Monstera Dilacerata: Ultimate Grow & Care Guide

Are you getting flustered with Monstera dilacerata not getting any bigger?

I can totally relate with you as my Monstera dilacerata a year ago was also small despite all efforts.

Fortunately, after a thorough analysis of its care checklist, I understood what was missing. Now my Monstera dilacerata is all monstrous.

Generally, Monstera dilacerata requires 4-6 hours of bright shade, 65-80°F of temperature, 60% humidity, and well-draining soil with 5.5-6.5 pH. Also, they need weekly water, monthly fertilization, repotting every two years, and seasonal pruning.

Do not make a mistake by giving your Monstera dilacerata the same care you do for Monstera.

Rather, it could be the sole reason your plant stays short and grumpy.

Read this article to make your Monstera dilacerata true definition of beauty and the beast with ideal care.

Overview of Monstera Dilacerata

Monstera dilacerata with tropical fenestrated leaves hails from Asian countries like southern China, Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

This tropical beauty has bewilderingly identical characteristics to the plants of the Monstera genus.

Moreover, it has a name beginning with Monstera, which adds more fuel to its conflicting identification crisis.

One popular argument is that Monstera dilacerata is a synonym of Epipremnum pinnatum.

Consequently, some believe it belongs to Monstera or “Burle Marx Flame” due to its close resemblance.

Therefore, here is brief information to get you acquainted with Monstera dilacerata before we jump into in-depth care needs.

Factors	Indicators
Scientific Name	Monstera Dilacerata
Native Area	Indochina, Malaysia, Taiwan, Southern China, Japan, and Melanesia
Family	Araceae
Growth Zone	Zones 7-10
Plant Type	Evergreen
Growth Size	Up to 6.5 feet tall
Growth Rate	Moderate to fast
Grown For	Evergreen foliage with dramatic fenestrated leaves
Growth Type	Erect, upright
Container	Glazed ceramic or plastic pot
Foliage	Large green foliage with multiple splits and holes
Availability	Pretty rare
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans and Pets

Now, let us get your Monstera dilacerata happy and thriving for more, shall we?

Monstera Dilacerata- Complete Grow & Care Guide

Monstera dilacerata adds an excellent tropical vibe to your space with bare minimum care needs.

Meanwhile, if you can give your plant passionate care, it will truly become a monster as in its name.

Regardless of its correct identification awarded to the plant, it is a tropical epiphyte of the aroids family that requires ideal care.

Parameters	Suitable Conditions
Lighting	Light or bright shade for at least four hours Avoid direct sunlight to protect color and growth.
Watering	Once a week to keep the soil moist but not wet during summer. Once in two weeks in winter. Let the top few inches of the soil dry before watering
Temperature	Warm temperatures ranging in between 65-80°F. Do not let the temperature drop below 50°F.
Humidity	High humidity levels of about 60-70%
Potting Soil Mix	Well-draining sandy soil mixed with perlite Maintain slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5
Fertilization	The decomposed organic matter along with balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer Once a month during the active growth season will suffice.
Repotting	Every two years to larger pots
Propagation	Via stem or tip cuttings and layering
Pruning	Occasional pruning of damaged, dead, or decaying foliage.
Common Pests	Mealybugs, Spider mites
Common Diseases	Bacterial leaf spot, Anthracnose

Finished? No, trust me! Every minute you spend on Monstera dilacerata will be worth it.

1. Dappled Sunlight and Proper Location

Did you know Monstera dilacerata climbs up more to achieve higher heights for lights in the wilderness?

Monstera dilacerata profusely loves light, bright shade, or dappled sunlight for at least four hours. But direct sunlight is a big NO!

Monstera dilacerata is a photosensitive plant, so plants’ location and intensity of light they receive are crucial.

In general, variations in light can interfere with your plants’ growth along with foliage coloration and sizes.

Therefore, you shall mimic natural scenarios by placing it in a light shade to encourage Monstera dilaceratas’ monstrous size.

You can place your Monstera dilacerata a few feet away from window side areas for direct sunlight protection with light shadow.

Like any other plant, Monstera dilacerata also suffers greatly from inappropriate lighting.

Low Light	Extreme Light
Leaves lose slits and fenestrations	Black or brown spots develop on the leaves
The growth slows down or stops eventually	Tips of the leaves will burn
Leaves develop sparsely with no splitting	Dry soil and stem
Plant starts to lean towards the light source	Leaves curls inwards

Therefore, if you observe any of these symptoms in your plant, you shall relocate the plant position.

To find an optimal location for your plant, you can invest in a light meter and place the plant accordingly.

Tips to Provide Adequate Light to Monstera Dilacerata

• If you have a southern-facing window only, use sheer curtains to reduce light intensity.
• Ensure you don’t place your plant in too dark a place.
• Keep plant along the northeast facing wall for outdoor Monstera dilacerata.
• If you live in an area with lower sunshine, use artificial grow lights for up to 10 hours to fulfill its light needs.
• Keep eyes on plants to take immediate action if in case they exhibit any signs.
• Try rotating your plant once in a while to smooth out growth in all directions.

Pro Tip: Try placing your Monstera dilacerata where it can enjoy the direct morning sunlight. Do not worry! The morning sun won’t harm your plant.

2. A Medium, Even Watering

When it comes to watering, the Monstera dilacerata has an absolute demand that is moist soil but not soggy.

Meanwhile, the watering needs of dilacerata vary with temperature and time or season of the year.

In general, your Monstera dilacerata will be happy with weekly watering in summer. But cut back watering to once in two weeks during winter.

Furthermore, keeping dilacerata in a pool of water or desertic soil will cause significant damage and even cause death.

Therefore, you need to give them the exact amount of watering, neither too much nor too low.

Some of the major tale-tell signs that your plant will show from improper watering habits are!

Underwatered	Overwatered
Plant wilts and droop	Yellow leaves and drooping
Doesn't stand straight due to a loss in turgidity	Slow or stunted growth with soggy stems
Brown tips and edges on leaves	Roots rot and cannot uptake nutrients
Crispy leaves curling inwards	Mold starts to develop around the plant

Meanwhile, other than improper watering, water quality can also harm the plant. Therefore, you shall provide your plant with rain or distilled water.

If you have to use tap water, you can let it rest for a night to avoid discoloration of foliage due to chlorine content.

Tips for Correct Watering for Monstera Dilacerata.

• Ensure the top 1-2inches of soil has dried out completely before watering.
• Check soil moisture from time to time using a soil moisture meter.
• For gentle water pouring, use a watering can and follow the bottom watering approach for better root growth.
• Use a well-draining potting mix to avoid overwatering.
• Ensure the pot has multiple drainage holes to let out excess water.
• Reduce the watering frequency and determine root health for an overwatered plant.
• If the plant is underwatered, use a pebble tray filled with water and submerge the plant in a tub filled with lukewarm water.
• Fetch your plant water during the morning hours in a consistent manner.

Pro Tip! Use chopsticks and poke them into the soil to perform a moisture test. If the first inch of chopstick is dry, it is time to water; else no need.

3. Warm Temperature

Monstera dilacerata is a tropical plant that thrives in an environment filled with a subtle warmth.

In general, your Monster dilacerata will thrive if you keep them at an ideal temperature of 65°F-85°F (18°C-30°C).

Meanwhile, the most efficient temperature where Monstera dilacerata shows active growth is at 65°F.

Consequently, the plant will not survive if the temperature drops below 50°F(~10°C) due to internal damage from cell freeze.

Therefore, you must ensure the temperature does not drop below the minimum threshold value in winter.

Subsequently, Monstera dilacerata in extreme heat causes severe negative impacts on plant health.

Some of the signs of Monstera dilacerata due to excessive heat are!

• Foliage starts to turn yellow
• Leaves curls to decrease the surface area
• Dehydration in plants due to rapid transpiration
• Wilting and browning leaves
• Dry soil with whitish gray color

Therefore, if you notice any of these signs in your plant, you shall immediately relocate them to somewhere cooler.

However, do not place them in front of an air conditioner as it will induce temperature shock in your plant.

Tips to Maintain Ideal Temperature

• Consider placing a plant where sufficient sunlight reaches to keep the plant warm.
• Do not keep Monstera dilacerata near a heater or air conditioner to avoid temperature stress.
• Use thermometers to measure and adjust the temperature as per the needs.
• Invest in heating pads and place them under the plant to keep them warm during winter.
• Use Frost blankets to protect outdoor Monstera dilacerata from frosts.
• Place the plants under the incandescent lights to give your plant light and heat.

4. Moderate Humidity

Maintaining humidity is essential for the best growth of the Monstera dilacerata, just like other parameters.

Generally, Monstera dilacerata thrives in moderately higher (60%) humidity levels.

Similarly, Monstera dilacerata grows well in its natural tropical habitats with high humidity levels.

The humidity level is usually around 30-50% indoors, so achieving the ideal humidity goal is much easier.

However, if your plant is not getting a proper humid environment as it requires, it may show signs like below!

Low Humidity	Excessive Humidity
Wilting and drooping leaves	Blackened leaves
Leaves turn yellow	Attracts pests and fungal diseases
Browned curls with a crispy texture	Moldy plants and soil
Low moisture in leaves results in dry out	Stems and roots starts to rot

Tips to Maintain Proper Humidity 

• Place your Monstera dilacerata plant over a pebble tray partially filled with water.
• If you got a spacious, luminous washroom or kitchen, you should place your plant there.
• You can use a room humidifier to boost and adjust the humidity level as per needs.
• Put your plants together as they promote humidity-sharing environments. Also, you can use terrariums as well.
• Use a hygrometer to observe uniform humidity levels around your plant.
• You need to mist your plant during the morning but avoid misting them in the evening to prevent potential fungal infections.

5. Organic Well-Draining Soil

Monstera dilacerata transforms into a big monster plant clinging to trees in the wild due to its epiphytic nature.

The plant roots are vulnerable to rotting if there’s excess water or moisture, so be careful choosing potting mix.

Generally, Monstera dilacerata prefers the organic well-aerated and well-draining loamy soil of 5.5-6.5 pH.

To prepare an ideal potting mix for your plant, add organic soil with compost, mulch, living organism excretions, and bark fragments.

DIY Recipe: Use 50% organic materials and 50% sandy loamy soil to prepare the best potting mix for your Monstera dilacerata.

Remember to make the soil airy and well-draining to avoid the problem of water clogging the soil.

Also, there are different commercial potting mixes available for Monstera dilacerata. Here are a few ones;

6. Regular Fertilization

Proper fertilization is crucial to keep the fenestrated leaves of Monstera dilacerata luscious and lively.

Generally, providing your Monstera dilacerata with a slow-release 20-20-20 fertilizer once a month during its active growth will suffice.

Alternately, you can use 20-10-10 fertilizer to increase the growth rate as Nitrogen promotes the growth of plants.

But reduce the fertilizing frequency during its dormancy period, i.e., in winter, as they do not eat up much.

Meanwhile, don’t go overboard with fertilizing, as over-fertilization causes fertilizer burn. 

Organic fertilizers or balanced slow-release fertilizers are best for your Monstera dilacerata to avoid over-fertilization.

When using slow-release fertilizer, sprinkle fertilizer around the plant without direct contact to avoid burn.

Here I have listed some fertilizers that suit Monstera dilacerata.

• Miracle-Gro : (1-1-1)
• Espoma Plant Fertilizer : (2-2-2)
• EarthPods Premium Bio Organic : (0.2-0.2-0.4)

Tips to Apply Fertilizer Efficiently

• Ensure you keep the fertilizer at least 5 inches away from the plant base to avoid fertilizer burning in roots or stems.
• Always remember to water deeply before and after fertilizing your plant.
• Aerate the soil before adding slow-release fertilizer to the plant and ensure they are covered with soil.
• Remember to read the fertilizer descriptions and guidelines to avoid any mistakes.
• Reduce fertilization during the fall and winter to dodge over-fertilizing problems.
• Dilute the strength of fertilizer up to half before applying it to your plant.

Signs of Improper fertilization

Improper fertilization of your Monstera plant is never a good thing. Instead, the fertilizer may murder your plant.

So, always be careful and look for these signs if you unfortunately overfed or underfed your plant.

Signs of Over Fertilization	Signs of Under Fertilization
Crust of fertilizer on the soil surface	Slower growth
Root burn	Pale foliage
Leggy and spindly	Yellow leaves
Leaves starts dropping	Frail stem

Overfertilizing builds up salts in the soil damaging the roots and leaves.

However, if you observe those symptoms, don’t worry. You can still salvage your plant.

To revive under-fertilized dilacerata, you can feed them with diluted liquid fertilizers.

Meanwhile, if you have not repotted your plant in a while, you can give them a fresh organic mix rich in nutrients.

Tips to Revive an Overfertilized Monstera Dilacerata

• Wash off the plant container thoroughly to flush out the salt. Repeated washing for too much salt build-up.
• Stop fertilizing your plant until and unless it looks good, like in previous days.
• Use a new potting mix if the severity is very high.

7. Repotting Every 2 Years

As its name Monstera suggests, you might need to consider placing your plant in a big planter.

Generally, Monstera dilacerata needs a terra-cotta or orchid pot of 10 inches or more.

Due to its rigorous climbing nature, you must consider making a sphagnum moss totem with a well-balanced base.

However, if you plan to place it outside, you can place it near the wall.

As it mainly focuses on its topmost part of growth, you don’t need to repot often.

Once every two years, repotting to bigger pots during its growing season will do the work.

To know the time for repotting, you can observe its roots if they are coming out of the pot or not and act accordingly.

Steps to Repot Monstera Dilacerata

Here is a detailed process for repotting Monstera dilacerata.

Step 1: Choose the Container

Find a container with a slightly larger pot than the current pot. Make sure they have drainage holes for optimal drainage.

I have listed some containers that are suitable for Monstera dilacerata.

Container	Specification
Timeyard Sturdy Jute Basket	Offers 11" size with handcrafted sustainable jute in stylish design
Finelris Plant Stand with Pot	Easy to assemble with 10" size and has vintage look
Elly Decor Plastic Pot	Features a plate to store excess water and offers 10/12" sizes
Mkono Cotton Rope Basket	Offers 10" size with trendy home decor design

To prepare potting mix, use organic matter and sandy loam soil or buy a commercial potting mix.

Step 2: Prepare the Plant

• Ensure watering your plant hours before repotting them.
• Place your palm firmly on the topsoil of the plant and turn your pot upside down.
• Slowly pull out the plant with a gentle tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• Remove excess soil from roots and check for any signs of degradation.
• If any rotting or browning is found, cut it out with a sterilized tool and apply some fungicides.

Step 3: Place the Plant in the New Pot

• Sterilize the pot and fill it with potting soil mix.
• Place your plant in the new pot with roots directed downwards.
• Fill out empty spaces with the remaining potting mix.
• Deeply water your plant until water oozes out through the drainage holes.
• Return the plant to its original place.

8. Regular Pruning and Grooming

Most plants don’t require regular pruning due to their moderate growth rate, except for dead foliage.

But, Monstera dilacerata often requires pruning to make them bushy with a quick growth rate.

Before the growing season, ensure proper pruning of long vines without hurting the plant. 

Doing this will boost the growth rate by preventing the vines from getting leggy. Also, you can use the pruned parts to propagate the plant to make them bushier.

Tips to Prune Monstera Dilacerata

• You should prune the plant during the start of the growing season.
• Don’t prune your plant during its active growth period.
• Use sterilized pruning scissors and begin pruning with old yellowed leaves.
• You shall trim long vines at a 45° angle to ensure no leggy growth.
• Do not trim more than 25% of the parts at a time.
• Carefully and gently prune, so you do not harm the plant.
• Thoroughly water your plant after pruning to help the plant overcome pruning stress.

Monstera dilacerata: All About the Growth Rate

It is a tropical epiphyte plant popular for its monster-splitting or fenestrated green foliage.

Generally, the Monstera dilacerata grows up to 6 feet tall when kept indoors with proper care.

Moreover, they can cover up entire walls provided that they don’t get direct sunlight exposure when kept outdoors.

But in their adventure of finding sunlight, they crawl over the trees in natural habitats extending up to 33-66 feet while absorbing nutrients using aerial roots.

Based on its free nature, they prefer a spacious place, so ensure you have enough room for your plant to explore.

Meanwhile, remember that the growth rate, size, and health of your plant solely depend upon the care you provide.

Therefore, ideal care and passion while growing Monstera dilacerata will certainly be rewarding.

Foliage, Flower, and Fruit

It flaunts its gorgeous oval pinnatifid leaves with splits and holes, which we absolutely adore and love.

So, you must understand the requirement to maintain them attractive. Ensure your plant is receiving enough sunlight to promote leaf splitting.

When your plant is young, it won’t split or have holes, so don’t be upset if your plant doesn’t have exotic splits yet.

Pro Tip! Provide the best condition for your plant and get rewarded with increased leaf fenestration.

However, its flower and fruit are still a mystery. There is no evidence to back up its flower and fruit existence to this date.

Toxicity of Monstera Dilacerata

Like the fresh apple that the Evil queen gave to Snow White, Monstera dilacerata also hides its toxicity under flaunting beauty.

According to ASPCA, Monstera deliciosa contains calcium oxalate content in each part of the plant which can be toxic to pets. 

Normal touching to any part of the plant won’t cause any harm but may cause problems if you touch your mouth or eyes with unwashed hands.

Therefore, always wear gloves while working on the plant, and remember to wash your hands afterward.

Even though the ingestion effects aren’t severe, it is still better to avoid risks. Minor ingestion of this plant may cause irritation or numbness.

Drooling, minor stomach discomfort, and skin irritation are other symptoms that may appear upon a greater amount of consumption.

Ensure your pets and children can’t reach this plant to avoid any accidental ingestion. However, on accidental ingestion, you can reach out to the following numbers;

• American Association of Poison Control Center – (800) 222-1222
• ASPCA Poison Center – (800) 426-4435

Propagation Methods for Monstera Dilacerata

As I mentioned earlier, frequent pruning of your plant gives an additional push for a faster growth rate and emphasizes making it bushy.

It is a pretty expensive plant, which is logical considering its rare availability.

But if you own one already, you can propagate it with a few propagation techniques.

1. Propagation Via Cuttings

Propagation through cuttings is typically the easiest method for various plant propagation. So, it is for Monstera dilacerata as well.

Carefully follow every step mentioned below to successfully propagate Monstera dilacerata via stem cutting.

Step 1: Take Stem Cutting

• Select healthy stems with aerial roots and multiple leaves.
• Using sterilized scissors, cut 5-7 inches long stems and ensure they have at least two leaf nodes.
• Remove leaves, leaving three or four leaves at max.

Step 2: Root the Stem Cutting

You can use two different mediums for rooting stem cutting; water and soil.

1. Rooting in Water

• Use a jar with at least 3 inches wide mouth and can hold snitched nodes underwater while keeping terminal leaves out.
• Sterilize the jar and fill it with clean, chlorineless water.
• Add some liquid rooting hormone and submerge stem cutting.
• Keep it in an indirect sunlit place and change the water weekly.
• You’ll notice roots sprout from the nodes after 1-2 weeks.
• You may transplant the cutting to an appropriate potting medium for further growth.

2. Rooting in Soil

• Use equally mixed potting soil with sphagnum moss and perlite. 
• Ensure the potting mix is evenly moist but not soggy.
• You can add rooting hormone to the trimmed end and gently slide it into the potting mix.
• Place the pot in an adequate indirect sunlit place.
• Wait one or two weeks for new feeder roots and transfer them to regular potting mix after eight weeks.

2. Propagation Via Layering

• Select a healthy, long vine with at least 4 or 5 leaf nodes.
• Remove alternate leaves while keeping the terminal leaves.
• Prepare the loosened potting soil around the parent plant.
• Keep the prepared stem in the loosened soil.
• Make sure all of the nodes are properly covered in soil and water.
• Don’t disturb them for a few weeks.
• Usually, after two weeks, new roots will sprout in nodes.

Common Problems in Monstera Dilacerata

Even though Monstera dilacerata is a plant beast, it is still weak against some pests and remains to be prone to diseases.

Here I have listed some problems your plant might suffer from if you, unfortunately, couldn’t provide enough care.

1. Common Pests

Generally, the Monstera dilacerata is vulnerable to common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites.

Most of these pests often party on your unhealthy leaves, usually due to inappropriate conditions.

When mealybugs are feasting on your plant, you might notice white cotton-like structure forms under leaves. 

They can force your plant leaves to wilt, curl, and even fall off as well.

Whereas the spider mites cause discoloration of leaves, and you might see tiny webbings on leaves.

Solutions

• Eliminate eggs and larvae using a water hose or spraying insecticide.
• Hand-pick the affected leaves and throw them in a soapy water solution.
• Trim off the dead, damaged, or infected part of the plant.
• Apply or spray horticultural oil or neem oil on the plant to keep pests at bay.
• Dip a cotton ball in alcohol or dish soap and apply it on plant leaves and stems to kill pests.
• Resort to apply chemical pesticides such as Malathion solution or Pyrethrin spray.

Preventive Measure

• Frequently wash your plant with clean water or a soapy solution during the growing seasons.
• Don’t place unhealthy-looking plants in the vicinity of Monstera dilacerata.
• Group your plant with natural pest repellant plants such as basil, mint, garlic, or neem plants.
• Always prune yellowed or unhealthy leaves as soon as possible.
• Use pest-free potting mix and sterile organic feeds.
• Use 98% isopropyl alcohol as it helps to repel pests.
• Quarantine all suspicious plants to prevent further infestation on other healthy plants.

2. Horticultural Diseases

Like other plants, your Monstera dilacerata is also at risk of infection with various fungal and bacterial diseases.

Generally, improper care conditions like excess humidity, overwatering, and compact soil often lead to horticultural diseases.

Here are the horticultural diseases that your Monstera dilacerata is most likely to get infected with.

Disease	Problems
Root rot	Drooping and rapidly yellowing leaves, stunted growth and a rotten brown base is the primary sign of possible root rot. Brown and mushy texture on the root is another sign.
Anthracnose	Caused by fungi named Colletotrichum Withering, wilting and drying plant tissues Dark spots or dark crisscross bars over the leaf
Bacterial Leaf Spot	Caused by bacteria formed during wet and cool conditions. Black-edged lesions or brown spots with yellow halos Tissues dry off and breaks apart

Treatment Measures

• Immediately isolate the infected plant to avoid further spreading of infections.
• Trim all of the infected parts as soon as possible with the help of sterilized scissors.
• Inspect the plant roots thoroughly by taking them out from a pot.
• Try to identify the cause or type of infection; if the plant’s condition looks severe and helpless, discard the plant.
• Trim off damaged, decaying roots leaving behind healthy roots on the plant.
• Apply fungicides to the freshly cut ends of the roots to prevent further infection.
• Opt for Agrimycin to countermeasure bacterial infections.
• Use organic fungicides like mefenoxam.

Preventive Measures

• Keep a close eye on plants’ environmental parameters and ensure they are on par with the necessary levels.
• Regularly check plants for potential problems and arrange conditions accordingly.
• Immediately isolate unhealthy or potentially infected plants away.
• Use fungicides rich in copper or sulfur to protect your plant from fungal diseases.
• Ensure to only mist your plants during the morning and stay clear from evening or night misting.
• Wipe clean your plant leaves regularly with alcohol or soapy water solution.

Conclusion

Monstera dilacerata is an excellent indoor plant due to its eye-catchy foliage and rapid growth.

Always ensure the best environment for your plant to add healthy natural wallpaper, be it inside or outside.

Although it’s not easy to get your hands on Monstera dilacerata, I hope you’ll find it and make it happy.

If you have grown other Monstera varieties, you may live to read Monstera Obliqua, Monstera Subpinnata, and Monstera Peru.

Happy Plant Parenting!