The Monstera Burle Marx Flame is one of those plants that stops you in your tracks. Its jagged, flame-like leaves and climbing habit make it a showpiece in any collection. But it’s not just about looks-this rare plant has a story that adds to its appeal.
It’s named after Roberto Burle Marx, the Brazilian landscape designer known for his influence on tropical modernism. This specific Monstera isn’t officially classified as its own species, but many collectors refer to it as a form of Monstera deliciosa, sometimes called “form 8.” The leaves are thinner, more elongated, and deeply lobed-like flames reaching upward.
If you’re growing Monstera Burle Marx Flame or planning to, you’ll need to go beyond general care tips. This plant requires attention to detail and a setup that mimics its native conditions.
What Makes Monstera Burle Marx Flame Different?
Most people are familiar with Monstera deliciosa-the plant with the split leaves you see in every trendy café. The Burle Marx Flame is a different beast. Its leaf shape is tighter and more pointed, with fenestrations that twist and split in sharper, more irregular patterns. It looks almost sculptural.
It grows as a hemiepiphyte, meaning it starts in soil but climbs upward like a vine, latching onto trees or moss poles. It doesn’t just sprawl-it climbs with intention.
The plant’s rarity is another reason it gets attention. It’s not mass-produced like other Monstera types. Many specimens are grown from cuttings, and the growth is slow, which keeps supply low and prices high.
Light Conditions
Burle Marx Flame loves bright, indirect light. A spot near a north- or east-facing window usually works well. South or west windows are okay too, but only if you use sheer curtains to block direct rays.
Too much sun can bleach the leaves or cause scorching along the edges. Not enough, and it will stretch out, producing smaller, less dramatic foliage. You want that balance-plenty of brightness, but nothing too harsh.
Grow lights can work well if you’re in a space with limited natural light. Aim for a full-spectrum LED on a 12-hour cycle, and keep the light about a foot away from the top of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warmth. Keep the room consistently between 65 to 85°F. It won’t handle cold drafts or sudden drops in temperature well. If you wouldn’t be comfortable in the space without a sweater, it probably isn’t ideal for the plant either.
Humidity is where many people fall short. Monstera Burle Marx Flame thrives in high humidity-60 percent or more. If your home stays dry, especially during winter, use a humidifier nearby. Grouping it with other plants can raise the local humidity slightly. So can placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Keep in mind that too much humidity without airflow can create fungal problems. Make sure the room gets some movement-either from an open window or a small fan running on low.
Soil and Watering
A chunky, breathable mix is ideal. Think orchid bark, perlite, and high-quality peat or coco coir. This helps water flow through quickly without clogging the roots. The plant hates sitting in wet soil. If the roots stay soggy, they’ll start to rot-and once that happens, it’s hard to save.
Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in. If it feels moist, wait. If it’s dry and the pot feels light, it’s time to water. Let the excess drain out completely. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.
During winter, reduce watering. Growth slows down, and the plant won’t need as much.
Feeding and Fertilizer
You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every four to six weeks during the growing season. Spring through early fall is prime time.
Look for something with micronutrients and low salt content. Avoid overfeeding. Too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn or strange deformations. Less is more.
If you’re using slow-release pellets, space out your feedings and keep an eye on how the plant responds.
Support and Climbing
This plant loves to climb. If you give it a moss pole or wooden plank, it’ll send out aerial roots to anchor itself. This is part of how it grows those larger, showier leaves.
No support, and it’ll start to flop and look awkward. Support, and it’ll grow taller, straighter, and more dramatic. Moist moss poles help stimulate root attachment, which encourages leaf growth.
Wipe down the leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth to remove dust. This helps the plant photosynthesize better and gives you a chance to check for pests.
Common Issues
If the leaves are turning yellow, you’re probably watering too often or not letting the soil drain well enough. Cut back on watering and double-check your pot has drainage holes.
Crispy brown tips? That usually points to low humidity. Boost the moisture around the plant and it should recover.
If you see small webbing or cottony spots under the leaves, you might be dealing with spider mites or mealybugs. Treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap, and isolate it from other plants for a bit.
Slow growth can mean the plant isn’t getting enough light, or it’s in a pot that’s too big. Check both and adjust as needed.
Propagation
You can propagate Monstera Burle Marx Flame using stem cuttings. Pick a cutting with at least one node and one healthy leaf. You can root it in water or directly in moist soil or sphagnum moss.
If rooting in water, change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots typically appear in a few weeks. Once they’re a couple of inches long, you can transplant it into a pot.
This plant isn’t fast to propagate, so be patient. Rooting and acclimating can take time.
Where to Buy
This isn’t the kind of plant you find at big-box garden centers. It’s usually sold by specialty shops or private sellers. One reliable source for collectors is this rare Monstera Burle Marx Flame listing, which offers healthy, established specimens.
Prices vary depending on size and maturity, but expect to pay a premium. That said, this plant holds its value well, especially among collectors.
Final Take
Monstera Burle Marx Flame isn’t for beginners, but if you’re already comfortable with tropicals, it’s a natural next step. It demands more attention than your average houseplant, but the payoff is a living sculpture that’s unlike anything else in your space.
With the right light, consistent care, and some patience, this rare climber will reward you with dramatic foliage and a presence that makes it worth every bit of effort. Whether you’re growing it as a centerpiece or adding it to an indoor jungle, Monstera Burle Marx Flame brings something that few other plants can.
FAQs
- What makes the Monstera Burle Marx Flame special compared to regular Monsteras? Its distinctive jagged, flame-like leaves are thinner and more deeply lobed than those of common Monsteras. This unique appearance makes it a standout collector’s plant.
- How often should I water my Monstera Burle Marx Flame? Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. During winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.
- Can I grow a Monstera Burle Marx Flame if I’m a beginner plant owner? This plant requires more attention than average houseplants and isn’t ideal for beginners. It’s better suited for those already comfortable caring for tropical plants.
- Why are the leaves on my Monstera Burle Marx Flame turning yellow? Yellow leaves typically indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Check that you’re not watering too frequently and ensure your pot has good drainage.
- How much light does a Monstera Burle Marx Flame need? It thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves, but too little light will result in smaller, less dramatic foliage.