Renowned for its distinctive appearance and rarity, Monstera obliqua is a fascinating and unique plant species of the Araceae family. Being extremely rare, it can fetch high prices in the plant market, with some specimens costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
You can identify Monstera obliqua by its dramatic foliage, but because of its rarity, it is often mislabeled as other plants from the genus Monstera, such as Monstera adansonii or Monstera deliciosa. The unique leaves of Monstera obliqua — having deep lobes and large perforations — give it a lacy appearance and are thinner, and more perforated as compared to the thicker, more robust leaves of Monstera deliciosa.
If you take proper care of your Monstera obliqua and understand its needs, you can enjoy a thriving and visually stunning addition to any indoor garden.
Let’s talk about how to take care of Monstera obliqua…
Taking Care of Monstera Obliqua
Growing and taking care of Monstera obliqua requires careful attention to its specific needs due to its delicate and rare nature.
Here’s how to successfully grow and care for this unique plant:
1. Choosing the Right Environment
- Light: Monstera obliqua prefers bright, indirect light. Try to give your plant at least 7 hours of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can hinder growth. A north or east-facing window is ideal.
- Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) or sudden cold air drafts.
- Humidity: High humidity is crucial. Aim for at least 70% humidity, though higher (80–90%) is much more beneficial for the plant. You can use a humidifier, mist the plant regularly, or place it on a pebble tray with water to maintain humidity. You can also spray the plant leaves with non-calcareous water. Misting also helps to prevent pests.
2. Potting and Repotting
- Soil: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark works well. The soil should retain moisture but not become waterlogged.
- pH: As a slow-growing plant, it prefers a slightly acidic or neutral soil mixture/fertilizer. Keeping the soil pH above 5 and under 7.5 is good for the ideal growth of this plant.
- Pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom. Terracotta pots can help with aeration but may dry out faster, so plastic or ceramic pots are also good options.
- Repotting: As a slow-growing plant, Monstera obliqua will likely be repotted once in 2–3 years. If you see the roots of your plant coming out of the drainage holes or encircling the pot, then it is a sign that the plant needs to be repotted.
Note: It is better to repot your plant when it is summer or springtime when it is actively growing. Also, make sure that the next pot is wider than the previous one.
3. Watering
Monstera obliqua likes consistently moist (not soggy) soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot; so water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, or let the soil completely dry in between waterings.
- Frequency: Water the soil once or twice a week during summer or spring with lukewarm water. Remember to keep a strict watering schedule.
- Method: Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out. Discard any water that collects in the saucer to prevent root rot.
Keep your plant in check to make sure you are watering at the right intervals.
Pro Tip: Use a finger or moisture meter to verify the moisture of the soil. Dry or brownish-yellow leaves are a sign of dehydration and yellow leaves with rather feebler stems are a sign of overwatering.
4. Fertilizing
- Type: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
- Schedule: As it is a slow grower unlike its other Monstera relatives, it requires less amount of fertilization. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
5. Support and Training
- Support Structures: Monstera obliqua often needs support as it grows. Use a moss pole, trellis, stake, or any other support structure — e.g. a piece of driftwood, to support its epiphytic nature. This encourages vertical growth and helps the plant produce larger, more fenestrated leaves.
- Training: Gently tie or attach the stems to the support as they grow. This not only supports the plant but also encourages larger leaf development.
6. Pruning and Maintenance
- Pruning: Though pruning is not necessary, it can help maintain the desired shape and size of your plant. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves using a clean knife or scissors to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth. Avoid cutting more than 1/3rd of the plant mass at once as it may damage the overall growth of the plant.
- Cleaning Leaves: Dust the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to allow for better photosynthesis and to keep pests at bay.
7. Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, thrips, fungus gnats and scales. Webbing, sticky sap along the stems or leaf veins, or small holes or spots on the leaves are a sign of pest activity. Regularly inspect your plant and treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Disease Prevention: Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases. If you notice any signs of disease, such as black spots or mold, treat the affected areas and adjust care practices to prevent a recurrence.
8. Seasonal Care
Growth slows in winter, so reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Ensure the plant is not exposed to cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
Propagating Monstera Obliqua
If you’re looking forward to propagating your Monstera obliqua, you can successfully achieve it by following the detailed steps mentioned below.
1. Selecting and Preparing the Cutting
- Choose a Healthy Stem: Select a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant. Look for a stem that has at least one node and preferably one or two healthy leaves.
- Sterilize Your Tools: Use a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears to avoid infecting the plant. Sterilize your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol or boiling water.
- Make the Cut: Make a clean cut just below a node (the point where leaves and roots grow from the stem).
A healthy cutting should be 4–6 inches long.
2. Preparing the Cutting for Rooting
If there are leaves near the node, remove them to prevent them from rotting in the rooting medium. However, try to leave at least one or two leaves at the top of the cutting.
3. Choosing the Rooting Medium
You have several options for rooting your Monstera obliqua cutting:
a) Water
- Container: Use a clear jar or vase to monitor root growth. Fill it with clean, room-temperature water.
- Placement: Place the cutting in the water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves are above water.
- Maintenance: Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
b) Sphagnum Moss
- Preparation: Soak the sphagnum moss in water and then squeeze out the excess.
- Container: Place the moss in a clear plastic bag or container.
- Placement: Insert the cutting into the moss, ensuring the node is in contact with the moist moss.
- Environment: Seal the bag or container to create a humid environment.
c) Soil
- Soil Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.
- Potting: Plant the cutting in the soil, with the node buried just below the surface.
- Watering: Water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not soggy.
4. Providing the Right Environment
- Light: Place the cutting in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can be too harsh.
- Humidity: Maintain high humidity around the cutting. If rooting in soil or moss, you can cover the cutting with a plastic bag or use a humidity dome to create a humid environment.
- Temperature: Keep the cutting in a warm area, ideally between 70–80°F (21–27°C).
5. Monitoring Root Development
- Water Method: Check for root development every few days. Roots should start to appear within a few weeks. Once the roots are 2–4 inches long, the cutting is ready to be potted in soil.
- Sphagnum Moss/Soil Method: Gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to feel resistance, indicating root growth. You can also carefully check the moss or soil for visible roots.
6. Transplanting the Rooted Cutting
- Preparing the Pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
- Planting: Make a hole in the soil and carefully place the stem cutting (now with grown roots) into the hole. Gently push the soil around the roots to make it firm.
- Watering: Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
7. Aftercare for the Newly Potted Plant
- Light: Continue to provide bright, indirect light.
- Humidity: Maintain high humidity to help the plant adapt to its new environment.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adjust the watering frequency based on the plant’s needs.
- Fertilizing: Once the plant is established (after a few weeks to a couple of months), start a regular fertilizing schedule with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Conclusion!
Monstera obliqua is an incredibly rare plant with a highly unique leaf structure.
Thanks to its unique beauty and the satisfaction of nurturing such a rare plant, growing it can be a rewarding experience.
Starting with a healthy cutting, it’s crucial to provide the right environment and rooting medium — whether in water, sphagnum moss, or soil. Ensuring bright, indirect light, high humidity, and optimal temperatures are essential for successful root development.
Once rooted, careful transplanting into a well-draining soil mix and continued attentive care, including proper watering, fertilizing, and pest management, will help the plant thrive.
That’s all for today. I hope you guys liked the article.
Best regards,
Happy planting!