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.

Those aren't stems. Those are petioles, and they attach the leaf to the stem. The brownish areas that you're talking about are called the geniculum. This helps maneuver the leaf around so that it can absorb sunlight better. Nothing to worry about.

Karen, you are right. I am one of the people who has switched out of gritty mix for Sans. ALL my Sans are in a C/S soil "blend." I myself "blend" about 40-50% C/S soil with the rest being gritty substances -- perlite, pumice, a handful of Manna Pro poultry grit thrown in here and there, if the pot isn't too big. (Manna Pro makes a pot HEAVY in no time.) For Sans, I even "repurpose" some soil. Learned that from Rina. I do have plants growing in gritty-type substances -- Haws, Aloes and Gasterias primarily. And I do find them "too drying," so I must pay more attention to those plants. But my Sansevierias have not done well in gritty-type mixes. I have about 20-25 Sans now. They all live outside on my covered lanai. It's hot AND humid in Florida. With the Sans being in a C/S mix that's about 50/50, I water most of them about every 2 weeks give-or-take. If I need to err, I err on the side of "well, water them tomorrow, not today." Everyone loses individual leaves on a plant. When I first saw this post, I thought -- okay, a leaf has died. The rest of the plant looks good and Morgan said she was going to repot anyway. A good look at the roots is often the most informative action one can take.

Thank you for your comment. I’m sure it’s probably wise to lean on the side of caution and wait until spring to repot. But I’m wondering if ‘potting up’ would be beneficial for now? The monstera especially seems it’ll be outgrowing it’s small pot at the rate it’s going. If yes on potting up, should I use the gritty mix as the new soil? Not sure how that works going from soil to gritty... if anybody could at least give me advice as to potting up and how, I’d be most grateful. Another thread I read mentioned the monstera may grow best using the 511 mix and ffl using the gritty. Any comments and experience with this is appreciated as well.