Table of Contents
- Origin:
- Preferred Watering:
- Preferred Soil:
- Preferred Temperature:
- Fertilizer:
- Preferred Pot type:
- Pest and Diseases:
- Growth pattern:
- Preferred Humidity:
- Propagation:
- Preferred Lighting:
Monstera Burle Marx Flame has been a highly sought-after rare jewel of plant collectors for many years. With it only being found in one place in the world and it being a truly rare and protected plant it has been incredibly difficult to get a hold of and its care kept secret. This Monstera is an incredible sight to behold at 20ft high in its native Brazil. A marvelous fenestrated climber like many other Monstera with stunning emerald foliage and a unique leaf shape. This is one plant that will be coveted by plant enthusiasts for years to come and we are here to share all the care tips to help yours thrive.
Origin:
Discovered in 1981 in The botanist Roberto Burle Marx’s Garden in Brazil. The origin and parentage of the plant are unknown though some suspect it is a cultivar derived from a philodendron and Monstera crossbreed. There has been no proof only supposition despite how some present it as facts. What is incredibly clear is the leaf shape of the Burle Marx Flame resembles a flame as an immature plant and when fully mature the foliage can look similar to Monstera Deliciosa and other highly fenestrated Monstera.
This Monstera has since been rare and grown in private collections but is slowly being propagated, thus made more available and distributed with a significantly lower price tag. It also helps that it is such a fast grower. If it is still outside your price range comfort never fear because that price is only going to be coming down.
Preferred Watering:
The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is a little more thirsty than most other Monstera. It can crisp up or develop dry tips if left completely for to long. It is not as forgiving as a Monstera Deliciosa when allowed to dry out. Be sure to water regularly and do not allow the substrate to completely dry out to prevent issues. You can top your mix with Sphagnum moss if you feel your plant is drying out too quickly.
Preferred Soil:
Native to the rainforest environment of Brazil the Flame prefers a mix of materials that it would grow in if it was there. A mix of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite, with a little soil or worm castings for moisture retention, would work well. Think chunky and airy aroid mix to prevent rot but with slightly more water retention than you would for most Monstera. You could try a mix with stratum or pon for moisture retention but it is not recommended for beginners due to the risk of root rot on such a rare and expensive plant.
Preferred Temperature:
Originally found growing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this Monstera is not very cold tolerant. Moderate tropical temperatures around 80°f generally are the best temperature to aim for. The Flame is definitely not a cold hardy plant and its thinner fenestrated leaves do not retain heat well.
Fertilizer:
Like its fellow Monstera varieties, the Flame is a fast grower and heavy feeder. For quicker healthy growth be sure to fertilize your plant regularly. DynaGro Foliage Pro with NPK of 9-3-6 for foliage growth works incredibly well for Monstera. Be sure to dilute it properly according to the directions and you can feed your Monstera with every watering. Any foliage-focused fertilizer can work well for this Monstera just be sure to dilute it properly to prevent fertilizer burn and to ensure your plant growth doesn’t slow due to lack of nutrients.
Preferred Pot type:
Like other Monstera ceramic or plastic works really well. Terracotta can dry out too quickly and self-watering pots have to be carefully watched to prevent root rot. Every home environment is unique though and use whatever you feel is going to work best for you. This Monstera has the root rot proclivity of a Thai constellation but requires more moisture retention like a Monstera Adansonii. Keep this in mind when making your pot selection.
Pest and Diseases:
Monstera are hardy against pests generally and the Flame is no different. Thrips and Spider mites are very common Monstera pests that can be difficult to get rid of but because this Monstera has been such a highly coveted plant few pests have been reported especially with proper quarantine and regular cleaning treatments. What has been a commonly reported issue is root rot. Root rot is the most common Monstera disease and happens when a plant dries out too much and is watered again or when a plant sits in too much moisture for too long and the consequential damage allows in fungus and bacteria that cause roots to rot. Airflow is crucial to the health of your Monstera so be sure to use an airy mix and pay attention to your watering.
Growth pattern:
Monstera Burle Marx Flame is a climbing plant that can grow to be over 6ft high indoors in proper conditions with leaves up to 2ft in length. This Monstera grows very quickly indoors like many other Monstera but is unique in the fact that with proper care they can fenestrate in just a few months. This is unlike many others that can take almost a year to develop its first fenestration. To help your Monstera Flame to grow more quickly and fenestrate use a moss pole, trellis, or some type of board to encourage your plant to climb. Once it has that support it will begin to push aerial roots and feel secure enough to start maturing.
Preferred Humidity:
Having a good humid environment can help your Monstera root more quickly and grow faster. Rio in Brazil is a very humid place. You are averaging around 70% year-round. This means the optimal humidity for your Flame is going to be around 70%. Plants are adaptable though and Monstera are especially hardy. The Flame has been known to thrive in humidity ranging from 50%-80%. Just be sure to acclimate and expect some leaf browning or leaf loss if there is an extreme humidity shift.
Propagation:
Monstera is easy to propagate generally. You need a node and high humidity. A propagation box works well for this. Some people prefer to take a cutting with a node and propagate in water but with a Monstera prone to root rot like the Flame it is not the most optimal method.
Preferred Lighting:
Like most Monstera your Flame is going to need bright light. It is not dark and gloomy in Rio. This Monstera grows very quickly when it gets enough light but it can slow down if there is not enough. If you have a flame that doesn’t grow for a while try more light. Lack of light can also cause root rot so be sure to check your plant’s roots regularly.
Despite their rarity, Monstera Burle Marx Flame makes easy hardy houseplants that create a unique and amazing statement plant when grown to maturity. A marvelous fenestrated climber is sure to wow you with new growth every time you check on it while using the care tips found in this article. The most important things to note are using an airy mix to prevent rot, water regularly, and give your Monstera a lot of light.
