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Monstera adansonii - Care Sheet
Monstera adansonii
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: Adansonii
Cultivars: Normal, Albo, Mint, Aurea, Tricolor, Japanese Tricolor, Archipelago.
Common names: Mini Monstera, Swiss Cheese plant (although this also refers to the Monstera Deliciousa).
Difficulty: Low to Medium
Description: This is the second most common of the Monstera Genus, just behind the Deliciousa. It is a fenestrated vine with a narrow and wide form and comes in SO MANY color varieties! It can trail as a ground cover, or as a hanging basket, however, for the leaves tog row larger and mature it will require a moss pole. This a great plant for beginners to avid rare collectors due to it variety of appearances and growing patterns.
Mature size: This is a wide range and depends largely on the variety and if it has a moss pole. Vines can easily grow to 20 feet and could need regular pruning in hanging baskets. When climbing, the smaller leaves found on hanging baskets become enlarged and reach 1 foot wide and 2 feet long. This plant is perfect to learn how to train plants as it is so easily manipulated.
Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as the plant can get burns. Grows well under grow lights, or near a south or west facing window. The normal variety can be fairly low light tolerant. The variegated versions will need higher light to keep the bright colors.
Water: Not forgiving of extreme drought. Water the plant deeply, saturating the entire root ball when the top 50% of soil is dry. The plant will wilt when it is too dry which is a sign of damage. Try not to do this too often though as repeatedly letting it wilt will cause damage to the root system and will result in leaf loss and bare sections along the vine. Always use room temperature water. The variegated varieties will be more prone to root rot.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: As a tropical plant, this plant will appreciate higher humidity levels, however, it does fine in most homes’ ambient humidity. Ideal humidity is between 60%-80%.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. If using grow lights, fertilize year-round. If using only natural light, fertilize from May to September. The variegated varieties will also benefit from using silica in every watering to help maintain the highly variegated sectoral patches. Use silica at half strength year-round.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Native to: Central and South America
Companion Animals: This plant Is so versatile in all tropical vivariums! We use it as ground cover in a Crested Gecko habitat, and as an upward vine in a Gargoyle Gecko habitat. It is more delicate than the Deliciousa and should be used for smaller animals that will not crush the foliage or break the vines. Avoid herbivores as the oxalis crystals are lightly poisonous.
Monstera deliciosa - Care Sheet
Monstera Deliciosa
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: Deliciosa
Cultivars: Normal, Albo, Mint, Thai Constellation, Aurea.
Common names: Monstera, Split leaf philodendron (yes, we know, but it is referred to as that by many), Swiss Cheese plant (although this also refers to the Monstera Adansonii).
Difficulty: Low to Medium
Description: This fan favorite member of the Monstera genus is a fenestrating vine that can has an upward growth habit. The plant will shoot out long arial roots that it uses for support. The leaves boast the most iconic leaf shape in the plant hobby. It can become massive, growing up to 50 feet in nature with leaves reaching up to 5 feet across, although it does not get nearly that big in our homes. Its name translates to the “Delicious Monster” and got its name from the fruit that grows on mature plants in nature. The fruit is said to taste like a mix of kiwi and pineapple. It is rarely recorded to grow fruit indoors. This plant has many different varieties and colors, with prices ranging from $10- thousands. The most expensive plant ever sold was a particularly lovely Albo that sold for $24,000 USD to someone in New Zealand in 2021. The variegations are stable and non-stable depending on variety.
Mature size: This is a wide range! There is both a small form and a large form. The small form is called a borsigiana. The plant outdoors can get… monstrous! Indoors, the large form can be expected to get 6-10 feet tall and 6 feet wide with leaves getting up to 3 feet wide. The small form will get up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with leaves that get up to 18 inches across.
Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as the plant can get burns. Grows well under grow lights, or near a south or west facing window. The normal variety can be fairly low light tolerant, but the plant will need ample light to grow the fenestrations. Additionally, the variegated versions of the Deliciousa will need higher light to keep the bright colors.
Water: Forgiving with drought. Water the plant deeply, saturating the entire root ball when the top 50% of soil is dry. The plant will wilt when it is too dry. If caught wilting, don’t stress! Just water and it will bounce back! Try not to do this too often though as repeatedly letting it wilt will cause damage to the root system and will result in smaller leaves. Always use room temperature water. The variegated varieties will be more prone to root rot, particularly the Thai Constellation.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: As a tropical plant, this plant will appreciate higher humidity levels, however, it does fine in most homes’ ambient humidity. Ideal humidity is between 60%-80%.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. If using grow lights, fertilize year-round. If using only natural light, fertilize from May to September. The variegated varieties will also benefit from using silica in every watering to help maintain the highly variegated sectoral patches. Use silica at half strength year round.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Native to: Central and South America
Companion Animals: This plant can grow very fast, and as such should only be placed in very large cages. It has extremely sturdy vines and leaves. Given the poisonous oxalis crystals, it is not recommend for herbivores. Top choices would be the Red Tail Boa, Tree Monitors, and other large carnivorous tropical species.
Monstera obliqua Bolivia - Care Sheet
Monstera obliqua Bolivia
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: Obliqua
Sub-species: Bolivia
Cultivars: None
Common names: Bolivia
Difficulty: Medium
Description: This rare Monstera is one of our favorites! It is one of four subspecies of the obliquas, and is the easiest to care for! It gets small fenestrations that look like small holes only on the most mature leaves. Many plants will not get mature enough for fenestration. Is has the same pointed oval shape as the other obliquas, but boasts the least amount of fenestration.
Mature size: This Monstera gets about 4-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves will be 6-8 inches long and about 4 inches across when mature.
Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a south or west facing window. Avoid direct sun as the plant is prone to burns.
Water: This obliqua is far more tolerant that its sister, the Peru. Water when 50% dry. Do not let stand in water or dry completely.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: This tropical plant will appreciate higher humidity from a humidifier, however can be grown in ambient home humidity with an adjustment period.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. Fertilize year-round if grown under grow lights, or May-September if grown by natural light.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Native to: Bolivia
Companion Animals: This rare plant can be grown in any tropical vivarium where the animal is not large enough to crush the leaves, and avoid herbivores due to the oxalis crystals. However, this is a very rare plant and overall a bad choice for any vivarium due to its price and rarity.
Monstera obliqua Peru - Care Sheet
Monstera obliqua Peru
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: Obliqua
Sub-species: Peru
Cultivars: None
Common names: Obliqua, Skeleton Monstera
Difficulty: High
Description: This Monstera is the holiest plant in the world! Mature leaves that have fenestrations taking up to 90% of the leaf. It is one of four subspecies of the obliquas, and is known to be the most difficult of any monstera to keep alive. It grows only in upward vines that have very short internodes making it look more like a bush than a vine. It requires high humidity and to be staked at all times. If it is not stakes it will send our runners looking for a new tree to climb and will not produce leaves. Not for the faint of heart, or beginners, this unique plant is a must have challenge for all collectors! It is not only rarely found in nurseries, is it also very rare in nature as it only grows in high elevation fog filled rainforests.
Mature size: This Monstera gets about 18 inches tall and 1 foot wide. Its leaves will be 6-8 inches long and about 4 inches across when mature, assuming it is growing leaves and not runners. Runners can grow to 30 feet looking for a suitable growing structure.
Light: Medium to indirect light. This should be achieved in a controlled grow light situation with an ideal 8k lux.
Water: This unforgiving plant will need a Goldy Locks of watering. Water deeply when the soil is 50% dry. This plant will require drainage.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees and above 90 degrees.
Humidity: This plant requires between 90%-95% humidity. Below that will cause leaf damage and above that will cause mold issues. It will also need a fan to keep the air circulating. We recommend keeping this plant in an open top terrarium within a green house cabinet, like a Milsbo Tall from Ikea with a computer fan.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis, year-round. Note that since this plant requires a very controlled environment, it should not be grown where it can go dormant in winter months.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Native to: Fog rainforests atop mountains in Peru.
Companion Animals: This plant is the main show of the vivarium! We do not recommend pairing with and other plants or animals.
Monstera Peru - Care Sheet
Monstera karstenianum
Monstera Peru
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: Karstenianum
Cultivars: Normal, Variegated
Common names: Monstera Peru, Green Dragon Monstera
Difficulty: Medium
Description: This uncommon Monstera has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its gorgeous texture deep green leaves. It is a non-fenstrating, but instead boasts perforated textures. It is one of the fastest growing Monsteras and can be grown to hang or grow up a moss pole. This plant should not be confused with the Monstera obliqua Peru.
Mature size: This Monstera gets about 7 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves will be 6-8 inches long and about 4 inches across when mature. It grows very quickly. The variegated form grown much slower.
Light: Bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a south or west facing window. Avoid direct sun as the plant is prone to burns. The variegated version will require more light.
Water: This Monstera is not terribly picky, however it does not tolerate its roots fully drying out. Water when 50% dry. The variegated version is prone to root rot, do not water too frequently.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: This tropical plant will appreciate higher humidity from a humidifier, however can be grown in ambient home humidity with an adjustment period.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. Fertilize year-round if grown under grow lights, or May-September if grown by natural light.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Native to: Peru
Companion Animals: This fast-growing plant can easily overtake a smaller vivarium. It is versatile in large tropical vivariums. It has sturdy leaves and vines that can climb or trail. A medium snake like a Emerald Tree Boa, or Ball Python would be ideal. It contains oxalis crystals and is poisonous to herbivores. The variegated form is much more rare and grows much slower, it is not recommended for vivariums.
Monstera siltepecana - Care Sheet
Monstera siltepecana
Silver Monstera
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: siltepecana
Cultivars: Normal, El Salvadore
Common names: Silver Monstera, Silty, El Salvadore
Difficulty: Medium
Description: This uncommon Monstera is one of the easiest of the rare monstera to grow. It is generally forgiving. It will get fenestrations on its mature leaves, but this will require a moss pole and ample light. It can be grown as ground cover or hanging, but the leaves will remain small and not fenestrate. It is naturally silver which gives it a sheen that is lovely. The cultivar El Salvadore rocks even more silver with a larger overall size, particularly leaf size.
Mature size: This Monstera gets about 8 feet tall with a moss pole, or will train up to about 4 foot vines. The leaves can get up to 1 foot wide and 18 inches long. The El Salvadore will be marginally bigger.
Light: Bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a south or west facing window. Avoid direct sun as the plant is prone to burns. The variegated version will require more light.
Water: This Monstera is not terribly picky, however it does not tolerate its roots fully drying out. Water when 50% dry.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: This tropical plant will appreciate higher humidity from a humidifier, however, can be grown in ambient home humidity with an adjustment period.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. Fertilize year-round if grown under grow lights, or May-September if grown by natural light.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Native to: Central America, with the cultivar El Salvadore only found within the borders of El Salvadore.
Companion Animals: This fast-growing plant can easily overtake a smaller vivarium. It is more delicate than some other Monstera and should not be used with large animals. We think this particular species is best left out of vivariums for the above reasons.
Monstera standleyana - Care Sheet
Monstera standleyana
Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Species: Standleyana
Cultivars: Normal, Albo Variegata
Difficulty: Low to Medium
Description: This uncommon member of the Monstera genus is a non-fenestrating vine that can either trail or use a support like a moss pole to have un upward growth habit. The leaves are oval shaped with a rich deep green reaching up to 6 inches in length. The Albo variegated version of the plant shows speckled variegation that is stable. Access to light will directly impact the amount of variegation.
Mature Size: 5 ft tall and 1 ft wide
Light: Medium to bright indirect light. 8k-12k lux. Avoid direct sunlight. Grows well under grow lights, or near an east facing window.
Water: Very forgiving with drought. Water the plant deeply, saturating the entire root ball when the top 50% of soil is dry. The plant will wilt when it is too dry. If caught wilting, don’t stress! Just water and it will bounce back! Try not to do this too often though as repeatedly letting it wilt will cause damage to the root system and will result in smaller leaves. Always use room temperature water.
Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity: As a tropical plant, this plant will appreciate higher humidity levels, however, it does fine in most homes’ ambient humidity. Ideal humidity is between 60%-80%.
Soil: A rich quick draining chunky mix is ideal. We use: 2-parts coco coir, 1-part bark, 1-part coarse perlite, ½-part charcoal, ½-part worm casting.
Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. If using grow lights, fertilize year-round. If using only natural light, fertilize from May to September.
Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week.
Native to: Central and South America
Toxicity: Non-Toxic. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus.
Companion Animals: Arboreal reptiles and amphibians that are insectivores or carnivores. Due to the oxalis crystals in the plant this Monstera should not be placed in any vivarium with any animals that eat greens. Due to the large size when mature, this sturdy plant should only be used for medium to large animals where the plant will not outgrow the vivarium. Large snakes are not recommended as the relatively sturdy leaves will snap under the pressure of a large snake.