Do you want to expand your houseplant collection with a new monstera? Take a look at the Monstera siltepecana! Monstera siltepecana care is simple, and you’ll enjoy having this beautiful climber in your collection.
The monstera siltepecana is a member of the monstera genus, which contains over 50 beautiful species. It’s not a philodendron. Monsteras are usually referred to as philodendrons, which is probably due to their many similarities.
Monstera Siltepecana Information
Monstera siltepecana is a flowering plant found in southern Mexico and Central America. It is a vining plant that, like other Monstera species, develops holes in its leaves as it matures. It has distinctive silver venation, especially in immature foliage. Monstera siltepecana, like the other members of the arum family, grows quickly.
Here’s a quick primer on the plant.
| Binomial Name | Monstera Siltepecana Matuda |
| Other name | Silver Monstera |
| Native | Southern Mexico and Central America |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Monstera |
| Plant Type | Foliage, vine, large |
| Growth Size | Upto eight feet tall and three feet wide |
| Toxicity | Toxic to both humans and pets |
| Common Pests | Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Scale and Aphids |
How Does The Monstera Siltepecana Plant Grow?
Monstera siltepecana leaves have a lovely light green with silver-gray markings. They are absolutely stunning. The leaves are long and narrow, similar to cebu blue pothos leaves.
Monstera siltepecana leaves come in two varieties: juvenile and mature. Juvenile leaves are shorter, longer, and thinner, with no fenestrations (splits/holes).
Monstera siltepecana mature leaves have large holes near the midrib. If allowed to climb, it will only produce more mature leaves and grow larger.
In ideal conditions, these plants will take 2-3 years to mature. Monstera siltepecana are excellent terrarium plants when young.
To climb, give your Monstera a climbing pole, such as a moss pole. As a result, your plant’s leaves will grow larger and larger as it matures. Otherwise, it will remain small and show no significant increase in leaf size.
Monstera siltepecana climbs trees quickly and becomes an epiphyte in the wild.
Monstera Siltepecana Care Guide
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Watering
- Soil Mix
- Fertilizing
Lighting (Bright/Indirect)
The best light for your Monstera siltepecana is bright indirect sunlight. A few hours of direct sunlight in the morning are no problem for most Monstera.
Especially in the mornings when there is direct sunlight. This is truly the case of an east-facing window.
In nature, Monstera siltepecana grows well in partial or full shade.
If you are caring for your plant as a houseplant, I recommend placing it near a window with bright indirect light.
Your plants will thrive and grow well this way, and you will avoid leaf burn. This can happen if you expose your plants to too much direct sunlight. For example, several hours of direct afternoon sun.
Temperature and Humidity
To keep a plant as happy as possible, try to recreate its natural environment. The part of this that most people struggle with is humidity. Siltepecana plants, like other monstera plants, thrive in high humidity levels.
Monstera siltepecana grows best at temperatures ranging from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 35 degrees Celsius).
These plants can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. The plant, on the other hand, is patient, and it may be fine without any humidity adjustments. Simply keep an eye out for signs of dryness (brown tips on the leaves, mostly).
Watering
Monstera siltepecana is a tropical species that appreciates regular moisture, but it’s also a partially epiphytic vine that doesn’t like being sat in wet soil.
Growing as an exposed vine in the wild, they will be thoroughly soaked by the rain and then dried by the sun. Matching your watering cycle to that of your home will produce good results.
Drainage holes in your pots, as with many tropical plants, are required to divert excess water and prevent root rot.
There is a balance to be struck in a terrarium, but selecting the right substrate is half the battle (and drainage layers can help).
They may require slightly different watering requirements depending on their maturity level, but they are likely to thrive in most tropical terrarium setups (especially if they have lots of humidity).
Soil Mix
Monstera siltepecana thrives in nutrient-rich substrate with good drainage.
As a potentially epiphytic grower, it’ll probably do better in a chunkier, well-aerated mix as well. Something that will truly allow those roots to breathe.
Choosing a mix high in orchid bark and coco coir can really help with water retention while still allowing for plenty of aeration and drainage.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer and dilute it to half strength once a month during the growing season for Monstera siltepecana.
You have the option of using liquid fertilizer. In that case, half strength is preferable.
Fertilize one every month in the summer and spring, and less frequently in the autumn and winter.
Monstera Siltepecana Propagation
Taking stem cuttings is the simplest way to propagate Monstera siltepecana.
To propagate Monstera plants, ensure that you have at least one node. Nodes are the nubby spots on your plant’s stem.
To correct the record. Only one leaf without a node will never develop into a full plant. They lack the necessary biological prerequisites to do so. A node is required for a Monstera siltepecana cutting to grow into a plant. It is possible to propagate it without a leaf but not without a node.
To propagate, take a stem cutting with at least one node and 1-3 leaves.
Place your cutting in water, directly into the soil, sphagnum moss, or pumice. Below are different methods to propagate Monstera plants with step-by-step instructions for each method.
Plant Propagation Techniques For Monstera Siltepecana
This aroid grows best from stem cuttings that have at least one node and 1-3 leaves.
The best propagation medium is largely determined by personal preferences and the availability of specific ingredients.
I’ve put together step-by-step instructions for the most common ways to propagate your plant:
Stem Cutting
Cut just above a node with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Cutting above means that the node, not the part you cut off, will remain on the plant. This is significant because nodes are the points at which new growth (leaves and roots) emerges from the stem.
Soil propagation
Soil propagation, in my opinion, is both the easiest and most difficult way to clone your Monstera siltepecana.
It’s simple because all you have to do is stick your cutting into the dirt.
It’s difficult because there’s almost no way of knowing what’s going on beneath the soil, and it’s easy to get the humidity in the soil wrong. Once established, this can quickly lead to a rotting plant and root rot.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Take a cutting with one node and one to three leaves.
- Allow your cutting to stay for several minutes or hours, depending on its size.
- Calloused skin will use plant sap to close the wound. When the end of the cutting is dry, it is time to plant it.
- Some people would rather use cloning gel or rooting hormone. You can use it, and it may aid in the rooting process. However, it is not required.
- Make your potting medium, which should be well-draining and slightly moist.
- Make a hole with a stick for your cutting.
- Insert the cutting into the hole, making certain that no leaves are submerged.
- Gently press the soil around the cutting to keep the steam contained.
- Use water sparingly! Your cutting has no roots at this point, so it will take longer for the soil to dry out, which should not happen when rooting a cutting.
- After about 2-3 weeks, gently pull your cutting to see if it has begun to root.
- When the first new leaf appears, you can be certain that the cutting has successfully rooted and has grown into a full plant. VERY WELL DONE!
Water propagation
Water propagation tends to work well in most situations and has the advantage of allowing you to closely observe the process. Many people wonder why plants do not rot when placed in plain water.
When you place your plants in soil and overwater them, the roots rot quickly. The reason for this is that the reaction between soil and too much water causes rot.
Follow the Step-by-Step instructions below to learn how to propagate a Monstera siltepecana using the water propagation method.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare a sterilized and disinfected knife or scissors. Apply rubbing alcohol to the blade and hold it under a flame for several seconds. This ensures that you do not contaminate the plant.
Make a clean cut below a node with scissors or a knife. - Fill a vessel halfway with room temperature water.
- Distilled or rainwater is the best water to use. Tap water, on the other hand, will suffice.
- Place the cutting directly in the water.
- Make certain that no leaves are submerged, as this could cause rot.
- To keep the water fresh, change it every couple of days.
- The presence of oxygen in the water will hasten the rooting process.
- Allow your Monstera siltepecana to grow new roots.
- After about 2-3 weeks, roots will begin to emerge.
- Plant your Monstera into the soil when the roots are several inches long.
- Congratulations on replicating your Siltepecana!
Here is a video reference to propagating Monstera Siltepecana
Monstera Siltepecana Common Pests
Pests such as mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and aphids can be attracted to Monstera siltepecana. These pests primarily attack outdoor plants. However, your houseplants are not immune.
The signs your plants will exhibit will vary depending on the pests they have. Bugs, honeydew, and black sooty mold may be visible. There may also be yellow, black, or silvery spots, webbing, and yellow or deformed leaves.
Severe cases may result in leaf drop and stunted growth. These signs must not be overlooked.
Treatment or remedies are dependent on the pest in question. Horticultural oil sprays, insecticidal soaps, and neem oil are all options. Furthermore, in some cases, you will need to remove them manually or with rubbing alcohol.
Finally, if you don’t have any pests yet, separate any new plants that arrive. Inspect for any signs of bugs and separate the ones that are affected.
How to Treat a Monstera siltepecana Infected with a Bug
Rather than going into detail about how to treat each of these pest infestations, we will tell you about the best remedies for all of these pests over the years.
If I know anything, it is that determining what exactly infested your plant is extremely difficult. Because all of these pesky insects are so small, it’s difficult to tell what exactly infested your Monstera siltepecana.
As a result, whenever a pest infestation is discovered, I will advise you of the following tried-and-true remedies:
- Water your plants thoroughly. Wash the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves.
- Wash the underside and upper side of leaves and stems with water-diluted Castille Soap.
- Rubbing alcohol is also an excellent treatment for a variety of pests. Dilute it with water and apply it to the leaves and stems with a cotton swab dipped in the solution.
- And our personal favorite is Neem oil. It is not cheap, but it is effective in getting rid of bugs.
Any of these methods can be used independently. Use them over a three-week period to eliminate the offspring once they are born.
Offspring may be breeding in eggs in the soil by the time you treat your Monstera siltepecana for the first time, and you will almost certainly miss them.
That is why the process is repeated after about 2-3 weeks. I repeat it several times over the course of three weeks.
Let me inform you something, and it is not meant to be discouraging. Getting rid of pests on indoor houseplants is not easy, and it takes a lot of energy and effort. Don’t give up hope and keep fighting the good fight. You will succeed in the end.
Diseases and Conditions
#1. Yellowing Leaves
Overwatering causes yellow leaves on Monstera siltepecana. This, however, is not the only reason. Low humidity, cold drafts, and too little or too much light are some of the others.
Yellow leaves can indicate that your plant is deficient in nutrients, infected, or infested with pests.
Treatment: Examine the soil. If it becomes soggy and stays wet for more than a week, you should use a suitable potting mix.
Avoid watering your Monstera siltepecana too frequently. In most cases, once a week is sufficient. If the soil is still moist, do not water.
Eventually you notice yellowing leaves in combination with soggy soil, you should inspect the roots.
If the soil remains wet, it is very likely that the roots have begun to rot. You can tell if you have root rot by removing the soil and inspecting the roots.
Healthy roots are solid and white or brown. Rotting roots are mushy, dark black, and extremely soft. If you pull or squeeze them, they fall right off.
If this is the case, you should snip off all of the affected roots just above these areas and then rinse them all with room temperature water.
You can then apply cinnamon to the roots to disinfect them. After that, you must remove all of the potting soil from the plant. Also, disinfect the pot.
Pathogens in the soil cause root rot, which is a disease. Because it spreads easily from one root to the next and is in the soil and pot, you must work diligently to eradicate it.
#2. Browning Leaves
Brown leaves can occur as a result of excessive sunlight, a thirsty plant, or low humidity. If your plant’s leaves feel crispy, with brown tips and edges, it’s probably thirsty.
Disease, pests, and salt buildup in the soil are all possible causes. Examine your plant’s other symptoms to determine the most likely cause.
Treatment: Assume your plant is not getting enough light. Examine the available light sources as well as the distance and direction of your windows.
There is a significant difference between placing your plant in a northern and southern window.
In this extensive light levels for plants article, you can read everything about the proper positioning of your indoor plants based on the direction of your windows and distance.
#3. Leave Droppings
Droopy leaves can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is one of these two. Underwatering causes leaves to droop as the Monstera siltepecana uses the plant’s remaining water by directing it back to the roots.
The inverse can also be true. Overwatering will cause the plant to be unable to absorb water because the roots will be damaged.
Treatment: Examine the soil and determine whether it is wet or dry. Try to recall the last time you watered your Monstera. You should know if you over- or under-water your plant based on the answers to these two questions.
Assume you have overwatered your houseplant, as we have already described what to do when confronted with an overwatered indoor plant that is already damaged.
When your plant is underwater, simply water it thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes in your pot.
Make it a habit to water your Monstera siltepecana on a regular basis from now on.
The soil should never be completely dry as this can act as a blanket, preventing water from reaching the roots even when watering.
Do not allow the soil completely dry out. It is best to keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy at all times.
Steps To Grow A Healthy, Vibrant Siltepecana.
Read on for our comprehensive list of care tips:
- Maintain maximum humidity by using a pebble tray, spraying your plants on a regular basis, or using a humidifier.
Water once a week and use your finger to check the soil humidity before watering. - In the spring and summer, fertilize with a diluted fertilizer at half strength once a month, or use a slow-release fertilizer.
- Every couple of days, inspect your Monstera siltepecana for pests.
- Your plant should never be overwatered. If you follow our procedure to ensure that your roots are healthy,
- Propagate your plant on a regular basis to have a backup in case something goes wrong or to make it more full and share the joy of caring for a Monstera siltepecana.
- Use a potting mix that drains well.
- Place your plant in a drainage-holed pot.
Read More: Rhaphidophora Pertusa Care and Vs. Tetrasperma
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Where can I find a Monstera siltepecana?
This plant can be purchased on eBay, Etsy, from private sellers on Facebook or Instagram, and from online plant stores. These plants are rarely found in garden centres or traditional offline plant stores.
Is Monstera Siltepecana rare?
Monstera Siltepecana is unusual but not uncommon. There are also many vendors on Etsy and eBay. However, Monstera siltepecana El Salvador is extremely rare and difficult to find.
How To Care for a Monstera Siltepecana Plant?
The care for Monstera is simple. Use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix for it. Water frequently and allow excess water to drain. Whenever the soil is about to dry out, water it. Allow for high humidity and temperatures ranging from 60°F to 95°F (16°C to 35°C). Monstera siltepecana will be able to climb and mature with the help of a moss pole.
How much does a Monstera Siltepecana Cost?
Monstera Siltepecana is not very expensive, costing around $20. However, depending on where you are, these prices may be higher or lower. Plant prices are heavily influenced by availability.
What other Monstera species exist?
Monstera is a species with approximately 50 species. Monstera adansonii, Monstera eskeleton, Monstera subpinnata, Monstera deliciosa, Monstera dubia, Monstera lechleriana, and Monstera pinnatipartita are some other Monstera species.
What does a mature Monstera siltepecana resemble?
The leaves of a mature Monstera siltepecana are much larger than those of a juvenile form. The green veins and silver markings on the leaves have faded, and there are holes near the midrib. Mature Monstera siltepecana grows as an epiphyte on other trees and rocks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Monstera Siltepecana is a stunning plant that is sure to add beauty to any home. It is important to remember that this plant requires quite a bit of care, so be sure to read up on Monstera Siltepecana care before purchasing one. If you are looking for a plant that will make a big impact, the Monstera Siltepecana is the plant for you! Be sure to comment
