Monstera Siltepecana.
This plant belongs to the fascinating genus monstera. This genus is rather cool, as while there is already around 50 different known species, they believe that there are many more in the wild we have yet to identify.
Monstera Siltepecana young leaves
Which also means there could be 100’s of plants we need to add to our must have list!
Monstera Siltepecana is one of the 50 identified and lucky for you, is stocked at Trevallan. It has beautiful green leaves, with silver patches and prominent veins. It will climb if given the chance, but as its’ branches are really soft, it also works wonderfully as a trailing plant.
In the past, Monstera Siltepecana have been a little hard to grow, but with the correct knowledge, you’ll have a plant the envy of all your friends. Monstera Siltepecana, like most monsteras, like a free draining potting mix and I’d even suggest adding some chunky bark to help keep soil aerated. I also like to add a layer of sphagnum Moss on top to help keep humidity levels up, as Monsteras are semi epiphytic, meaning they love humidity, but hate being drowned.
Here’s the trick to watering a lot of indoor plants .... Water your plant whenever the soil is turning from being slightly moist to dry. Do not wait until the topsoil is completely dry, the soil should stay slightly moist. This is why I like to use sphagnum Moss on top, as it keeps the topsoil damp for a bit longer and it’s easy to tell when it needs a water.
I think a regular liquid fertilise is best for these plants. I like to give mine a good misting about once a fortnight with Triple Boost and if we have a dry summer, I mist the leaves every couple of days to help with humidity.
Monstera siltepecana older leaves
I have found these guys love bright, indirect light, so placement right near a window is perfect. Not in direct sunlight, just off to the side, but remember that guys hate being left in the dark!
Now here’s where the magic of these plants lies.... the younger leaves are completely different to the mature leaf. Believe it or not, the Mature Monstera siltepecana has huge leaves with holes close to the midrib, but it will only produce these leaves if allowed to climb. It can take up to three years in ideal conditions for your leaves to show signs of mature leaves forming.
Monstera siltepecana are a truly magical plant and one that I think you could have a few of in your indoor plant collection!