Golden Compact Monstera (Monstera deliciosa Golden Compact)
Golden Compact Monstera Plant Features
Golden Compact is a newer selection of Monstera deliciosa that grows just like its more common cousin. The biggest difference, though, is the color. This bold houseplant sports golden-yellow to lime-green leaves, depending on light levels. (The more light it gets, the brighter its color.) Visually, it's more similar to Neon Pothos or Lemon Lime Philodendron.
Its color makes it stand out from the species, but happily, it has all of Monstera deliciosa's other fantastic qualities. The leaves grow larger as the plant ages, it develops eye-catching fenestrations (slits and windows), and it tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. In time, it grows into an incredible statement plant.
This houseplant earned its name because of the bright color of its leaves and its compact petioles (leaf stalks), which hold its leaves closer to the main stem than traditional varieties of Monstera deliciosa.
Golden Compact Monstera Growing Instructions
Monstera Golden Compact Light Needs
If you want it to grow to its fullest potential, be sure to give your Golden Compact Monstera a spot with bright light. It generally wants as much light as it can get indoors to be happy. If you're uncertain about the light levels in the spot you wish to grow it in, check to see if the plant casts a medium or strong shadow throughout the day. If it doesn't have a strong shadow during most of the day, the spot probably doesn't have enough light to keep your plant happy.
Golden Compact truly thrives in bright light, it can tolerate in lower light conditions. Without bright light, though, it will grow more slowly, be more susceptible to watering issues, and won't show as much vibrant color. Golden Compact doesn't need sunlight to thrive. It grows well under both natural or artificial light.
Water Needs
As is the case with a lot of other climbing plants in the Monstera Golden Compact likes to stay moist, but it hates staying wet and soggy. It comes from tropical rainforests where there's usually an abundance of rainfall---but the water drains fast and doesn't create a swampy environment. If you're watering traditionally, ensure the top half or so of the potting mix dries to the touch before you water it. The leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely if it dries out too much or is overwatered.
If you're using the Wick & Grow self-watering system, though, you don't need to worry about overwatering. Just be sure the water never touches the bottom of the pot and you don't water from the top. (All of the water should be delivered from the wick.) The potting mix will stay only as moist as your plant wants. The potting mix stays moist, but not too wet.
Golden Compact Humidity Needs
Thanks to its thick, almost leathery leaf texture, this Monstera can grow in average humidity levels. That said, it comes from humid, subtropical areas and prefers above-average relative humidity levels. For best results, keep relative humidity above 40 percent or so. Boost relative humidity levels for your plant by grouping it with other houseplants or growing it in a large terrarium or display case.
Fertilizing
If you want your Monstera to grow as big and beautiful as possible, it helps to fertilize in spring and summer months with a fertilizer formulated for use on houseplants. Follow the directions on the product packaging. Never apply more fertilizer than the instructions recommend as over-fertilization can damage or even kill a houseplant.
Pruning Monstera Golden Compact
Your Golden Compact Monstera shouldn't need any pruning, except to remove any old or damaged leaves. If it gets too large, you can prune your plant.
Note: This plant may have some natural degree of toxicity and may cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Additionally, exposure to the sap of this plant may cause discomfort to individuals with a sensitivity to it upon contact. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.
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Water
Medium water needs
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Light
Indoors: High light
Indoors: Medium light
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Colors
Yellow
Q&A
Is it the same as Monstera Lemon Lime?We're not fully sure yet. Our source provided us this plant as Monstera Golden Compact. We haven't grown Lemon Lime long enough to know if there's a distinct difference or not. Until we know for sure, we're keeping the name we were provided.