The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
In the houseplant world,Monsteraare practically a household name.
Between thedeliciosaand theadansonii, plant enthusiasts everywhere are having a love affair with these fenestrated beauties.
One lesser known, but equally as beautiful species ofMonsteraismonstera esqueleto.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
While this plant may be rare, it is surprisingly easy to care for indoors.
Note that, like otherMonstera, monstera esqueleto is toxic to people and pets.
Botanical name?
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
The origins of this plant are unknown, causing name confusion.
Some believe it to be the speciesM.
epipremnoides,and some refer to it as a cultivar (M. epipremnoides’Esqueleto').
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Others believe it’s an unidentified species.
Use amoisture meterif you’re not sure when to water.
Temperature and Humidity
This monstera enjoys warm, humid conditions.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Consider placing it next to asmall plant humidifier or inside asmall greenhouse cabinet.
Apply a balanced liquidfertilizerdesigned for houseplants once a month during watering.
Stop fertilizing in the early fall once the temperatures begin to drop.
Prapass Pulsub / Getty Images
If you havent propagated one before, no need to worry.
The process is simple and straightforward, yielding a high success rate.
For best results, propagation should be done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Heres how to propagate the monstera esqueleto in just a few simple steps.
Give the freshly repotted plant a thorough watering and return it to its original location.
First, ensure that your plant is getting enough light.
Plants that are not getting the light they need will begin to sacrifice leaves to preserve energy.
Second, ensure that your plant is getting enough water.
Under-watered plants will quickly begin developing yellow leaves.
Lastly, yellow leaves can occasionally be the result of a pest infestation.
Ensure you regularly check your plant for pests to catch potential infestations early.
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves are usually due to underwatering or a lack of humidity.
Monstera esqueleto is known for its large, stately leaves that can grow up to three feet long indoors.
The color of the leaves is also slightly different, with the esqueleto having lighter foliage than the adansonii.
Allowing this plant to climb will result in larger leaves with more fenestrations.
This monstera is considered rare and difficult to find.
It is also on the pricier side.
North Carolina State Extension.
