If you’re looking for an incredibly unique and stunning plant that will make quite the impression in your home, let’s talk about the Monstera Burle Marx Flame.
This plant stands out because of its artistically shaped leaves, but its tropical nature can be challenging to take care of. But, with the help of our care guide, you’ll be on your way to helping this botanical variety thrive under your own roof.
Lighting Needs
The lighting that your Monstera Burle needs is probably one of the more challenging aspects of care for this plant. It requires very bright and indirect sunlight to flourish.
If you don’t have a spot like this in your home, you may need to invest in growing lights. You could also opt to rotate the plant throughout the day.
Keep moving it to different rooms with the indirect sunlight your plant craves. Just make sure you don’t leave it in the sun for long periods. If you take it outside for some natural light, keep a close eye on it and bring it in at the end of the day.
Looking at the leaves of your Monstera will help you determine if you’re getting the lighting requirements correct. For example, very pale green or even yellow leaves indicate that you’re not getting your plant enough light.
Leaves starting to curl but are the proper color show that your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. So keep an eye on the leaf shape.
Temperature Requirements
The most beneficial temperature range for your Monstera Burle Marx Flame is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s optimal to provide your plant with consistent temperatures, though fluctuations are ok as long as you can keep it warm.
Never leave it outside overnight if you live somewhere that has dropping temperatures.
Soil Considerations
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is well known for its gorgeous, glossy leaves.
These leaves can get as big as two feet long and one foot wide (20 feet high in the wild), but only if your plant lives in optimal soil conditions. You’ll want to maintain a well-draining pot with soil that is kept moist.
The temperature of the soil is essential, not just the temperature of your plant’s room. Allowing the soil to fluctuate too much in temperature can cause some degree of shock to your plant.
How to Water Your Monstera Burle Marx Flame
Keep an eye on the top two inches of soil inside your plant’s pot. If you notice that this space is dry, then it’s time to add some water. This plant is natively found in the tropical rainforest, allowing the soil to stay naturally moist. It would be best if you got on a proper watering schedule that prevents the pot’s soil from drying out at any point.
Some people will even mist the leaves of their Monstera.
You should also take into consideration the size of the pot that your plant is in. Something very small will dry out much faster, requiring you to water more often.
On the flip side, too large of a pot could promote the rotting of the roots (root rot).
The type of pot that your plant is in will affect its watering requirements. For example, clay pots are prone to drying out more often because of increased aeration and evaporation.
Plastic pots will help retain moisture in the soil but be aware that there isn’t much allowance for airflow through the soil.
It would be best if you watered your plant in the morning. This allows enough time for the leaves to dry before the cooler night temperatures arrive.
Always use room temperature water and empty the drainage tray of your pot if you notice it fills up with water.
Fertilizing Your Plant
Fertilization is a necessary process that helps keep your plant healthy and nourished.
The best time to fertilize your Monstera Burle Marx Flame is monthly in spring and summer. Select a balanced fertilizer and flush the soil with water after each fertilization. This prevents the buildup of salts and nutrients.
Some fertilizers are specifically formulated for the Monstera plant family. This is the best nutrient option if you can get your hands on one of these products.
The Process of Repotting
If you’ve noticed that your plant is starting to outgrow its current home, it’s time to move up to a larger container. Some people assume that you can simply switch from one pot to the next easily, but some plant species get a little fussy if the proper care isn’t taken.
It would be best if you only increased the size of a pot by about two to three inches at a time.
Anything more than that could shock your plant and cause it to wilt or die.
Start by adding a few inches of fresh potting soil to the bottom of the pot. Next, remove your Monstera from its existing pot, shaking off some of the excess dirt that is stuck to its roots.
You can place it into the center of the new pot and add some additional potting mix to the empty spaces left. Always add some water to the new pot.
Be gentle with this entire process. You don’t want to press down too hard on the root structure.
Propagation: Starting a New Plant
If you have decided to propagate your Monstera, you can do this by following some concrete steps. First, take a sharp pair of scissors and select a stem off your plant that is a minimum of six inches in length. Next, you want to cut about one inch below where the leaf comes off the main stem.
It would help if you only had a few leaves at the top of the cutting, so remove anything that is left on the bottom portion.
Your new cutting can be planted in water or soil, but you may want to try a few cuttings at once. Please keep them in different pots. If one doesn’t take, you’ll have a few other options. In general, the Monstera Burle Marx Flame has a 75 percent success rate when attempting to propagate.
Common Issues to Watch Out For
All house plants are prone to different diseases and infestations, but let’s look at some other things you should watch out for when you have a Monstera.
Pest Problems
The Monstera plant will often attract pests like flies, gnats, and other leaf-eating varieties of bugs.
Not only will these pests ruin the look of your plant, but they can also affect its health.
Many recommend using neem oil as a natural, safe solution for your plants, humans, and pets.
You can also opt for soapy water if that’s all you have on hand at the time. You’ll need to wipe down the leaves and stems to remove any bugs.
Common Diseases
If the leaves of your Monstera are wilting or are discolored and you know you’re watering correctly, there could be a disease that needs to be addressed quickly to save your plant.
Root rot, mildew, or blight may be to blame. You can attempt to remove any diseased leaves that are present. You can also swap out some of the soil in your pot.
Just don’t change it all over. There are also products like fungicides that can help save your Monstera.
If you’ve decided that you would like to try having a Monstera Burle Marx Flame with its uniquely shaped leaves in your home, you can usually find one at a local garden center or nursery. Although it is somewhat rare, so you may have better luck online.
If you know someone that has one, they could attempt to propagate a cutting for you. You can also find seeds that allow you to start a plant on your own.
Featured Image Photo Credit: kamon_garden
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.