Photo: Alan PratherCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Narrow Leaf Monstera Plant Care
Monstera tenuis K.Koch
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its narrow, elongated leaves with unique perforations along the edges. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Monstera tenuis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate appearance and elegant growth habit. Its intricate foliage adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor jungle.
Every 5–7 days
Bright Indirect
70–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Water Narrow Leaf Monstera every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–80°F (21–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Narrow Leaf Monstera Native To?
What Is the Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Narrow Leaf Monstera (Monstera tenuis) belongs to the Araceae family within the Monstera genus. Narrow Leaf Monstera is native to Tropical regions of Central and South America. Narrow Leaf Monstera is also known as Monstera adansonii var. tenuis.
Narrow Leaf Monstera displays a climbing, shingling growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Narrow Leaf Monstera produces spathe and spadix.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Monstera tenuis requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Narrow Leaf Monstera Need?
Narrow Leaf Monstera thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Narrow Leaf Monstera in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Narrow Leaf Monstera Prefer?
Monstera tenuis grows best at temperatures of 70–80°F. Narrow Leaf Monstera prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Well-draining soil mix using peat, perlite, charcoal, orchid bark and some potting soil. Slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Good drainage is essential for Narrow Leaf Monstera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Feed Narrow Leaf Monstera every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Narrow Leaf Monstera can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering as well as seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to swiss cheese vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Narrow Leaf Monstera Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans, and toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Contains calcium oxalate chrystals
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Narrow Leaf Monstera?
Narrow Leaf Monstera is susceptible to mealybugs, thrips, scale, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Narrow Leaf Monstera Need?
Narrow Leaf Monstera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Narrow Leaf Monstera is native to Tropical regions of Central and South America. In cooler regions, grow Narrow Leaf Monstera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Narrow Leaf Monstera is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Monstera genus — compare its care with other Monstera species on PlantoScan.
Monstera is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Narrow Leaf Monstera thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Monstera Species
Other Monstera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Monstera tenuis K.Koch, family Araceae (first published in Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1855(App.): 4 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Narrow Leaf Monstera is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alan Prather, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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