How to Grow and Care for Costela de Adão

The Monstera deliciosa, known in Portuguese as Costela de Adão, or “Adam’s Rib,” is a recognizable houseplant celebrated for its impressive foliage. Native to the tropical forests of Central America, this plant is a popular choice for indoor gardeners. Its large, glossy leaves bring a vibrant feel to interior spaces. As a member of the Araceae family, it is a climbing vine in its natural habitat, using aerial roots to ascend trees.

Caring for Your Costela de Adão

Light

Proper lighting is a significant factor in the health of a Costela de Adão. These plants flourish in bright, indirect light, which emulates the dappled sunlight of their native rainforest floor. An ideal placement is near an east or west-facing window, where the plant can receive several hours of gentle light daily. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves, causing brown, crispy spots.

While they can adapt to lower light conditions, growth may slow. In environments with insufficient natural light, especially during winter, supplementing with a full-spectrum LED grow light can be an effective way to meet the plant’s needs. Rotating the plant periodically ensures even growth on all sides.

Water

A consistent watering routine is important for the Costela de Adão, using the “soak and dry” method. This involves watering the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, and then allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before the next watering. This translates to watering every one to two weeks, though frequency will vary based on conditions.

Checking the soil’s moisture level is more reliable than a strict schedule. You can test this by inserting a finger into the top two inches of the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant’s roots. During the dormant winter months, the plant’s water needs will decrease, so adjust your frequency accordingly.

Soil

Costela de Adão plants require a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix that allows for good aeration to the roots. A suitable mix can be created by combining standard potting soil with components like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir to enhance drainage. This type of chunky, airy substrate mimics the loose forest floor of its natural habitat.

Many commercially available “aroid” mixes are formulated for these conditions and work well. If you prefer to make your own, a simple recipe involves blending equal parts indoor potting mix, orchid bark, and perlite. Using a pot with ample drainage holes is also necessary to avoid water accumulation.

Humidity & Temperature

As a tropical native, the Costela de Adão thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C and 29°C (65°F to 85°F). It is best to avoid temperatures below 13°C (55°F) and protect the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature shifts.

This plant appreciates higher humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 70%. While it can adapt to average household humidity, boosting moisture in the air can encourage more lush growth. Simple ways to increase humidity include misting the leaves regularly, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

To support its large foliage, the Costela de Adão benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be applied during the spring and summer months, typically every two to four weeks. Follow the specific instructions on the fertilizer’s label. A fertilizer with a higher nitrogen ratio, such as 3-1-2 (N-P-K), can promote leafy growth.

Fertilizer should be applied to moist soil to prevent root burn. During the fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, you should reduce or stop fertilizing. If you use a grow light year-round, the plant may continue to grow actively, in which case you can continue a consistent fertilizing schedule.

Understanding the Famous Leaves

The most iconic feature of a mature Monstera deliciosa is its large leaves with splits and holes, known as fenestration. These openings are not damage but a natural part of the plant’s development. Fenestrations begin to appear as the plant matures; young plants will have solid, heart-shaped leaves.

The biological purpose of fenestration has several leading theories. One hypothesis suggests the splits help the plant maximize sunlight capture in a rainforest by allowing light to filter down to its lower foliage. Other theories propose that fenestrations make the large leaves more resilient to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

To encourage fenestration in a houseplant, providing optimal conditions is important. Ample bright, indirect light is the most significant factor, as low light can inhibit the development of these splits.

Propagation Methods

Creating new Costela de Adão plants from an existing one is a straightforward process through stem cuttings. The most important element for success is ensuring that each cutting includes a node. A node is a small bump on the stem from which new leaves and aerial roots emerge. Cuttings taken without a node will not develop into a new plant.

To take a cutting, use a clean tool to cut a section of the stem that includes at least one leaf and a node. The first rooting method is to place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged. Change the water every few days, and roots should appear within a few weeks.

The second method is to plant the cutting directly into a pot with a well-draining soil mix, with the node buried just below the surface. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting establishes a robust root system. Dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone before planting can encourage faster root development.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves are a frequent problem and often a sign of overwatering. If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule to allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. An inconsistent watering routine can also stress the plant.

Brown, crispy edges on the leaves typically indicate low humidity or underwatering. To resolve this, you can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it, using a humidifier, or placing it on a pebble tray. A more thorough watering approach may be needed if the soil is consistently dry.

Pests can occasionally affect a Costela de Adão, with common culprits being spider mites and mealybugs. If you spot an infestation, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, inspecting the undersides of leaves. Regularly wiping the leaves clean can help deter pests.

Toxicity and Safety

The Monstera deliciosa is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. The plant’s toxicity is due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all its parts, including the leaves, stems, and roots. These needle-like crystals can cause significant irritation upon contact.

If a person or pet chews on the plant, these crystals can penetrate the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. This can result in immediate pain, intense burning, swelling, and excessive drooling. To ensure safety, place the plant out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and small children.