Key Takeaways
- Monstera siltepecana is a tropical plant that has two distinct growth phases. When it’s a young plant, its leaves are green-silver lance-shaped leaves with bluish tint hues. But as it matures, the leaves become dark green with fenestrations starting from the center and going outward.
- The versatile Siltepecana plant thrives in a terrarium, hanging basket, or other indoor settings but you can also grow it in an outdoor setting in USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11.
- Monstera siltepecana is relatively easy to care for:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is the best light for it to thrive.
- Soil: Use well-draining aroid mix using soil amendments like peat moss, bark, and perlite.
- Water: Watering it once a week and especially when the top 2 inches of the soil is almost dry.
- Humidity: Keep the plant in a higher humidity level environment of at least 60%
- Fertilizing: Add some fertilizer about once a month during the spring and summer when it’s their growing season.
Table of Contents
What is a Monstera Siltepecana?
Monstera siltepecana is a tropical plant that belongs to the Monstera genus. It is native to Central America and southern Mexico and is considered a small-leafed Monstera that is an epiphytic creeper.
This Monstera grows the strongest vines in the Monstera genus. The vining foliage of this plant can climb and trail, however, most gardeners prefer growing it as a climber.
Phases of Growth
The plant is a vining member of the Monstera genus and has two distinct growth phases. When young, it has lance-shaped leaves that are whole and silver with a bluish tint or silver markings on the leaves that eventually fades as the plant matures.
Due to its color, it is sometimes confused with the Cebu Blue Pothos that has the same coloring.
As it matures, its leaves darken to a rich green, become wider, and develop fenestrations, usually from its center vein outward. The plant likes to climb like a vine and appreciates regular moisture without sitting in soggy soil.
Mature leaves are 5 inches long and the overall plant size is usually between 20 to 30 inches.
If you let the plant grow in an open space mature Monstera Siltepecana can reach a height of 8 feet and spread up to 3 feet.
Other Names for Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera siltepecana is known by several common names that may vary depending on the region.
Some of the most common names include:
- Silver Monstera
- Monstera Vine
- Monstera Siltepecana Matuda
- Swiss Cheese Plant
- Hurricane Plant
- Window Leaf Plant, and
- Mexican Breadfruit.
It is important to note that some of these names may also be used for other Monstera species, so it is best to refer to the scientific name to avoid confusion. Regardless of the name, Monstera siltepecana is a unique and beautiful plant that is highly sought after by plant enthusiasts
It is also mislabeled as Philodendron siltepecana but it does not belong to the Philodendron genus.
Does Monstera Siltepecana Plants Flower?
These plants produce inflorescence-type flowers that feature a spadix and spathe but this is rare when grown as an indoor plant.
How to Care for a Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera siltepecanais a beautiful and unique tropical plant that is relatively easy to care for. To ensure that your Monstera Siltepecana thrives, it is important to provide it with the right conditions.
This includes providing it with bright, indirect light, a well-draining aroid mix using peat moss, bark, perlite, and charcoal, and watering it once the top 2 inches of the soil almost dry out.
Additionally, maintaining a humidity level of at least 60% can help your plant thrive. Fertilizing it once a month during the spring and summer can also help it grow at its best.
With proper care, your Monstera Siltepecana can be a beautiful addition to your home or office.
Read further for more information on how to care for this plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Monstera plants prefer to grow in a temperature range closer to their natural environment.
So, as an indoor houseplant, Monstera Siltepecana will thrive in temperatures ranging from 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 32 degrees Celsius). While the humidity should be around 60% relative humidity.
Light
Like other Monstera varieties, this plant also loves growing under bright, indirect light because it grows under the forest tree canopy.
Your plant should be protected from the midday sun at any cost if you want the beautiful silver-green color to last.
You can leave it in direct sunlight for an hour or two because too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
This plant is not very particular about its light requirement meaning it will survive in low light levels or partial shade.
But this comprises the growth rate and your plant will probably not grow to the fullest.
Watering
Watering Monstera Siltepecana is a critical requirement to successfully grow these tropical plants indoors.
The Monstera Siltepecana should be watered regularly and evenly. You need to find a balance between under and overwatering because it will not appreciate sitting in soggy soil.
The most common sign of overwatering for this plant is yellow leaves so watch out for that.
It requires more moisture when grown in bright sunlight or at high temperatures.
Therefore, it’s best to come up with a schedule based on the actual growing environment of your plant.
Always use pots with drainage holes for indoor plants because they will ensure no excess water remains in the soil that might lead to root rot.
Even when growing Monstera Siltepecana in a terrarium, drainage layers are a must.
Soil and Fertilizer
Choose a light and airy potting mix to ensure drainage, air circulation, and water retention.
Use orchid bark and coco coir with regular potting soil to create a suitable potting mix or use any other well-draining soil mix.
Bear in mind that the juvenile Monstera has a terrestrial growth habit but as it matures it becomes an epiphyte meaning it requires support to grow the best.
You can use a sphagnum moss pole or any other vertical support like a large wooden branch.
Plant this Monstera Plant in a rich potting mix, however; you will have to revive the nutrients in the soil every few months using a liquid fertilizer.
You should fertilize the Monstera Siltepecana once a month in the growing season with fertilizer mixed at half strength.
Common Pests
The most common issue growers have with this plant is pest invasions.
Brown tips, curled leaves, or yellowing leaves usually indicate water stress, but they can also be a result of pest infection.
This Monstera is prone to pest infestations, including fungus gnats, spider mites, scales, aphids, and mealybugs.
All of them can be treated using simple natural remedies. In the event of infection, wash the plant with a strong stream of water.
Next, use a diluted soap or rubbing alcohol solution. Most gardeners prefer neem oil as it’s natural and easy to use on almost any plant.
Repeat the treatment every week or two to completely remove the adults and pest eggs.
Repotting
Repot the Monstera Siltepecana plant when it becomes root-bound. This is usually when the plant has stunted growth and has outgrown the current pot.
Another sign is the roots coming out of the bottom holes. Regardless of the growth stage, you need to refresh the potting medium every year.
Propagation
This Monstera species is best propagated using the stem-cutting method. Trim a 4–6-inch long stem right next to a leaf node.
The cutting should have at least one leaf attached. Let the cutting callous for a few hours and treat the lower end with a rooting hormone solution.
Plant the cutting in an aerated soil mixture in a small nursery pot and keep it there under the recommended temperature range.
The stem cutting also requires bright, indirect sunlight similar to the mother plant.
With the right balance of light, temperature, and water, the cutting will root in a few weeks and develop new leaves. The aerial roots on the cutting will also help in rooting.
Pruning
Pruning helps you get rid of damaged or diseased parts of your favorite plants. It will also help with size control. The best time to prune any Monstera variety, including Silver Monstera, is early spring.
FAQ
Is Monstera Siltepecana rare?
Monstera siltepecana plants are considered rare plants due to their limited availability in the market. These plants are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, and their natural habitats are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. As a result, they are not commonly found in the wild or in nurseries. Despite their rarity, Monstera siltepecana is still highly sought-after for its unique foliage and moderate growth rate.
Does Silver Monstera like humidity?
Silver Monstera plants, also known as Monstera siltepecana, thrive in environments with medium to high humidity levels. These plants are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where they grow under the canopy of trees in humid rainforests. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the humidity levels around these plants are maintained at optimal levels to promote healthy growth and prevent issues such as leaf browning or drying. Providing adequate humidity can be achieved through regular misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
Are Monstera Siltepecana fast-growing plants?
Monstera siltepecana are moderately fast-growing plants that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide when they reach maturity. However, their growth rate can be influenced by various factors such as lighting, temperature, humidity, and soil conditions. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Additionally, providing them with adequate water and nutrients can also promote faster growth. With proper care and optimal growing conditions, Monstera siltepecana can grow at a steady pace and produce lush foliage.
Is Monstera Siltepecana toxic to Pets?
Yes, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Monstera plants, including Monstera Siltepecana, are toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms can include oral irritation (mouth, tongue, and lips), excessive drooling, and vomiting.
Other Monstera Plants to Consider
Monstera Siltepecana is a charming plant with dual-colored leaves and grows well in any indoor setting if the temperature, water, and soil requirements are met.
However, there are many varieties of Monstera houseplants. If you are looking for another type of Monstera plant, check out our other related posts:
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.