How to Grow and Care for Monstera Tenuis

Monstera tenuis is a climbing aroid native to the rainforests of Central America. It is popular among plant enthusiasts for the visual transformation it undergoes from its juvenile to its mature state, making it a rewarding plant to cultivate indoors.

Identifying Characteristics of Monstera Tenuis

In its juvenile phase, Monstera tenuis is characterized by its shingling habit, where small, heart-shaped leaves press flat against a climbing surface. These thin, velvety leaves create a pattern that resembles shingles on a roof, an adaptation for climbing trees to reach for light.

As the plant matures, its appearance changes significantly. The leaves detach from the climbing surface, growing larger and developing the fenestrations, or natural splits and holes, common to the Monstera genus. This mature foliage can reach up to two feet in length, displaying a glossy, dark green color with deep lobes.

Essential Care Guide

Light

Monstera tenuis thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, similar to the filtered light it would receive under a forest canopy. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches and damage.

Soil

This plant prefers a chunky, well-draining aroid mix that allows for good aeration while retaining adequate moisture. A combination of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark creates a suitable medium. This type of mix prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root issues.

Water

Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid waterlogged conditions. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, which presents as yellowing leaves. The frequency of watering will depend on factors like light exposure, humidity, and the time of year.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical plant, Monstera tenuis flourishes in warm and humid conditions. Ideal temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C), and it should be protected from cold drafts. High humidity levels, around 60% or more, are optimal. In drier indoor environments, using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can help create a more suitable microclimate.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, fertilizing encourages robust growth. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied monthly is sufficient. In the fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows, fertilization should be reduced or stopped to prevent an accumulation of salts in the soil.

Growth Support and Development

Providing a structure for Monstera tenuis to climb is fundamental to its development. In its natural environment, the plant is an epiphyte, growing on other trees for support. Replicating this with a moss pole, wooden plank, or trellis encourages its natural climbing habit.

The act of climbing is the primary trigger that signals the plant to transition from its juvenile shingling phase to producing mature, fenestrated leaves. Without this vertical support, the plant may remain in its juvenile form indefinitely. As the plant attaches its aerial roots to the support surface, it gains the stability needed to produce larger foliage. Gently secure the vines to the support with plant ties to help guide its upward growth.

Propagating Monstera Tenuis

The most common method to propagate Monstera tenuis is through stem cuttings. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to take a cutting that includes at least one node—the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots form. A cutting with an existing aerial root has a greater chance of success.

Once taken, the cutting can be rooted in a jar of water, which allows you to watch the roots develop. Alternatively, it can be placed in moist sphagnum moss or a well-draining potting mix. Maintaining high humidity and consistent moisture is important during this process. After a healthy root system has formed, the new plant can be potted.

Common Issues

Monstera tenuis can be susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, which thrive in dry conditions. Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves and maintaining high humidity can help prevent infestations. If pests are present, they can be treated by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.

Issues such as yellowing leaves or root rot are signs of improper watering. Yellow leaves can indicate both overwatering and underwatering, so check the soil moisture to diagnose the problem. Root rot, caused by consistently soggy soil, requires repotting the plant into fresh soil after trimming away the affected roots.