If you’re looking for a unique and stunning houseplant that’s a step beyond the common Monstera deliciosa, let me introduce you to the Monstera acuminata. This rare tropical houseplant offers a more delicate, elegant look for your indoor jungle.
It’s known for its beautiful, deeply fenestrated leaves that develop stunning splits and holes as it matures. While it can be a bit harder to find, its manageable size and striking appearance make it worth the search for any plant enthusiast.
Monstera Acuminata
Often confused with its cousin, Monstera adansonii, the acuminata has some distinct features. Its leaves are typically a darker, richer green and feel more leathery to the touch. The fenestrations, or holes, usually start closer to the central vein and extend outwards, creating a beautiful pattern.
Unlike some monsteras that get enormous, the acuminata stays relatively compact, with leaves often maxing out around 6 to 10 inches long. This makes it a perfect candidate for a shelf, a small trellis, or a hanging basket where its trailing vines can be shown off.
Key Characteristics and Identification
Let’s break down how to identify a true Monstera acuminata and tell it apart from similar plants:
- Leaf Shape: Leaves are elongated and heart-shaped (cordate) when juvenile, becoming more oval with age. They come to a long, tapered point—the name “acuminata” actually means “tapering to a long point.”
- Leaf Texture: The leaves are semi-glossy and have a firm, almost leathery feel compared to the thinner adansonii.
- Fenestration Pattern: Holes are mostly inner-fenestrations (not touching the leaf edge) and are more elongated. Mature leaves develop large splits along the edges too.
- Growth Habit: It’s a climber in nature. Indoors, it can trail or be trained up a moss pole. The internodes (spaces between leaves) are relatively short, giving it a fuller look.
How to Care for Your Monstera Acuminata
Good news! This rare plant isn’t notoriously difficult. It shares care requirements with many popular aroids. If you’ve kept a pothos or philodendron happy, you can succeed with this one too.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is the sweet spot. Think near an east or west-facing window where it gets plenty of gentle sun. A north window might be too dim, slowing growth and reducing fenestrations.
Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch those beautiful leaves. If you only have a south-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light. It can tolerate medium light, but its growth will be slower and the leaves may remain smaller with fewer holes.
Watering and Humidity
This is where most people go wrong. Your Monstera acuminata likes its soil to partially dry out between waterings.
- Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water thoroughly.
- Water until it runs out the drainage holes, then empty the saucer.
- In winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows.
As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity (above 50%). Brown, crispy leaf tips are a common sign the air is too dry. You can increase humidity by grouping plants together, using a pebble tray, or running a small humidifier nearby. Misting provides only a very temporary boost and isn’t usually enough on its own.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. A heavy, moisture-retentive soil will lead to root rot. You can make a great mix at home:
- 2 parts high-quality potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part orchid bark (or coconut coir chunks)
This combination ensures roots get oxygen and water drains quickly. Repot every 1-2 years in spring, sizing up only 1-2 inches in pot diameter. A pot with drainage holes is absolutely essential.
Feeding and Temperature
Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Do this every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Keep it in a warm spot between 65°F and 85°F. Protect it from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops. It cannot tolerate frost and should be kept above 60°F.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Propagating Monstera acuminata is straightforward and a fantastic way to share this rare plant with friends. The best method is stem cuttings.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the brown, bumpy ring where leaves and roots emerge) and one leaf.
- Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut just below a node.
- You can root the cutting in water or directly in a moist potting mix. If using water, place the node in the water, keeping the leaf dry.
- Change the water weekly. Once roots are a few inches long (in 2-6 weeks), pot it up in your aroid mix.
- If planting in soil, keep the mix consistently moist (not soggy) until you see new growth, indicating roots have formed.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Yellow Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and ensure your pot drains well. Yellow leaves can also indicate a need for fertilizer or, less commonly, underwatering.
Brown Leaf Edges or Tips
Low humidity is the usual culprit. Dry air from heating or air conditioning can cause this. Increase humidity around the plant. Brown spots in the middle of a leaf might be from sunburn or physical damage.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves
Your plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. If the stems are long and bare, you can also prune it back to encourage bushier growth from the base.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves down regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. If you spot pests, isolate the plant and treat it promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Where to Find a Monstera Acuminata
Because it’s a rarer species, you won’t typically find it at big-box garden centers. Your best bets are:
- Specialist online plant shops and nurseries.
- Local plant swaps or Facebook plant groups.
- Etsy sellers with good reviews.
- Botanical garden plant sales.
Always check reviews and ask for photos before buying online to ensure your getting a healthy plant and the correct species. Prices can vary widely based on size and availability.
Styling and Display Ideas
This plant’s versatile growth habit lets you get creative. You can let it trail gracefully from a high shelf or macramé hanger. For a fuller, upward look, train it onto a moss pole or a small trellis—this encourages larger leaf growth.
It looks fantastic in a simple, neutral pot that lets the foliage shine. Pair it with other textured plants like ferns or peperomias to create a lush, layered display. Its manageable size means it fits perfectly on desks, side tables, or plant stands where a larger monstera would overwhelm the space.
FAQ
Is Monstera acuminata the same as adansonii?
No, they are different species. Acuminata leaves are darker, thicker, and have a more tapered point. The holes are often more elongated and the plant has a slightly more compact growth habit.
Why are the leaves on my acuminata not splitting?
Insufficient light is the most common reason. Ensure it gets plenty of bright, indirect light. Also, fenestrations are a sign of maturity; young plants and new leaves will be solid.
How fast does this Monstera grow?
Growth speed depends on light, warmth, and feeding. In ideal conditions during spring and summer, you can expect several new leaves per season. Growth slows or stops in winter.
Is Monstera acuminata toxic to pets?
Yes, like all Monsteras, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.
Can I grow it in low light?
It will survive in low light, but it will not thrive. Growth will be very slow, leaves will remain small and likely won’t develop the characteristic fenestrations. Aim for at least medium indirect light for a healthy plant.
With its elegant, hole-filled leaves and climbing vines, the Monstera acuminata is a special addition to any plant collection. Its care is manageable once you understand its needs for light, water, and humidity. The key is to mimic its natural tropical understory habitat as closely as possible. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy plant that stands out for its unique beauty.