Monstera Aurea s a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
With its vibrant green leaves and unique, split foliage, it’s no wonder why this variegated Monstera has become a popular houseplant in recent years.
Monstera Aurea is relatively easy to care for if you provide it with the right conditions. It prefers warm, humid environments, bright indirect sunlight, and consistent moisture.
With proper care and attention, Monstera Aurea can be a low-maintenance and long-lasting addition to your indoor garden. However, it’s essential to keep an eye out for pests such as spider mites and to be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Additionally, it’s important to fertilize the plant regularly and to repot it with fresh soil as it outgrows its current pot.
This variegated Monstera is known for its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are typically a vibrant green color but can have yellow or white variegation. The leaves are also unique in their natural slits or holes, giving the plant a distinctive appearance. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches in length and 6 inches wide.
So, how do you care for Monstera Aurea?
Monstera Aurea Care
Monstera Aurea is a stunning epiphytic plant native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to care for Monstera Aurea.
Light: Plenty of indirect sunlight.
Water: Check weekly water if almost all of the soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix
Humidity: 50-60%
Pro Tip: Etsy is a great place to purchase Monstera Aurea. Check shop reviews! There are some great plant sellers and some not-so-great ones.
Lighting Needs
When it comes to lighting, Monstera Aurea prefers bright, indirect light. Place your Aurea near a window that receives plenty of natural light but not directly in the sun.
The leaves can become yellow and damaged if your plant is placed in an area that receives too much direct sunlight.
Instead, place your plant in an east or west-facing window, or use sheer curtains to filter the light. If you don’t have a spot in your home that receives enough natural light, you can also use a grow light to provide your plant with the light it needs.
Remember that it’s a variegated monstera. So, if it’s not getting enough light, you’ll know by the lack of variegation in its leaves. Healthy leaves will show variegation. The proper lighting will lead to the much sought-after splotchy pattern.
Watering Monstera Aurea
When it comes to watering, it’s essential to balance keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. The best way to determine when to water is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
When you do water, be sure to use room temperature water, and water the plant until water starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot. To avoid over-watering, make sure that the bottom of the pot has holes and that the plant is planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Humidity Needs
First and foremost, it’s important to note that Monstera Aurea is a tropical plant, which means it prefers warm, humid environments. If you live in a dry or cool climate, you may need to take extra steps to provide your plant with the humidity it needs.
One way to do this is by using a humidifier or placing a water tray near your plant. Additionally, you can mist your plant regularly with water to increase humidity and find the proper humidity levels.
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Soil
The best soil for a Monstera Aurea is a well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. An excellent way to achieve this is by mixing standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and adding sphagnum moss for moisture retention.
The moss also helps to keep the soil acidic and provides an environment for beneficial microorganisms to thrive. It’s vital to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged for the plant’s optimal growth.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is also an essential aspect of caring for Monstera Aurea. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as over-fertilizing can lead to leaf burn. It’s also important to note that the plant may not require fertilizer during the dormant period.
Pot
The best pot for a Monstera Aurea is well-draining and allows for room for the roots to grow. A terracotta or ceramic pot is a good choice as it allows for proper drainage and airflow to the roots. A pot with holes at the bottom is also recommended to prevent waterlogging.
A large container to accommodate the root ball and provide room for the plant to grow would be ideal. As the Monstera Aurea is a climbing plant, a tall and narrow pot would be better suited as it allows the plant to climb.
If you want to grow the plant indoors, it is advisable to choose a container that is not too heavy, as it will be challenging to move the plant around.
Repotting
Repotting Monstera Aurea is an essential step in maintaining your plant’s health. Here are the steps to follow when repotting your Monstera Aurea:
- Choose the right pot: Select a pot slightly larger than the current one, with drainage holes at the bottom. Make sure the pot is clean and dry before using it.
- Prepare the potting mix: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
- Water the plant: Water it well for a few hours before repotting to make removing it from the current pot easier.
- Carefully remove the plant from the current pot: Hold the base of the stem and gently pull the plant out of the pot. Be careful not to damage the roots.
- Inspect the roots: Inspect the roots to check for any damage or disease. Remove any with a clean, sharp pair of scissors if you find any.
- Place the plant in the new pot: Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the gaps around the roots with the potting mix.
- Water the plant: Water the plant well, making sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide the right conditions: Provide the plant with the right conditions, such as bright, indirect sunlight, warm and humid environments, and consistent moisture.
- Monitor the plant: Keep an eye on the plant for the next few days and ensure the soil is not drying out too quickly or becoming waterlogged.
It’s important to note that Monstera Aurea is a slow-growing plant. It doesn’t need to be repotted frequently. We recommend that you repot it once every 2-3 years or when it becomes too large for its current pot.
About Monstera Aurea
Size and Growth Rate
How long does it take for Monstera Aurea to mature?
These plants are known for growing slowly; it can take several years to reach maturity.
Now, the exact time frame can vary depending on the growing conditions. If your plant is in optimal conditions, such as bright, indirect sunlight, warm and humid environments, and consistent moisture, it may grow faster and reach maturity sooner. But generally, it can take 3-5 years for a Monstera Aurea to reach maturity.
So, if you’ve recently gotten a Monstera Aurea, take your time seeing it grow big and beautiful. It will take some time. But don’t worry. With patience and proper care, it will eventually reach maturity and produce those large leaves with natural slits or holes that we all love.
Variegation
Can Monstera Aurea revert?
Monstera Aurea is a hardy plant that can adapt to different growing conditions and environments. However, when it comes to variegation, it is essential to note that variegated plants are not as stable as their all-green counterparts, and they may revert to an all-green form.
Reversion is when a variegated plant loses its white or yellow pigmentation and turns into an all-green form. This can happen when the plant is stressed or not getting enough light or nutrients. It can also occur if the plant is propagated from a cutting, as the new plant may not have the same genetic makeup as the parent plant and may revert to an all-green form.
To keep your Monstera Aurea stable, refer to our care tips above.
How to Propagate Monstera Aurea
Propagating Monstera Aurea is a simple process that can be done by taking stem cuttings. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose a stem that is healthy, mature, and has at least 2-3 leaves. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut the stem just below a leaf node (the point on the stem where a leaf is growing) to get your Monstera Aurea cuttings.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top.
- Allow the cutting to callus over for a day or two by leaving it dry and shaded.
- Fill a small container with a well-draining potting mix, and make a hole in the center.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder (optional), and then insert the stem cutting into the hole in the potting mix.
- Water the cutting well, and cover the container with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
- Place the container in a warm, bright location but without direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- After a few weeks, check for roots by gently tugging on the stem. If it resists, roots have formed.
- Once the cutting has formed roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot with a well-draining potting mix and cared for as a mature plant.
It’s important to note that it could take some time for the cutting to develop roots and may not root at all. Patience is key, and keeping the cutting in ideal conditions is essential for successful rooting.
Where to Buy and Monstera Aurea
Monstera Aurea is a popular variegated monstera that can be found in various places such as:
- Nurseries and Garden Centers: You can check your area’s local nurseries and garden centers to see if they have Monstera Aurea.
- Online Plant Retailers: Many online plant retailers sell Monstera Aurea. Some popular options include Etsy, Amazon, and The Sill.
- Specialty Plant Shops: You can also check specialty plant shops in your area that specialize in rare or hard-to-find plants.
- Plant Swaps or Facebook groups: You can also look for plant swaps or Facebook groups in your area where individuals trade or sell their plants.
- Propagation: Lastly, you can also propagate your own Monstera Aurea from the cuttings of an existing plant.
It’s important to remember that Monstera Aurea is a slow-growing plant, and it may take a lot of work to find larger and more mature specimens in the market, making it more expensive. Additionally, it is less widely available than other common houseplants, so finding it may require more effort.
Whys is Monstera Aurea so expensive?
Have you noticed that Monstera Aurea can be pricey? Yeah, me too. But there are a few reasons this tropical beauty can cost a little more than other variegated plants and other variegated monstera varieties.
First off, it’s less widely available than some other plants. You’ll find it at only some of the nursery or garden centers, which can increase the price. But that’s also part of what makes it special, right?
Many types of variegated plants are growing in popularity! Another reason is that more and more people are discovering this plant’s unique beauty and low maintenance, and demand for it has increased. And as we all know, the price increases when demand increases.
Lastly, shipping and handling can also contribute to the high price. It’s a tropical plant that needs to be shipped in a controlled environment, which can add to the cost.
Is Monstera Aurea rare?
Monstera Aurea is not considered an extremely rare plant, but it is less widely available than other common houseplants. It can be found in some nurseries and online plant retailers, but it may be more difficult in some areas. It is also a slow-growing plant, making it hard to find larger and more mature specimens in the market.
It is important to note that Monstera Aurea is not an endangered species, but it is considered a rare plant compared to other common houseplants. It is a cultivar or Monstera Deliciosa.
Indoor Plants Similar to Monstera Aurea
If you’re a Monstera Aurea fan, you might also want to look at these. Whichever variegated monstera variety you choose, you’ll have a winner.
Monstera Aurea vs Deliciosa
Monstera Aurea and Monstera deliciosa are two different species of plants from the genus Monstera. Both are popular houseplants known for their large, tropical leaves with unique natural slits or holes. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Monstera deliciosa is a larger climbing vine that can grow up to 20 feet tall if given the right conditions. It has large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. Monstera Deliciosa leaves have natural slits or holes, giving the houseplant a distinctive appearance.
Regarding care, both plants require similar conditions, such as bright, indirect sunlight, warm and humid environments, and consistent moisture. However, Monstera deliciosa is a larger houseplant and may require more space and frequent repotting.
Additionally, Monstera deliciosa has a reputation for being more finicky than Monstera Aurea, as it is more sensitive to changes in light and temperature, and it may be more prone to pests and diseases.
Monstera Aurea vs. Mint
Monstera Aurea and Monstera mint are both plants from the genus Monstera. However, Monstera mint is a cultivar or a genetic variation of the Monstera deliciosa, which is a different species than Monstera Aurea.
Monstera mint, also known as the Mint Monstera, is a cultivar of Monstera deliciosa, known for its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with unique natural slits or holes. It has a distinctive mint green variegation with dark green splashes. These leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. It prefers bright, indirect lighting and high humidity.
Regarding care, both variegated plants require similar conditions, such as bright, indirect lighting, warm and humid environments, and consistent moisture. However, Monstera mint is a cultivar of Monstera deliciosa, a larger plant that may require more space and frequent repotting. Monstera mint may also be more prone to pests and diseases than Monstera Aurea.
Monstera Aurea vs. Albo
Monstera Aurea and Monstera albo are two different cultivars of the Monstera deliciosa species. Both are popular variegated plants known for their large, tropical leaves with unique natural slits or holes. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Monstera albo is characterized by its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that have distinctive white variegation. The leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity.
Regarding care, both plants require similar conditions, such as bright, indirect light, warm and humid environments, and consistent moisture.
Monstera Borsigiana Aurea vs. Monstera Aurea
One of the main differences between Monstera Aurea and Monstera Borsigiana Aurea is their leaf color. Monstera Aurea has a green leaf color, and Monstera Borsignia Aurea has a yellow leaf color with yellow variegation.
Another difference is the leaf shape. Monstera Borsigiana Aurea leaves are more elongated, while Monstera Aurea leaves are more heart-shaped.
Both plants require similar care. They need well-draining and moist soil, moderate light, and regular watering. They must also be trained to climb or be supported by a moss pole.
It’s important to note that Monstera Borsigiana Aurea is not scientifically recognized and is considered a cultivar of Monstera Aurea.
Even more Montsteras to love:
- Monstera Pinnatipartita
- Monstera Dubia
- Monstera Adansonii
- Monstera Borsigiana (Read our detailed Monstera Borsigiana Care Guide)
- Monstera Peru (Read our detailed Monstera Peru Care Guide)
You’ll also love the Mini-Monstera: Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma.
Plant Gear to Make Growing Monstera Aurea Easier:
- Humidity meter (a cheap way to monitor humidity and temperature levels)
- Humidifier
- Potting mix
- Perlite (to add drainage to soil mixes)
- Moss pole
- Pots (our favorites)
- How Not to Kill Your Houseplant (book)
Final Thoughts On Monstera Aurea Care
It is important to note that variegated monstera plants (and variegated plants in general) often require more care than their non-variegated counterparts, as they may require more light and may have a lower tolerance for heat and stress.
Variegated plants are also less tolerant of shady conditions. They often require more fertilization to ensure that your houseplant can produce enough chlorophyll to support the extra demand of the variegated leaves.
Monstera Aurea care is relatively simple, and this tropical houseplant will look stunning in your home! If you add one to your collection of tropical plants, you won’t regret it.
Read More:
Why is My Monstera Sweating?
Monstera Varieties You Might Not Know About
Monstera Sierrana Care Guide: Popular Houseplant, Buying Tips, and Similar Plants
Monstera Pinnatipartita Care Guide & Plant Info (With Photos)
Monstera Borsigiana (Top Tips & Care Guide)
