Monstera Aurea – Mastering Indoor Plant Care

The Monstera Aurea is a unique variation of the Monstera plant, distinguished by a striking feature in its leaves.

The leaves of the Monstera Aurea are notably eye-catching, displaying a blend of vivid yellow or golden hues against the plant’s basic green color, creating an appealing appearance. This golden-yellow pattern significantly drives up the price of the Aurea, sometimes reaching exorbitantly high levels that may seem unreasonable.

What are the characteristics of the Monstera Aurea?

The golden-yellow pattern on the leaves is distributed randomly, not following the leaf veins’ structure. Some leaves may have dark green spots or a marble-like pattern, further enhancing the plant’s aesthetic appeal. Each leaf of this plant is quite broad, reaching up to 30 centimeters (cm) in width.

As the plant matures, it will climb or trail. It’s important to provide plant support, like a stake or trellis, to maintain its beauty and facilitate healthy growth. The stems of the Monstera Aurea are green, with roots that develop along various parts of the stem to attach the plant to its support structure.

In terms of care, the Aurea requires a balance of bright, indirect sunlight and moderate watering. Overexposure to direct sunlight can bleach its unique leaf colors, while too little light can reduce the vibrancy of its golden patterns. The plant thrives in a well-draining soil mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.

The Monstera Aurea’s variegation is a result of a genetic mutation, making each plant unique. This variegation can also fluctuate with the plant’s environment and care, leading to variations in the intensity and distribution of the yellow or golden patterns across its foliage.

In addition to its decorative appeal, the Aurea is also valued for its air-purifying qualities, as it can help remove toxins from the air. This makes it not just a visually appealing addition to home or office spaces but also a beneficial one for indoor air quality.

Caring for Monstera Aurea

Monstera originates from tropical regions known for abundant rainfall throughout the year. Consequently, these tropical plants thrive in soil that is rich in nutrients, moist, and organic.

Here’s some advice on how to care for Monstera Aurea:

Choosing the Right Soil and optimal Soil pH

It’s advisable to use well-draining, airy, and loamy soil for planting. A great idea is to create a mix that combines high-quality potting soil with peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. This ensures good drainage and aeration.

Monstera prefers soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ranging from 5 to 7.5. Maintaining the right pH is essential, as this plant is more susceptible to Monstera root rot if the soil becomes too alkaline.

Proper Drainage

Ensure that the pot or container you use for planting has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. Avoid using soil that is excessively clayey or sandy in your planting mix, as it can impact drainage.

Watering Regimen and checking Soil Moisture

Monstera Aurea has relatively simple watering needs, with the frequency depending on the season. During the summer, water the plant once or twice a week. In contrast, during the winter, weekly watering is usually sufficient.

The best practice is to monitor the soil to determine when your plant needs water. Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure that you water evenly and focus on the root zone.

Avoiding Overwatering and Underwatering

It’s crucial not to overwater or underwater your Aurea. Underwatering can lead to dry leaf tips, while overwatering can cause issues like Monstera root rot. To avoid overwatering, make sure the pot has good drainage, and don’t let the plant sit in standing water, as an overwatered Monstera Aurea is susceptible to root rot.

Water Quality & Sunlight Exposure

It’s advisable to use lukewarm water with low chlorine content. If you’re using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate before watering your plant.

Like most plants, Monstera species thrive in indirect sunlight. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the leaves if exposure is prolonged. Conversely, placing the plant in complete shade or insufficient light can hinder its growth. It’s best to position your Monstera Aurea near a window with indirect sunlight. Additionally, you can grow Monstera plants under artificial grow lights.

Temperature Management

While Monstera Aurea can tolerate various temperatures, it thrives at an ideal range of about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. It exhibits vigorous growth during spring and summer but becomes less active during winter. The plant is sensitive to extremely cold temperatures and frost, so it’s advisable to bring it indoors in colder months. Keep it away from drafts caused by open windows and heating/cooling devices, as abrupt temperature fluctuations can harm the plant.

Humidity

Monstera Aurea thrives in a high-humidity environment. You can increase humidity by placing a tray filled with water and pebbles below the plant or using a room humidifier. Mist the area around your plant to maintain adequate humidity. Grouping several indoor plants together can also help distribute humidity more evenly.

By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Aurea remains healthy and vibrant, enhancing the beauty of your indoor space.

Guide to Propagating Monstera Aurea

To successfully propagate Aurea with lasting results, you should start with a mature plant. Prepare a pair of scissors, and a new pot for planting, and the method I find most reliable for propagation: stem cutting.

Propagating Monstera by Stem Cutting

1. Prepare the Planting Pot: Fill a planting pot with an appropriate potting mix and add a bit of water to moisten it.
2. Ensure Good Drainage: Ensure that the pot for stem cutting has proper drainage and good aeration.
3. Gently Cut a Stem: Carefully cut a stem from the Aurea plant, making sure the cut includes a node (where leaves and roots grow) and a leaf. Opt for a stem with multiple nodes and leaves, as this indicates good nutrient absorption capabilities.
4. Plant the Cutting: Place the stem cutting into the pot with the prepared potting mix, and water it if needed.
5. Provide Adequate Light: Position the cutting in an area with indirect, bright, and warm light to facilitate the growth of new roots.
6. Transplant When Roots Form: When you notice the emergence of new roots or leaves, transfer the plant to a larger pot to allow unrestricted growth.
7. Monitor and Water as Needed: Keep an eye on the plant and water it when necessary.

It may take about 3 to 6 weeks for the Monstera stem cutting to develop roots. So, after propagation, take a break and relax while the plant gradually grows.

Does Monstera Aurea Flower?

While Monstera Deliciosa can produce flowers and sweet-smelling fruits, Aurea, on the other hand, does not. Despite being a stunning Monstera species with impressive and unique color variations, Aurea rarely flowers. This plant is primarily cultivated for its striking variegated leaves, featuring beautiful shades of yellow intertwined with lush greens.

Conclusion

In summary, caring for Monstera Aurea, with its stunning variegated leaves, requires attention to soil, water, light, and temperature. Proper soil mix, watering regimen, and suitable light exposure are essential for its well-being. Stem cutting is a reliable method for propagation.

While Monstera Aurea is not known for flowering, its unique foliage adds beauty and air-purifying qualities to indoor spaces. By following these care and propagation tips, you can enjoy this plant’s elegance and contribute to a healthier indoor environment.