Monstera siltepecana care

The Monstera siltepecana is another newer, rarer Monstera on the scene, and no less amazing! More similar in growth habit to the Monstera adansonii - although much more easy going - the siltepecana is actually a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Found in Mexico and many parts in Central America, it’s an epiphyte, that will naturally grow up a tree, attaching itself to the bark and reaching for the sky. As a young plant, the leaves are a lovely grey green, with darker green veins. When it grows upward, the young leaves transform into larger, dark green leaves and eventually develop fenestration.

As a houseplant, if you allow the plant to trail, the leaves will remain smaller, in the juvenile form. By giving the plant a stake, moss pole or trellis to climb, the leaves will grow larger - although it will take some time and the right conditions for the fenestration to develop in an indoor setting.

These plants are rewardingly fast growers, so a smaller plant can fill out in no time, with the right basic care.

LIGHT

Bright, indirect light is best. They can tolerate some direct sun - morning sun from an east facing window would be fine - but too much direct light will cause the plant to shrivel. If the best spot you have is full sun, perhaps put in some sheer curtains to diffuse the light, or set the pot back and away from the window.

WATERING

Allow the soil to dry out a little before watering. If you’re unsure, always do a finger test! Stick your finger into the soil - if it feels wet or quite damp, don’t water and check again in a couple of days.

SOIL AND REPOTTING

A fast draining aroid mix is best. Repotting is only necessary once the roots are showing through the bottom of the pot.

PROPAGATION

Is super easy! Just snip off a length with one or two leaves and a node. If the node is large enough, you can just stick it directly into the pot. If not, pop it in a glass of water, wait for the root to grow a bit and then pot.