Hi Sheri! If the plant is truly Monstera deliciosa it isn't a Philodendron at all. The genus Monstera contains 33 to 36 or so species depending on the scientific source quoted. There are many scientific names in the genus but almost all have been sunk into synonymy with a much smaller number of accepted species names. It sounds as if you've done your homework already since you know the name of the botanist that originally published the plant or at least his abbreviated name so I'd say you actually have that species. Monstera deliciosa has a number of natural variations and some produce leaves that remain very small for the entire life of the plant. I was recently given a cutting from a 20 year old plant the the largest leaves weren't 12 inches wide. Philodendron is a very large genus with something close to 1000 species divided into three major sections but that is a totally different discussion. The same common name is used for Philodendron bipinnatifidum (P selloum) since it has multi-lobed leaf margins (edges). Even if the plant were P. bipinnatifidum the growth method is basically the same. It sounds as if your growing conditions are good for Monstera deliciosa since it is very tolerant. I doubt you can over water it since it naturally grows along steam banks in southern Mexico and most of Central America. However, the soil mixture may not be good for this species. Monstera require a very fast draining soil so if you have it in Mississippi clay the roots may not be able to freely grow and gather water and nourishment. The other possible cause would be either lack of or over fertilization. Either is just as bad. Most commercial growers prefer something like Osmocote 30-30-30 for large aroids. If the soil is good I'd try the fertilizer first. If the soil has not been amended I would suggest you mix a large quantity of moisture control potting soil with about 20% peat moss and add a BUNCH of cypress mulch. If you can find a bag of cheap orchid bark with charcoal add that as well along with any compost you can find. I know it may be a big job but if you dig the plant up and replant it in this mix it should begin to thrive. My big question is the weather in your area. Although Monstera deliciosa will likely survive, it will be temporarily stunted by extreme cold. The species is not know to do great much north of Orlando so keep that in mind. You can shield it from the cold during any really cold nights but try to keep it from long exposure. You should know this species craves to climb. I have several large specimens in my own atrium and one is now 10 feet up the nearest tree. I've seen them in the tropics and in South Florida at least 50 feet into the canopy and have read of them climbing much higher. Other than that, without photos to examine I'm not sure what other advice to offer.

I noted that mine, which was growing in the greenhouse in a sunny spot, got shaded out by some quickly growing Pinanga palms and the out-of-control Jade Vine canopy, and it became less variegated AND grew a lot more slowly, so I dug it up and moved it to a more open very high light place. Its going great guns now and looks awesome. The white areas are not photosynthesizing, so the more variegated it is, the more bright light (not direct sun) it needs to stay healthy. The green and white is supposedly a lot more stable than the green and yellow. My green and yellow came with instructions from the grower who shared it with me to remove any leaves that came out all green or almost all green and that would cause it to produce more variegated leaves. Also, HIGH NITROGEN FERTILIZER is a no-no.

Hi Amy, Your cutting looks fine, the light-colored tip on the root indicates new growth so all is well. The brownish bumps are normal. Personally I would leave it in water until spring, even til late spring when temps are consistently warm. Then pot into a well-draining mix that will dry out fairly fast. Based on the distance between nodes on the stem, I think your cutting is likely a variety of M. deliciosa called Borsigiana and not the big full-size species. It is smaller, faster growing and more vine-like. If you know the source of your cutting, what was the size of leaves on the parent plant? Russ

I find Planterina on youtube to be informative. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izsbLWvqe3s I just replanted mine when I read they will get bigger if you give the roots more room, or the smaller the pot, the more contained/smaller it will stay. Here's mine! Almost 3 years old.