If you’re a fan of unique and rare houseplants, the Monstera Adansonii Aurea is definitely a plant to consider. An eye-catching variant with striking variegation, this tropical beauty is highly sought after by plant enthusiasts.
With its Swiss cheese-like leaves, adorned with yellow variegation, it brings a touch of the exotic to your indoor garden.
As you’ll soon discover, caring for the Monstera Adansonii Aurea goes beyond just a passion for plants; it requires providing an environment that caters to its specific needs. Keep in mind, this variegated version needs more light than its non-variegated counterpart due to its light leaf markings.
Continue reading to uncover the essential techniques to nurture and grow your Monstera Adansonii Aurea, transforming your indoor space into a lush, tropical paradise.
Adansonii Aurea Overview
Origin and Habitat
The Monstera Adansonii Variegated Aurea is a rare and unique plant that originates from Central and South America.
This striking houseplant is native to the tropical rainforests, where it can be found climbing tree trunks or sprawling across the forest floor. In its natural environment, the Monstera Adansonii Aurea enjoys a consistently warm and humid climate.
Distinctive Features
What sets the Monstera Adansonii Variegated Aurea apart from its other Monstera counterparts is the stunning variegation in its leaves. Its foliage showcases a mix of green and yellow hues, giving it an eye-catching appearance. The variegation pattern can vary from leaf to leaf, making each plant a unique piece of living art.
Similar to other Monstera species, the Adansonii Aurea boasts the signature lacy leaf pattern, featuring numerous naturally occurring holes or fenestrations.
These fenestrations become more prominent as the plant matures, adding visual complexity and character to this already alluring indoor plant.
In addition to its captivating appearance, the monstera adansonii aurea yellow variegated is also known for its sensitivity and slightly more challenging care requirements.
This rarity makes it a prized possession for experienced plant collectors, but it may not be the best choice for beginners looking to venture into the world of Monstera plant care.
Monstera Adansonii Aurea Care and Cultivation
Light Requirements
Your Adansonii Aurea thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight, as it can easily burn the foliage.
It’s used to growing under the cover of large trees in its natural habitat, so keeping it in medium to bright indirect light will promote good health and faster growth.
Watering and Soil
When it comes to watering, your Adansonii Aurea needs consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged.
To achieve this, water it about once a week, ensuring the potting mix remains slightly moist. A well-draining Aroid mix works best, which you can create by combining bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal.
Temperature and Humidity
Your Adansonii Aurea appreciates a warm and humid environment. Maintain a temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and a humidity level above 60%.
If your indoor environment is too dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase humidity around it. Remember, this plant is from tropical regions so it enjoys that warm, humid environment. Kitchens or bathrooms are great for these plants!
Fertilization
Fertilize your Monstera Adansonii Aurea every month during the spring and summer growing season with a well-balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding and root burn. Fertilization can be cut back to every other month during the fall and winter when growth is slower.
Pruning and Training
Pruning your Adansonii Aurea regularly will encourage bushier growth and maintain its shape. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves and trim back long, leggy growth.
Additionally, as this plant has a natural tendency to climb, providing a moss pole or trellis can help support its growth and give it the stability it needs.
Potential Issues
While the Adansonii Aurea is a generally easy-to-care-for plant, there are some potential issues that you may encounter. In this section, we will discuss common pest problems and disease concerns to help you properly navigate these situations.
Pest Problems
As with many houseplants, it is essential to keep an eye out for common pests that may harm your Adansonii Aurea. Some of these pests include:
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
To prevent pests, keep your plant’s foliage clean and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of pests, promptly treat the issue using natural or chemical insecticides according to the label instructions.
Disease Concerns
In addition to pest issues, you should also be aware of potential disease problems that can affect your Adansonii Aurea. One common issue is root rot, which can occur if the plant is overwatered. To prevent root rot:
- Use well-draining soil
- Water only when necessary, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings
- Avoid letting excess water sit in the saucer below the pot
By being aware of these potential problems and taking preventive measures, your Adansonii Aurea should thrive and remain healthy in your care.
Propagation Techniques
Propagating your Monstera Adansonii Aurea can be a rewarding experience. In this section, we’ll discuss two popular methods: stem cuttings and air layering. Both techniques are effective and easy to learn.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is a popular method for propagating Monstera Adansonii Aurea.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Using a sanitized and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, take a stem cutting of 3 to 5 leaves, cutting at least an inch below the node.
- Remove bottom leaves from the cutting so that they don’t become submerged when propagating in water.
- Place the cutting in a tall vessel filled with water, ensuring that the node is submerged but the leaves remain above the water line.
- Keep the vessel in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water every few days.
- Wait for roots to form and grow, which may take a few weeks.
- Once significant root growth is visible, transplant the cutting into soil, taking care to keep the plant moist but not overly wet during the initial weeks.
- Allow the plant to adjust and grow in its new home.
Stem cuttings can also be propagated directly in soil, which involves placing the cutting into moist soil immediately after cutting it.
Air Layering
Air layering is another effective method for propagating Monstera Adansonii Aurea.
Here’s a brief guide to air layering:
- Identify a healthy stem with a leaf node, preferably one with an aerial root.
- Wrap damp sphagnum moss around the node, ensuring it’s in contact with the aerial root.
- Enclose the moss-covered node with plastic wrap, securing it with tape or a rubber band to create a humid environment for the root to grow.
- Wait for roots to develop within the moss, which may take a few weeks.
- Once root growth is visible, cut the stem below the wrapped node and carefully remove the plastic wrap.
- Plant the cutting, with the moss still attached, into soil and provide proper care for your new Monstera Adansonii Aurea plant.
With these propagation techniques, you’ll be well on your way to growing new Monstera Adansonii Aurea plants for yourself or to share with friends and family.
Growth
The size of a Monstera adansonii aurea plant can vary depending on its growing conditions and how well it’s cared for. However, in general, Monstera adansonii aurea is a relatively small plant compared to other Monstera species.
The leaves of Monstera adansonii aurea can grow up to about 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm) in length, and the plant itself can reach a height of up to 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) under ideal conditions.
That being said, it’s important to note that the growth rate and final size of a Monstera adansonii aurea plant can be affected by factors such as light, water, humidity, temperature, and soil quality.
If a Monstera adansonii aurea plant is provided with optimal growing conditions and is well-cared for, it has the potential to reach its full growth potential. Some people call this plant Monstera adansonii aurea giant because of the large leaf size, however that is not a real species.
Decorative and Landscaping Ideas
When incorporating Aurea Adansonii into your home or garden, consider these decorative and landscaping ideas to make the most of your beautiful, variegated plant:
1. Use Aurea Adansonii as a statement piece in your living room. Place it in a hanging planter or on a stylish plant stand. This way, your plant will receive adequate sunlight and its lush, trailing leaves will add a touch of elegance to your space.
2. Incorporate Aurea Adansonii into your patio or outdoor seating area. As a tropical plant, it will thrive in a warm environment with bright, indirect sunlight. Pair it with other exotic plants or tropical-themed decorations for a cohesive look.
3. Create a green wall or vertical garden by attaching multiple Aurea Adansonii plants to a trellis or grid. Their natural climbing ability and unique leaf patterns will create a stunning visual display.
4. Incorporate Aurea Adansonii into an indoor terrarium or mini greenhouse. Be sure to provide ample humidity and light for the plant to thrive.
FAQ
Q: Why is Monstera adansonii Aurea so expensive?
The Adansonii aurea, is a rare and highly sought-after plant because of its distinctive golden-yellow variegation. There are several factors that contribute to its high price:
- Rarity: Monstera adansonii aurea is a rare cultivar that is not commonly found in nurseries or plant stores. This rarity makes it more valuable to collectors and enthusiasts.
- Demand: The popularity of indoor plants has surged in recent years, and Monstera adansonii aurea is among the most sought-after varieties due to its unique variegation. The high demand for this plant drives up its price.
- Difficulty of propagation: Monstera adansonii aurea can be difficult to propagate, and it can take a long time to produce new plants. This makes it more challenging for growers to produce a large quantity of these plants, which can contribute to its high price.
- Shipping costs: Monstera adansonii aurea is a delicate plant that requires special handling and packaging to ensure it arrives safely to its destination. This can add to the overall cost of the plant.
The combination of rarity, high demand, difficulty of propagation, and shipping costs make Monstera adansonii aurea an expensive plant to purchase.
Q. How do you increase variegation in Monstera Aurea?
A: Monstera adansonii aurea is a cultivar of the Monstera adansonii plant that has golden-yellow variegation on its leaves. The variegation in Monstera aurea is a result of a genetic mutation that affects the pigmentation in the plant’s leaves.
You can try to encourage variegation in your Monstera adansonii aurea by providing the proper amount of bright, indirect light. Variegated plants typically require more light than their non-variegated counterparts.
Ensure your Monstera adansonii aurea is getting enough light by placing it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to produce more green pigment in its leaves, which can decrease the variegation. Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly, and follow the recommended dosage on the package.
Pruning your Monstera adansonii aurea can encourage the growth of new variegated leaves. Cut back any non-variegated leaves to direct the plant’s energy towards producing more variegated foliage.
Monstera adansonii aurea prefers warm, humid conditions. Keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent to encourage healthy growth and variegation.
NOTE: It’s worth noting that the variegation in Monstera adansonii aurea can be unpredictable, and not all plants will produce highly variegated leaves. However, by providing the right conditions and using some of these techniques, you can increase the likelihood of producing more variegated foliage in your Monstera adansonii aurea.
Q: What is the difference between Monstera Adansonii Aurea vs Albo
A: Monstera adansonii aurea and Monstera adansonii albo are both cultivars of the Monstera adansonii plant, but they have different variegation patterns.
Monstera adansonii aurea has golden-yellow variegation on its leaves, which is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the plant’s pigmentation.
This variegation is usually in the form of irregular spots or streaks, and it can vary in intensity depending on the plant.
Monstera adansonii albo, on the other hand, has white variegation on its leaves. The variegation is usually in the form of irregular, white patches or stripes, and it can also vary in intensity depending on the plant.
Both Monstera adansonii aurea and Monstera adansonii albo are highly sought-after plants among collectors and enthusiasts. However, Monstera adansonii albo is generally considered to be rarer and more difficult to find than Monstera adansonii aurea, which can make it more expensive.
Q: Is Monstera adansonii aurea toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Monstera adansonii aurea is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth and throat irritation, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and children.
Q: What is the Monstera adansonii aurea price and where can I buy one?
Prices for Monstera adansonii aurea ranged from around $50USD for a small cutting or juvenile plant, to several hundred dollars or more for a mature specimen with a large, well-developed variegation pattern.
When purchasing plants online, be sure to read reviews, check the seller’s reputation, and look for plants with healthy foliage and well-developed variegation.
Additionally, be aware that some plants may be sold as Monstera adansonii aurea but may not be the true cultivar, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and buy from a trusted source.
Check out: Etsy, AroidMarket, or other online marketplaces.
Q: Should I mist my monstera adansonii?
A: Monstera adansonii plants, including the aurea cultivar, can benefit from increased humidity, but misting alone may not provide enough moisture to make a significant difference.
Instead, you may want to consider other methods of increasing humidity, such as placing a humidifier near the plant, using a pebble tray, or grouping plants together to create a microclimate.
Misting can also have some drawbacks, such as promoting the growth of mold or fungus on the plant’s leaves if the moisture doesn’t dry quickly enough.
Additionally, misting can cause water droplets to accumulate in the crevices between the leaves, which can lead to rot or other issues if the water isn’t allowed to evaporate.
If you do choose to mist your Monstera adansonii aurea, it’s best to do so early in the day so that the water has time to evaporate before evening.
Use room-temperature or lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant, and mist the leaves lightly, being careful not to soak them completely.
However, keep in mind that misting alone may not provide enough moisture for the plant, so you may want to consider other methods of increasing humidity as well.
Q: What are some other rare or sought after Monstera plants?
- Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’: This stunning Monstera cultivar features variegated leaves with splashes of white and cream, along with distinctive perforations and deep green veins. It can be more difficult to find and expensive than the standard Monstera deliciosa.
- Monstera obliqua: Also known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” Monstera obliqua is one of the rarest and most elusive Monstera species. It has small, delicate leaves with large perforations, and is often difficult to propagate and care for.
- Monstera karstenianum: This rare Monstera species has small, heart-shaped leaves with intricate silver veining, and is prized for its unique foliage. It can be challenging to find and care for, but is well worth the effort for its beauty and rarity.
- Monstera adansonii var. friedrichsthalii: This lesser-known Monstera cultivar has longer, more pointed leaves than the standard Monstera adansonii, with a more vigorous climbing habit and unique leaf perforations.
- Monstera pinnatipartita: Another rare Monstera species, Monstera pinnatipartita has deeply lobed leaves with a unique shape and texture. It can be difficult to find and expensive, but is highly sought after by collectors.
Final Thoughts
Caring for the Monstera adansonii aurea can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. This unique plant is prized for its striking variegation and trailing vines, making it a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts.
By providing your Monstera adansonii aurea with the right growing conditions, including bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering and fertilizing, you can help it thrive and reach its full potential.
Remember to keep an eye out for any signs of stress or disease, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods of increasing humidity or propagating new plants.
With a little patience and care, your Monstera adansonii aurea can bring years of beauty and enjoyment to your home.
