Monstera siltepecana
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- mon-STER-rah sil-teh-peh-KAH-nah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Silver monstera is a climbing, evergreen, epiphytic herbaceous perennial in the arum family (Araceae). It is native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America. The species epithet refers to the place where the plant grew, the town of Siltepec, Chiapas, Mexico. This plant has become very popular as a houseplant because of its low maintenance and beautiful foliage.
Silver Monstera has a trailing or climbing habit and grows 5 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. There are two stages of leaf growth: juvenile and adult. Juvenile leaves are small, lanceolate, thick at the base with a pointed tip, and silvery green with dark green veins. As the plant matures, the adult leaves are larger, develop fenestrations (holes or windows), lose the silvery color and become dark green. The leaves will remain juvenile if the plant is allowed to trail in a container or hanging basket. When the plant is staked and begins to climb, the leaves become larger and greener with the fenestrations. A mature plant will have juvenile leaves at the base of the stem, and the larger, less silvery adult leaves will be at the top of the plant. The plant rarely flowers, but under the proper conditions it may produce a large white spathe and spadix.
This tropical plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight; however, direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. It thrives in a warm and humid environment with temperatures between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider placing the plant in a kitchen or bathroom to increase humidity levels to between 40 and 60%. Avoid cold drafts that can damage the leaves. Moist, well-drained and aerated potting mix are required for this plant to thrive. Water the plant thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Repotting may be required every 1 or 2 years. It may be propagated by stem cuttings.
The Silver Monstera performs best if planted in a container and allowed to climb on a bamboo or moss pole so that the juvenile and adult leaves are allowed to develop. If planted in a terrarium or hanging basket the leaves will remain in the juvenile stage. Plants in this genus are toxic if ingested. Exercise caution in the presence of children or pets.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and scale. Common diseases include root rot, stem rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Yellowing of the leaves can occur from overwatering and underwatering. Browning tips result from a lack of humidity. Leggy growth is often caused by inadequate light.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'El Salvador'
compact, large, lance-shaped, silver-green leaves with dark green veins, fenestrate when mature
- 'El Salvador'
- 'El Salvador'
- Tags:
![Climber with shiny, silvery, veiny leaves](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Monstera_siltepecana_Sey50lRHHaug.jpeg)
![Climber with bright green, fenestrate leaves.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Monstera_siltepecana_xh32jxEjGYGd.jpeg)
![Climber with bright green, fenestrate leaves.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Monstera_siltepecana_srI1MXoT90B2.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Monstera_siltepecana_9KrigpjwJkOB.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Monstera_siltepecana_URrFxK0swIe8.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Monstera_siltepecana_cBbe6Ni7hBDV.jpeg)
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'El Salvador'
compact, large, lance-shaped, silver-green leaves with dark green veins, fenestrate when mature
- 'El Salvador'
- 'El Salvador'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Monstera
- Species:
- siltepecana
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Mexico to Central America
- Distribution:
- Native: Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Climbing Method:
- Clinging
- Dimensions:
- Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Vine
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- The berries have one light brown seed.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Pink
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
- Flower Description:
- Rarely flowers but may produce spadix and spathe. The spathe is white, and the spadix is thick and dark yellow green.
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Juvenile leaves are small, lanceolate, thick at the base, pointed at the tip, silvery-green with dark green veins. Adult leaves are larger, develop fenestrations, lose the silvery color and become dark green.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- If ingested, the plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Symptoms include irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the plant can cause skin irritation.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Calcium oxalate crystals
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Stems