The Monstera Siltepecana is one of more than 50 different members of the Monstera genus. There are projected to be many more than the estimated 50 recognized species since there are reports that a large number of natively growing Monstera representatives are not correctly identified or are given incorrect names.
The Monstera Siltepecana is a member of this genus and is a beautiful representative trailing plant with smaller leaves than many other members of the Monstera club. This is relatively rare in the genus, and the Monstera Siltepecana stays smaller than most.
It is beloved for its unique appearance consisting of green leaves, with silver-colored patches and deep dark green veins. It can climb if given an appropriate anchor, such as moss, otherwise, it can hang freely and be allowed to trail.
Image Credit : Terrariumtribe
Plant Care Guide of Monstera Siltepecana
1. Soil
The first thing you’ll need to begin caring for your Monstera Siltepecana is a chunky, and well-draining organic mix. Something that has perlite, pumice, and is largely made from bigger bits of decaying matter, like chunks of bark and wood, as well as sphagnum so that it retains a useful but not overwhelming amount of moisture.
The importance of the chunky bits can’t be overstated in this case. They will provide ample space for the roots to spread out and feed, and the decaying matter will provide the important elements that will feed the roots without the immediate need for fertilizers.
Another important reason is that the roots will need significant amounts of oxygen as well. Soil mixes that are too dense, or too heavy in things like manure, topsoil, sand, or other components can prevent any air from getting to the roots, which is as deadly for them as it is for you. This also prevents effective water drainage, which can choke your roots, and drown them, enabling root rot. Plants from the Monstera genus, in general, aren’t used to having their roots compacted into the soil.
2. Light
The type of light favored by the Monstera Siltepecana is a steady supply of bright, but indirect, light. If your specimen is in a window or area of your patio or balcony that gets direct sunlight for a portion of the day, you may need to pay close attention to how direct and how long that exposure is.
Monstera Siltepecana can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight per day at most, and it is less stressful on the plan if that sun exposure is during the morning hours. Several hours of hot afternoon sun will do much more harm to your Monstera Siltepecana, and situations like this must be guarded against.
The ideal environment for the Monstera Siltepecana will be an area of partial or full shade, with direct sunlight around it. This allows it to be exposed to bright light, while still having indirect exposure. The consequences of extended direct exposure are potential leaf burn.
3. Watering
The native origins of Monstera Siltepecana are tropical rain forests and similar equatorial conditions. This means they need a relatively large amount of water to survive. Be sure that you are using a very well-draining soil mix so that your Monstera Siltepecana roots don’t start getting too soggy and letting rot set in.
Many plants, even some similar Montera members need a little bit of a drying cycle between watering events. In the wild, this allows the roots time to grow and search out new sources of water. Monstera Siltepecana is not one to require this step, when you first notice that the soil is beginning to dry out, don’t wait until the top of the dirt is completely dry, water it so that it always stays slightly damp. Weekly is a great initial watering schedule, adjusting as needed after that.
4. Temperature
Temperature management for Monstera Siltepecana is very simple. It can live comfortably in environments that hold temperatures between 50 degrees and 95 degrees. This makes it relatively limited in outdoor situations, though a perfect candidate for a houseplant or office companion.
5. Humidity
Monstera Siltepecana, as with nearly all other Monstera, prefers higher humidity levels but can acclimatize and become used to lower levels if needed. Monstera Siltepecana can grow in low humidity, even 50% or less in some cases, provided other care needs are met optimally.
If you do want to provide a more humid environment for your Monstera Siltepecana, there are several methods that you may be able to utilize. Grouping plants together, for instance, has the effect of raising the humidity of the air between the plants. Grouping high humidity plants together in your bathroom is another viable strategy for boosting levels of relative humidity.
To further increase the local relative humidity, place the pot on a tray of water with stones in it, to keep the bottom of the pot out of the water. Use an additional, portable humidifier, or even make it a point to mist the plant every day or two.
6. Fertilizer
Fertilizer for Monstera Siltepecana can be relatively complicated since it can be quite sensitive to surplus nourishment. For most beginners, it’s recommended that you use a simple organic houseplant fertilizer, but diluted to half strength. This refers to a standard liquid fertilizer, that you would find in nurseries or home improvement stores.
Inorganic fertilizers are frequently more powerful, but they also present the possibility of overfeeding the pant and causing damage or death. These should only be used by those familiar with them since they are much more reliant on existing conditions in the soil. The buildup of nutrient salts can cause damage months after the problem begins.
There are also some time-release alternatives, that frequently come in multicolored balls, or a fertilizer “spike” that is pushed into the soil near the root ball. These offer an easier way to manage long-term feedings with a measurable time-release dosage. They can, however, cause unpredictable or surplus feedings with excess water or pH swings.
7. Propagation
Propagating Monstera Siltepecana is relatively straightforward. It can be propagated by taking stem cuttings that have at least one node on them. A node is the portion of the stem where leaves or lateral growth are located. There are that insist you can propagate a full plant from a single leaf, but this is incorrect. The leaf does not have the types of cells needed to create structures other than leaves.
8. Flowering
Monstera Siltepecana is part of a genus that contains flowering plants, so it can flower. That is not to say that you will see it flower, however, as it would require creating the perfect environment and set of circumstances for a mature plant. This is sometimes achieved, but often not without the help of a facility to help the flowering process, such as a hothouse, since the ideal environment for Monstera Siltepecana implies high temperatures and high humidity levels. These are not conditions the average person would want to create in their home, to coax the production of entirely underwhelming flowers.
9. Growth
In the juvenile stage, Monstera Siltepecana leaves have an almost blue hue to them, with the signature silvery patches. However, as the plant ages, these will fade. It grows relatively slowly but can reach maturity in 2-3 years. This makes them perfect additions for small cultivations like terrariums. If given room to spread and climb, it will climb, with the additional vertical growth resulting in the production of much larger leaves.
10. Potting
Make sure that the pot your Monstera Siltepecana is going into has sufficient drainage holes, as well as coarser rock or a net to prevent soil loss during watering. Ensure the root mass is moist enough, then tip the pot on its side and gently coax the root ball out. The top of the root ball should remain near the top of the new pot, with the rest of the new space being filled in with additional soil mix. Be sure there is a tray or saucer underneath as well, to ensure any runoff is contained.
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Monstera Siltepecana Propagation
To propagate Monstera Siltepecana you will need to take cuttings, all of which must have between 1 and three leaves with the stem they grew on.
Using a sharp and reasonably sterile razor or scissors, cut off a piece of growth below a node. Expose one of the nodes by cutting off a leaf, and put that portion in water or the rooting substrate, and it will produce roots. If using water, rainwater is ideal, distilled water is a good runner up, and if pressed, dechlorinated tap water.
Roots should be at least an inch long before attempting to situate them in their soil mix. Adding a small aquarium pump with a cheap airstone will boost the oxygenation of the water, and the speed of the rooting.
Types and Varieties of Monstera Siltepecana
Whether you were aware at the time or not, chances are you have seen one of the many varieties of Monster plants that exist. The Monstera Siltepecana is just one of many varieties in existence. While there is only one type of Siltepecana, the other Monstera plants are really neat.
Other varieties include:
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Monstera Borsigiana
- Monstera Adansonii
- Monstera Peru
- Monstera Dubia
- Monstera Pinnatipartita
- Monstera Standleyana
- Monstera Acuminata
- Monstera Obliqua
Common Problems with Monstera Siltepecana
There are a few common issues that happen with Monstera Siltepecana. This plant is fairly easy to take care of, but it’s crucial to ensure you are not under or overwatering it. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your Monstera Siltepecana if not caught in time. Another thing you may see are various types of pests on the plant. They are normally found on the bottom side of the leaves, but in most cases can be removed without issue.
Tips to healing the problems of Monstera Siltepecana plant
Improper Watering
If you notice yellow or droopy leaves, chances are you are either under or over watering your plant. Check the soil. It should not stay soggy for more than a week after watering and it should never be completely dry.
Brown leaves are usually an indicator of being overwatered. Although, if you check the soil and the moisture level is fine, your plant likely needs some more sunlight.
Root Rot
Check the soil; it should not stay soggy for longer than a week. If your soil is soggy, check the roots for rot. The roots should be solid and either brown or white. Soft, black roots indicate root rot. To remedy this, rinse the roots and cut away all affected parts, leaving only healthy roots on the plant, then rinse with room temperature water. Disinfect your pot or get a new one. Plant your Monstera Siltepecana in fresh soil.
Malnourishment
Discolored leaves with clearly visible veins are generally a sign of malnourishment. If this is the case, you should check the soil and look into using fertilizer.
Pests, disease, and toxicity in plant
One of the most common issues with Monstera Siltepecana is pests. There are a few different types of bugs that can become a problem:
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Scale
- Mealy Bugs
If you notice any of these bugs on your plant, there are a few things you can do to help:
- Hose your plants down, making sure to rinse the top and bottom of the leaves.
- If just water is not enough, you can gently wash the top and bottom sides of the leaves and stems with diluted Castille soap.
- Mix water and rubbing alcohol together and wipe down the leaves.
- Neem oil is the most effective way to rid your Monstera Siltepecana of bugs.
Aside from bugs, Monstera plants can experience root rot, as well as illnesses from under or over watering them. Keep a close watch on your plant and look out for changes in color or perkiness, as these are often the first signs of a problem.
Conclusion
This Central American plant is one of the many varieties of the Monstera plant. It has beautiful foliage and is very easy to care for. It is a great choice for a beginner gardener to start out with.
