species.
How should I water Monstera Acuminata?
Bring your plant to a sink or shower area. Pour water slowly until it starts to flow from the drainage holes. Don’t forget to empty the drainage tray after a few minutes.
Is Monstera Acuminata a terrarium plant?
Acuminata is a great plant for humid terrariums.
Why is my Acuminata plant getting moldy on the soil surface?
Mold on the soil surface indicates that you are over-watering your Monstera Acuminata. Another sign of over-watering is a squishy stem. Let the potting medium dry out and reduce the watering frequency.
Can I plant Acuminata outdoors?
You can plant this plant outside only if you have a sheltered spot, like a canopied patio. And, if there is no threat of frost damage (applies only in four-season countries).
Conclusion
All Monstera enthusiasts love Monstera Acuminata. This evergreen plant is an epiphyte or climber. It is popular as an ornamental plant due to its small, unique leaves. When grown with support or trellis, it adds a tropical rainforest feel to your plant.
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