How to Grow and Care for Adansonii Aurea

The Monstera adansonii ‘Aurea’ is a distinct houseplant from the Araceae family, originating from the tropical jungles of Central and South America. It stands apart from the common Monstera adansonii due to its striking variegation. The plant features the species’ characteristic heart-shaped leaves with natural holes, a phenomenon known as fenestration.

What makes the Aurea special are the splashes of yellow and golden-cream coloring that decorate its green leaves. This variegation pattern can vary significantly, with some leaves displaying small speckles and others featuring large patches of color. The beautiful contrast between the golden hues and deep green makes it a collector’s item among plant enthusiasts.

Adansonii Aurea Essential Care

Light Requirements

Adansonii Aurea flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near an east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaf tissues, particularly the variegated golden sections which lack chlorophyll.

Sufficient light is necessary for preserving the plant’s signature variegation. If the light is too low, the plant may produce smaller leaves with less color as it tries to maximize chlorophyll production. Conversely, too much direct light will cause burning or browning of the leaves, indicating stress.

Soil Composition

Adansonii Aurea requires a well-draining, airy potting medium that mimics the forest floor of its native habitat. Standard potting soil is often too dense and can retain excessive moisture, leading to root rot. A chunky aroid mix is the preferred choice for this plant.

To create a suitable blend, you can combine equal parts of orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. The orchid bark and perlite create air pockets, ensuring excellent drainage and allowing roots to breathe. The peat or coco coir helps retain just enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated without becoming waterlogged.

Watering Schedule

This plant prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water the plant thoroughly until water flows from the drainage holes, then allow the top 2-3 inches of the soil to dry out before watering again. You can check the soil’s moisture level by inserting your finger into the pot. This approach prevents the overly wet conditions that can lead to root rot.

The frequency of watering depends on environmental factors like light and temperature. During the active growing season in spring and summer, it will require more water than in the fall and winter when growth slows. It is better to underwater slightly than to overwater, and drooping leaves can be an indicator that the plant is thirsty.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical native, the Adansonii Aurea thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from drafts and sudden temperature drops, which can shock the plant and impede its growth.

This plant appreciates high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 80%. While it can tolerate average household humidity, providing extra moisture will promote lush foliage. You can increase humidity by grouping it with other plants, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a small room humidifier.

Fertilization

Feeding your Adansonii Aurea during its growing season provides the nutrients it needs for new growth. During the spring and summer, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Follow the product’s instructions for dilution to avoid burning the roots.

Reduce fertilization during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Fertilizing during this dormant period can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots. Always water the plant before fertilizing to ensure even nutrient distribution.

Climbing Support

In its natural environment, Monstera adansonii is a vining plant that climbs trees. Providing support, such as a moss pole or coir totem, encourages this natural climbing habit indoors. As the plant attaches its aerial roots to the pole, it will feel secure, which often results in the development of larger, more mature leaves.

To encourage climbing, gently secure the main stem to the pole using plant ties. Keeping a moss pole moist will also entice the aerial roots to grow into it, further supporting upward growth. Without support, the plant will trail downwards, which can result in smaller leaves and a straggly appearance.

Propagating Adansonii Aurea

Propagating the Adansonii Aurea is a straightforward way to create new plants. The first step is to select a healthy cutting from the mother plant that includes at least one node—the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. To increase the chances of a variegated new plant, choose a stem that already shows strong yellow or cream patterns.

Use clean, sharp scissors to make a cut just below a node, taking a cutting with one to three leaves. After taking the cutting, you can root it in several mediums.

One popular method is water propagation. Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots should form within a few weeks, and once they are a few inches long, the cutting can be moved to soil.

Alternatively, you can root the cutting directly in a chunky aroid soil mix or sphagnum moss. For soil propagation, plant the node in a small pot with a well-draining mix and keep the soil consistently moist. If using sphagnum moss, moisten it until damp and place the cutting inside a container that can hold humidity to encourage root development.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Losing Variegation

A common concern is the loss of the golden variegation, known as reversion, where new leaves emerge as solid green. The primary cause is insufficient light. When the plant doesn’t receive enough bright, indirect light, it prioritizes chlorophyll production for energy, causing variegated sections to diminish.

To address this, move the plant to a location with brighter, filtered light. You can also prune the plant by cutting the stem back to the last leaf that displayed good variegation. This encourages the plant to produce new, variegated growth from that node.

Browning on Variegated Sections

The yellow or cream-colored parts of the leaves are more delicate because they lack chlorophyll and are susceptible to browning. This is often a sign of inconsistent watering, low humidity, or exposure to direct sun. If the soil becomes too dry, the plant cannot supply enough water to these sensitive tissues, causing them to turn brown. To prevent this, maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure the plant has adequate humidity and is protected from harsh sun.

Pest Infestations

Adansonii Aurea can be susceptible to common pests like spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing damage that appears as stippling, discoloration, or distorted new growth. Regularly inspect the leaves, especially the undersides, to catch an infestation early.

If pests are detected, isolate the plant to prevent them from spreading. For small infestations, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a spray of water. For more persistent issues, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective treatments.

Leggy Growth

Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with small, sparse leaves, is a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light. The plant is stretching toward the nearest light source, resulting in a thin appearance rather than a full one. To correct this, move the plant to a brighter location. Pruning the leggy stems will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller, and the cuttings can be used for propagation.