Monstera Subpinnata Care And Secret Tips – Ultimate Guide
Monstera Subpinnata Care: Monstera Subpinnata is a rare tropical climbing tree with beautiful palm- or finger-like large green, split leaves and pinnae that narrow towards the base.
This plant is native to Bolivia and Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and purifies the air.
Botanically, Monstera Subpinnata belongs to the Arum family, Araceae. Commonly known as aroids, it is also called Arums. The Monstera genus has 45 species. Its Latin name Monstera refers to the leaf’s holes or fenestrations.
Last but not the least, this aroid has been mislabeled by Philodendron Subpinnata. Please note that it’s not a Philodendron.
Quick Overview
| Scientific Name | Monstera Subpinnata, synonyms Monstera, monstera uleana, Tornelia |
| Family | Arum family, Araceae (aroids) |
| Common names | Philodendron subpinnata, subpinnata Monstera |
| Native habitat | Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador. |
| Type | A flowering, tropical, evergreen, perennial hemiepiphytes |
| Size | They can grow up to 33 feet in their natural habitat, and up to 4-6 feet when used as houseplants |
| Leaves | Large green leaves that are finger-like or pinnate and measure 10 to 15 inches in length and 7 to 11 inches wide. |
| Stems | Vine green, 0.6- to 1-inch with short nodes |
| Flowers | Inflorescence pale to yellow flowers borne upon a spadix with spathe |
| Blooming Time | It matures every year for a full year |
| Light requirements | Indirect light, medium to bright |
| USDA hardiness zone | 10b-12 |
| Temperature | 65°F to 85°F, not frost-hardy |
| Humidity | Average to above-average, i.e. 50% or more, but can tolerate humidity in the home with occasional misting |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Soil | A potting mix that is rich in organic matter or soil that is well-drained and chunky, |
| Watering | Medium: Allow the top 2 to 3 inches or 50% to 75% soil to feel dry |
| Propagation | Stem cutting |
| Toxicity | Toxic for pets and humans |
| Care level | Low or easy |
Identification – description, appearance and identification
Before we get into the safety and care of this plant, let’s first identify it. We’ll be looking at the growth habits, size, appearance, and colour of leaves, stems and flowers as well as their appearance.
1. Growing habits
Monstera subpinnata, a tropical climbing hemiepiphyte, grows in the humid jungles of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. A hemiepiphyte plant can grow on both trees (epiphytes) and the ground (terrestrial plants).
The perennial, evergreen flowering plant is found at altitudes of 0 to 4921ft (0 to 1500m). This charming aroid can be found climbing trees under their canopy while you are in the jungle. It uses its aerial roots for support when climbing. It will spread on the surface if it doesn’t have vertical support.
Last, but not least, Monstera subpinnata, like other Monstera species, has a moderate rate. The growth rate is affected by factors like temperature, humidity, climbing places, and soil.
2. Size
M. subpinnata can grow up to 33 feet (10 m) in its natural habitat. They can grow up to 3 to 6 feet high at home.
3. Leaves
Monstera subpinnata is a beautiful, finger-like plant with large, green, pinnately split leaves. They are approximately 10 to 15 inches long, 7 to 11 inches wide, and 10 to 15 inches long.
Each leaf has approximately 3 to 12 pinnae (lateral) on each side. The terminal pinnae, which are roughly the same size as those on the lateral, are approximately the same size.
The pinnae are also slightly narrower towards their base (midrib), which makes them different from a Monstera.
4. Stems
It has narrow, green stems that are 0.6 to 1 inches (1.5 to 2.5 cm) in diameter and 1.2 to 3 to 4 inches (3 to 6cm), long at the internodes. As it climbs, these viny stems become thinner. The vines also have aerial roots to attach to the things they are climbing. The roots will eventually grow into the soil if they are spread on the ground.
5. Flowers and fruits
Once the plant matures, these Monstera varieties flower. It is ornamental and unlikely to bloom if it is not grown outside.
Monstera subpinnata, like many other plants of the Araceae family, has yellow to yellow tiny Inflorescence Flowers borne on Spadix. It is surrounded by a Whitish or cream spathe.
The spadix has an equivalent or shorter peduncle than Monstera Siltepecana.
The spadix will bear clustered seeds containing berry-like fruit after anthesis. These fruits are yellowish-greenish in colour and then turn yellowish- or orange when they reach maturity.
These fruits should not be eaten. These fruits are poisonous or toxic. After they have fully ripened, only Monstera Delicia Fruits can be eaten.
This plant can be grown anywhere
Monstera subpinnata make excellent houseplants. They can be grown in hanging baskets or pots. These plants are climbers and will thrive if they have vertical support like a tree, moss pole or totem.
A greenhouse cabinet or terrarium is a good choice for people who have low humidity levels or want to better control the conditions. It must be large. Why? Because if it isn’t trimmed, this aroid could grow very large.
If the weather is good, you can grow this Monstera in an arbour, greenhouse, or garden. You can also let it spread as groundcover or trail trees.
Monstera subpinnata growth and care requirements
This aroid requires little to no maintenance and is easy to care for. It needs to be kept in a cool and humid area, with well-drained soil.
These Monstera Subpinnata care requirements are:
USDA hardiness zone
Most vendors will note that Monstera subpinnata USDA hardiness zones are 9 to 11. However, the correct zone should not be 10b to12 ( Garden.org putting value at zone 12 or higher but 10b is okay).
This plant, like other Monsteras, is not frost-hardy. It can also be killed or damaged by freezing temperatures. If you live in such zones, grow it outside.
The patio zone for growing them is 4a-11. This means you can allow this aroid to enjoy the summer outdoors, and then move them indoors when it gets colder. But don’t put it in direct sunlight.
Temperature
The ideal temperature to keep your M. subpinnata healthy is 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29degC). It will tolerate temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (112.8-29degC). However, temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) can be dangerous.
These plants will stop growing at temperatures below 50°F (10°C). I have M. If you have subpinnata plants that are grown outdoors, please move them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10degC).
Avoid sudden temperature changes and avoid placing these plants near heating or cooling system vents.
Monstera Subpinnata Humidity
All Monsteras love humidity and subpinnata are no different. It is recommended that you give the tropical jungle plant an average-to-above-average humidity level, i.e. 50% to 50%. However, subpinnata thrive in low humidity and should be misted or found other ways to increase humidity.
Low humidity can cause leaves to have yellow edges or tips, curl, yellow and other symptoms. Mist your plants a few times per week to increase the humidity. You can also use a pebble tray, or buy a humidifier. AquaOasis(TM), is an excellent brand to look into.
Last, but not least, some people choose to keep these plants in their bathroom or terrarium to easily control humidity. These are all acceptable options.
Monstera Subpinnata Light Requirements
Monstera subpinnata needs medium to bright indirect lighting for at least 12 hours per day. It can tolerate moderate to low light, however. It will, however, grow slowly and have smaller leaves. It is also possible to yellow.
You can also buy grow lights like GHodec Solar White if your house is not well lit. These plants do not need artificial light. Learn more about Monstera light requirements.
However, direct sunlight is not a good idea as it can cause sunburn or bleached or washed out-looking leaves. If you grow your plants outdoors, make sure to have shade, shade cloth, or a greenhouse.
Indoors, place your plants in a way that avoids direct sunlight, but still allows for bright indirect light. Rotate your plant to ensure balanced growth. It tends toward light sources and will grow faster if it is not.
Soil or potting mixture
Monstera subpinnata requires a well-drained, chunky potting mix.
Hemiepiphytes spend their time growing on other trees as epiphytes. They are also not fussy about the potting mix or soil they receive.
They can be grown in well-drained loamy soils, with perlite, bark chips and peat moss, or you can buy an aroid potting mixture. To promote drainage and aeration, you can also mix some coco coir or sphagnum moss, potting mix and some pumice or perlite.
Perlite will improve drainage. Sphagnum moss or coco coir will make the soil richer in organic matter and lower pH. Learn more about the best Monstera soil mix.
Monstera Subpinnata Watering
Monstera subpinnata requires a moderate water intake, which allows the soil to dry slightly between waterings. They like moist soil.
When the soil is dry, it’s recommended to water your Monstera subpinnata. It will take a few days for the soil to dry completely. This can happen in spring and summer, and fall and winter bi-weekly. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature, humidity, sun, and other factors.
Finally, watering should be done slowly and evenly until water runs out. After 15 minutes, discard any water that has accumulated on the saucer.
a. Overwatered Monstera subpinnata
Monstera and other houseplants can be overwatered. This can cause root rot which, if not addressed promptly, will lead to the death of your plant.
Apart from the soggy soil and always wet conditions, the yellowing of leaves is the most common sign. Your plant may also drop leaves and feel mushy.
This isn’t all. yellow halo borders, wilting, or drooping may be visible.
b. Underwatered
These plants’ leaves will curl upwards if they are thirsty or submerged. Dry soil, slow growth and leaf drop are other signs.
We have a guide on when to water your Monstera if you are having trouble watering your plants. You will also find information about underwatering and overwatering.
Monstera Subpinnata Fertilizer
Monstera subpinnata requires medium feeding, and fertilizer should always be balanced.
We recommend an all-purpose, balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants. They should be fed once per month in spring and summer (growing seasons) at half strength. These aroids should not be fertilized in non-growing seasons like fall and winter.
Some people feed their plants biweekly. If the manufacturer allows it, it is okay. It is okay to overfeed, but please be careful. Overfeeding can cause stunted growth, burnt leaves margins, wilting and even death.
There are many great fertilizers that Monsteras can use. There are many options for Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food and Easy Peasy Indoor Plant Food, all of which work well.
If you choose slow-release formulas, it is best to start feeding your pet in the spring. It should last approximately six months, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Monstera Subpinnata Grooming and pruning
This will involve mainly removing any diseased, damaged or old leaves. They don’t support the plant but depend on it. Use sterilized gardening scissors. This will make your plant healthier and allow you to reach more light.
You can also trim stems to control growth. This will encourage growth and shape your plant. Use a disinfected knife or pruning shear to do this in spring or summer. You don’t want your houseplants to be infected.
Finally, wipe the leaves of your plants to remove any dust. This can attract pests and make your plants unsightly. Give it a bath or a damp cloth.
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Potting and repotting
They have a moderate growth rate. Repot your Monstera Subpinnata after about one to two years, or when they are pot or rootbound.
You can tell if the roots are pot-bound by looking for drainage holes. You can also slide the plant out and check if there are roots at the bottom that are curly.
Spring is the best time to repot. When repotting, choose a pot with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches and a depth of at least 4 inches. You can determine the depth by measuring the root size.
Monstera Subpinnata Propagation
Monstera Subpinnata is propagated by stem cutting. They can be propagated in potting media, which gives faster results, or water. Air layering and using seeds are also options. Rarely are seeds available.
Spring is the best time for propagating because your cuttings will have plenty of time to grow. Let’s see how you can repot your Monstera into the soil. Water propagation is the same. We will just mention a few details.
a. What do you need?
- Sterilized pruning knives or scissors
- Potting soil or mix. Even sphagnum moss will work.
- Pot
- We use HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel as our rooting hormone
- A clear plastic bag that seals
b. How to propagate Monstera Subpinnata
- If you are using sphagnum moss by itself, soak it in water for 15-20 mins and then wring it out. Place it in the potting mix. Place other media in the pot. Water them until they drain. Any saucer material that has accumulated on it should be thrown out.
- Cut a healthy stem with at least two leaves. You can use a stem of 4 to 6 inches. It is not possible to propagate this plant without a node.
- Take out any lower leaves and leave only the one or two upper ones.
- Use a rooting hormone to dip your plant. Although it is not required, this will accelerate rooting and reduce rot.
- With your finger or a stick, poke a hole in the potting mix and place your cutting. Make sure the soil covers at least a few nodes. To ensure that the stem cutting is upright, lightly tap the soil.
- Cover the container with mist, and seal it with a plastic bag. Leave a small space open for air circulation. The bag can be perforated.
- Place the cutting where there is indirect, bright light. For faster growth, maintain a 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degC ). The average household temperature is fine.
- Regularly, take the bag off for a few hours so that your plant can breathe. If the soil begins to dry, mist it.
After a few weeks, the roots will start to grow and new leaves will appear. It may be ready for transplanting within 4 to 6 weeks. It will take a few weeks for the roots to develop and then they will be ready to transplant depending on the environment. After it has rooted properly, you can transplant it into its pot.
You can also use water propagation if you prefer. Dip your cuttings in water after you have completed step 4. Be sure to change the water every 3-4 days. Do not immerse leaves in water.
Toxic for pets and people
Monstera subpinnata can be poisonous to pets and humans, such as dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. Why? These plants contain insoluble calcium oxide. These crystals, which look like needles, will stick to the membrane of your oral cavity when you chew them.
Expect these symptoms:
- An extreme irritation of the oral cavity and burning sensation that can spread to the throat and sometimes gastric.
- Red or swollen lips and tongue, as well as the mouth, are signs of a weakened immune system.
- Drooling
- Refusing to eat or having difficulty swallowing
- Breathing problems – Very rare
These aroids can also cause skin irritation (contact dermatitis). These cases are usually mild.
Even though the toxicity of these plants isn’t severe, it’s important to keep your children and pets away from them.
Pests
It is unlikely that it will be infected if you take care of this aroid. Sometimes, however, it might end up with some.
Your Monstera is vulnerable to being attacked by sap-sucking insects like mealybugs, mealybugs, whiteflies and Thrips. They can appear as bumps, dots or spots that move or remain stationary. They can be spotted as winged or jump if they are disturbed.
Yellowing leaves and spots (yellow or white) are signs to look out for. Honeydew, webbing and perforations are other signs. The exact signs will vary depending on the type of bug.
Some remedies are specific to pests. You can also spray the plant with rubbing alcohol or water to get rid of pests.
Bonide-All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil are one of our top picks to treat these pests. This oil will kill most of these insects.
Finally, soil that is too wet may indicate fungus gnats, which feed on the leaves of your plant. You may notice sudden wilting or yellowing of the leaves. In the soil, add 4 parts water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide.
Common problems and diseases
This aroid can be grown indoors and isn’t subject to root rot. They can still occur. Here’s a quick look at some common conditions and diseases that this aroid might cause:
1. Bacterial leaf spot
These Monsteras are susceptible to bacterial leaves. The bacterial infection can cause dark brown, yellow-bordered spots or black spots. The sites will also develop sticky ooze and may become reddish-brown.
This condition can be managed by removing infected plants and increasing air circulation. Low temperatures are also a possibility. Bacteriocides might not be very helpful.
2. Anthracnose
Anthracnose, a fungal disease that is caused by the Colletotrichum species and which affects Monsteras, is called Colletotrichum species. The most common symptoms are yellowing of the leaf edges, and then darkening or becoming black. The infection can spread inwardly and eventually kill the entire leaf. Stems can also have large lesions.
Stop misting the plant and isolate the infection. Don’t cut or wound the leaves. You can also try Bonide, (BND883) – Fungal Disease Control and Broad-Spectrum Landscape & Garden Fumigicide.
You can also try sprays with copper soap, tebuconazole or myclobutanil to address the problem.
3. Root rot
Root Rotwill cause wilting and drooping of leaves, stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and mushy stem bases. It can also result in brown or black roots. For severe cases, repotting is an option.
Root rot can be managed by using well-drained media. Don’t overwater your plants. Pots should have drainage holes, and you should avoid using contaminated potting mix.
3. Yellowing of leaves
Leaves turning yellow in Monstera subpinnata indicates that there has been too much water. It could be caused by low light, underwatering, or other diseases. To help you determine the cause, look for other symptoms.
It is normal for older leaves to turn yellow before they start browning or wilting.
4. Curling leaves
Your Monstera’s most common cause of curled leaves is moisture stress, particularly underwatering. However, it is possible to be responsible for overwatering, pests and diseases, low humidity, heat, and many other things.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves in M. subpinnata could indicate that the plant is either thirsty, too hot or cold, pests, excessive watering, root rot, or overwatering.
Questions frequently asked
Is Monstera subpinnata rare?
Yes, Monstera Subpinnata is a rare tropical tree. It is unlikely that you will find it in any of your local nurseries, popular shops, or online. It is not available in big-box stores.
What’s the Monstera subpinnata price?
Monstera subpinnata prices range from $40 to $150 making it an expensive houseplant. However, some sellers will sell these plants for as low as $50, while others may offer them at $200.
Where can I buy Monstera subpinnata on sale?
Start by visiting your local nursery and speciality plants stores if you require this Monstera for sale. You can also try Etsy.com, which has many vendors, eBay, Instagram or Facebook houseplant group.
Additional places are kensphilodendrons.com, Peaceloveandhappiness.club, Briansbotanicals.net, plantproper.com, ecuagenera.com, plantshopchicago.com, heplantstoreonline.com, etc.
Finally, In the UK, try Houseplantsinthecity.co.uk or eBay.co.uk, while those in Canada will get this rare plant at Trplants. co or Planthaventoronto.com.
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