Monstera praetermissa, the forgotten Monstera?
Monstera praetermissa
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Monstera
- Species
- Monstera praetermissa
In Latin, praetermissa means left out, neglected. This is the term botanists chose for a species of Monstera discovered in Brazil in 2004. With its round fenestrations and shiny leaves, this variety of the Araceae family has everything to please the most demanding collectors!
How to recognize Monstera praetermissa?
Monstera praetermissa is an epiphytic climber. Its vines grow up to ten meters long in the wild.
The leaves are attached to the stem by a short petiole. Elliptical, they have a wavy margin. The thick, dark-green midrib stands out against the glossy green leaf blade. The secondary veins are also raised.
Juvenile blades are entire. They then develop round fenestrations between the main veins. Each leaf can have up to ten cutouts. The fenestrations then deepen, dividing the leaf blade into pinnules. The foliage is then deeply serrated, like that of Monstera pinnatipartita.
The inflorescence resembles that of other Araceae: a yellow spathe surrounding a darker spadix. But flowering is rare when the plant is grown in pots or indoors.
In the wild, Monstera praetermissa produces orange or yellow berries. These fruits contain the seeds.
The plant is toxic. Its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with the skin. Keep your Monstera praetermissa away from pets and wear gloves when pruning.
Our care tips
Monstera praetermissa are not difficult to care for. Regular watering, a little moisture, a pot optimized for drainage and a little fertilizer are all that's needed.
Watering
Monstera praetermissa likes regular, but not excessive, watering. Its roots must not be drowned. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water at room temperature.
Between waterings, let the soil dry on the surface (by about two centimetres).
Remember to remove any stagnant water from the saucer or planter.
Misting
In nature, monstera praetermissa benefits from high humidity. Indoors, the air is too dry for them. To remedy this, spray the foliage with rainwater at room temperature.
Fogging also combats attacks by mites and red spiders.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Monstera praetermissa to give it more space.
Monstera praetermissa likes to be cramped. Re-pot only when the roots begin to emerge from the pot.
In a pierced terracotta pot, pour a layer of clay balls. Add a mixture of houseplant potting soil and perlite.
Clean the root ball of your Monstera praetermissa by removing the remains of the previous substrate. Place your specimen in the center of the pot and cover with potting soil. To allow the roots to breathe, pack gently as you go along.
Monstera praetermissa if you like stakes for hanging, don't hesitate to supply one.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Monstera praetermissa, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
To stimulate the growth of your Monstera praetermissa, use a liquid fertilizer for green plants.
Cleaning
Wipe foliage with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust and prevent pest invasion.
Pinch
Pinch your Monstera praetermissa during its growing season.
Monstera praetermissa These are not plants that are pruned. If your plant grows larger than your living room, you can pinch off the tip of the stem. The plant will stop growing upward and produce new leaves at its base.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a node on your plant, if possible with an aerial root and at least one leaf. Using a clean, disinfected tool, such as a pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut two centimetres below the node.
Place your cutting in a glass of water at room temperature. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.
Place your graft in a bright spot away from direct sunlight while the roots develop.
Place your graft in a bright spot away from direct sunlight while the roots develop.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Clay soilHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- ClimberIndoorHerbaceous
- Tags
- Cold-sensitiveToxic
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight green
- Flower colors
- YellowPale yellow
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Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
