If you’re looking for a stunning and unusual houseplant to add to your collection, the Monstera lechleriana is a fantastic choice. This rare tropical houseplant offers a unique beauty that stands out from its more common cousins. With its large, glossy leaves and distinctive fenestrations, it brings a slice of the jungle right into your home. While it can be a bit tricky to find, its care is surprisingly straightforward once you understand its needs.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow and enjoy this spectacular plant. We’ll cover its origins, how to care for it, and how to help it thrive for years to come.
Monstera Lechleriana
Native to the rainforests of South America, the Monstera lechleriana is a climbing aroid. In the wild, it uses its aerial roots to attach itself to trees, reaching for the dappled light of the canopy. Its leaves are its main attraction—they start heart-shaped and solid, but as the plant matures, they develop those classic Monstera splits and holes, known as fenestrations.
The fenestrations on a lechleriana are often more irregular and elongated compared to a Monstera deliciosa. The leaves have a thick, almost leathery texture and a deep green, glossy shine. It’s a moderately fast grower when given ideal conditions, and it can become a magnificent, sprawling specimen.
Key Characteristics at a Glance
- Leaf Style: Large, glossy, with elongated splits and holes.
- Growth Habit: Climbing or trailing vine.
- Light Needs: Bright, indirect light.
- Rarity: Considered a rare find in plant shops.
- Mature Size: Can grow several feet long indoors.
Finding Your Monstera Lechleriana
Because it’s a rare tropical houseplant, you won’t likely find it at your local garden center. Your best bets are specialized online plant retailers, plant auctions on social media, or swaps with other collector’s. Always check reviews of sellers to ensure you get a healthy plant. When it arrives, be prepared to quarantine it from your other plants for a week or two, just to make sure no pests hitched a ride.
Ideal Light Conditions
Light is the most important factor for a happy Monstera lechleriana. It needs plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to grow well and develop those beautiful fenestrations. A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually perfect. A south-facing window can work too, but you may need to diffuse the light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf scorch.
If the light is too low, your plant will tell you. You’ll notice slower growth, smaller leaves, and a lack of new fenestrations. The stems might also become leggy as it stretches toward the light. Don’t be afraid to move it around until you find the sweet spot.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Watering is where many plant owners go wrong. The Monstera lechleriana likes its soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs freely out the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture. Never let your plant sit in a saucer of standing water, as this leads to root rot, which is the most common killer of these plants. In the winter, when growth slows, you’ll need to water less frequently.
Soil and Potting Needs
A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. These plants hate having “wet feet.” You can use a high-quality aroid mix, or make your own. A simple recipe is:
- Two parts regular potting soil.
- One part perlite for drainage.
- One part orchid bark for aeration.
Repot your Monstera lechleriana every 1-2 years in spring, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Only go up one pot size at a time; a pot that’s too large holds excess moisture. Always choose a pot with drainage holes!
Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity. Aim for levels above 50%. If your home is dry, especially in winter, here are a few tips:
- Use a humidifier near the plant (most effective).
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
- Group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
Misting is okay, but it only provides a very temporary boost. For temperature, keep it in a warm room between 65°F and 80°F. Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning vents.
Fertilizing for Growth
Feed your plant during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply it about once a month. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant isn’t actively growing. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so when in doubt, use less.
Supporting Its Climbing Habit
In it’s natural habitat, this plant climbs. Providing a moss pole or a wooden plank for support mimics this environment and encourages larger, more mature leaf growth. Gently attach the stems to the pole using soft plant ties or twine. As the plant grows upward, it will anchor itself with its aerial roots. You’ll often see a big difference in leaf size once it has something to climb.
Pruning and Propagation
Pruning helps maintain a nice shape and can encourage bushier growth. Simply use clean, sharp scissors to trim away any yellowing or damaged leaves. You can also cut back leggy stems. The best part? Those cuttings can be used to make new plants!
To propagate your Monstera lechleriana:
- Cut a stem section that includes at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots grow from).
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
- Put it in a bright spot and change the water weekly.
- Once roots are a few inches long, pot it up in soil.
You can also propagate directly in moist sphagnum moss or perlite. Propagation is most successful in spring or early summer.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellow Leaves
This is usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. Yellow leaves can also indicate a need for fertilizer, but check water first.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges
Low humidity is the most likely culprit. Try increasing the moisture in the air around your plant. It could also be from too much direct sun or underwatering.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. If you spot pests, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Lack of Fenestrations
If new leaves are coming in without splits, the plant probably isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (with indirect light). Also, remember that juvenile leaves often don’t have fenestrations; they develop as the plant matures.
FAQ About Monstera Lechleriana Care
Is Monstera lechleriana the same as Monstera adansonii?
No, they are different species. Lechleriana leaves are generally larger, thicker, and have a different pattern of fenestration compared to the smaller, thinner leaves of the adansonii.
How fast does this Monstera plant grow?
With good light, warmth, and proper care, it can be a moderately fast grower, putting out several new leaves during the spring and summer growing season.
Why are the leaves on my rare Monstera turning yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Other causes include underfeeding, or natural shedding of old leaves.
Can I grow this rare tropical plant in low light?
It will survive in low light, but it won’t thrive. Growth will be very slow, leaves will stay small, and it likely won’t develop any fenestrations. Bright, indirect light is key.
Is the Monstera lechleriana pet friendly?
No. Like most Monsteras and aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious pets.
Adding a Monstera lechleriana to your home is a rewarding experience for any plant enthusiast. Its striking appearance and vigorous growth make it a captivating focal point. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy this rare gem for many years. Remember, the key is to observe your plant and adjust your care as needed—it will tell you what it wants. With a little patience and attention, you’ll have a magnificent, fenestrated showpiece that is well worth the effort.