The foliage of the Monstera obliqua is elongated, paper-thin, and covered with more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese, giving it an odd and delicate appearance.
Fortunately, this is a natural element of its growth called as fenestration, which may be quite challenging to manage.
How is Monstera obliqua cared for?
The ideal conditions for this unique plant include rich organic soil that drains well, bright filtered light, temperatures between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels between 80 and 90 percent. Water your plants up to three times per week during the growing season, and fertilise once a month using half-strength houseplant fertiliser. water once a week in the winter.
Is Monstera obliqua challenging to maintain?
For the first several years of their growth, Monstera Obliqua and Adansonii are extremely similar, which frequently causes people to confuse them. The changes are only noticeable as the plants mature and Monstera Adansonii grows thick, leathery leaves as opposed to Monstera Obliqua’s short, paper-thin leaves.
As the plants develop, other physical distinctions, such as the size difference, become apparent. When fully developed, Monstera Obliqua is smaller and grows at a considerably slower rate than Monstera Adansonii. Obliqua also makes stolons, which are leafless runners. In their natural environment, these stolons can reach lengths of up to 60 feet.
In addition to being expensive and rare, Monstera obliqua are famously difficult to maintain. Having delicate leaves that are easily burned by direct sunlight or extended exposure to LED grow lights, as well as needing an atmosphere that is humid with an average moisture content of 80%.
Despite how exquisitely lovely they may be, there are several important factors to think about before purchasing one of these unusual and sought-after plants. So, let’s go through all you need know about taking care of a Monstera obliqua.
How frequently do I need to water Monstera obliqua?
Monstera obliqua doesn’t require a lot of watering. Simple watering is all that is required, once or twice a week in the summer and every two weeks in the winter. Just water it until the soil’s surface dries out.
Your Monstera obliqua plant is also dehydrated if its leaves start to turn brownish-yellow or become crippled. Waterlogging would be the reason for the darkening of the leaves. Yellowed leaves, collapsing stems, and stunted growth are symptoms of overwatering.
Additionally, it’s a wonderful technique to prevent using cold water to water your plant. Depending on the region and zone, Monstera Obliqua has different water needs.
Ideal Lighting
Monstera obliqua prefers bright natural light and will flourish in direct sunlight that is also brilliant. However, keep your plant out of direct sunlight as it will burn the foliage and sear the delicate, thin leaves. Adult Monstera Obliqua can tolerate at least three hours of direct sunshine thanks to its thick leaves.
High humidity levels of up to 90% are used for Monstera Obliqua Plant Care, as well as a dense jungle canopy to shield them from direct sunlight.
Temperature & Humidity
A tropical vine called Monstera Obliqua needs a temperature tolerance of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It can’t withstand extreme heat. Don’t let the temperature go up or down outside of this range if you’re growing a stunning Monstera indoors. The plant prefers temperatures between 16 and 20 C as a result.
These conditions are easy to produce in greenhouses because the temperature can be easily maintained there. Put the plant in a thermostat-controlled space if you don’t have access to a greenhouse.
This is especially important in the winter since the plant would perish if the temperature fell below four degrees Celsius.
Who among tropical plants doesn’t appreciate the heat and humidity? Like many other tropical plants, Monstera Obliqua thrives in an area with high humidity. A vivarium with other plants and frequent watering will go a long way toward maintaining the humidity levels surrounding it on a dry day.
Keep the plant in the kitchen or near the bathroom if your house isn’t overly humid. Check the soil moisture frequently, look at the leaves, and mist the plant if it seems like the air is getting too dry. Put your Monstera Obliqua in a space that has a humidifier as an alternative. In order to thrive, Monstera Obliqua plants require a lot of dampness.
What makes Monstera obliqua so uncommon?
Monstera obliqua is the most exotic tropical plant there is. The leaves are not only broad and attractive, but many types also have holes in them.
There is no doubt that plant enthusiasts are quite interested in these uncommon plants, yet most obliqua devotees find it difficult to get one.
Why do Monstera obliqua cost so much? Because Monstera obliqua plants are so uncommon, they can be fairly pricey. They are normally only grown by expert growers with extensive experience and knowledge of the plant due to their slow growth rate, which makes them difficult to propagate.
The Monstera obliqua is more complex than first appears. There are numerous things to like about this South American climber, including the unusual appearance and various kinds.
Let’s examine the causes of the high pricing and the various cultivars that are currently readily available in more detail.
How can Monstera obliqua be preserved?
Give Monstera obliqua a high humidity environment with an average humidity of at least 80%. Pick something confined, like a plastic box or terrarium, if possible. Use 100 percent sphagnum moss or a chunky aroid mix with peat, perlite, coco coir, and charcoal as the soil. Use a 20-20-20 N-P-K fertiliser once a month to fertilise the soil. Maintain a daily temperature of about 77F or 25C. For Monstera obliqua Peru, especially, use caution with the light. The use of grow lights is preferred to bright indirect natural light.
One of the most reputable articles on Monstera obliqua for the general audience may be found on the website Muggle Plants, which reads as follows:
Only 17 instances of Monstera obliqua being spotted in the wild and having leaves or other specimens taken for study are known to have occurred in botanic history.
– Muggle Plants
In any case, not for Monstera obliqua specifically, as there are numerous Monstera obliqua plants from various geographical areas.
However, it’s significant to note that more obliquas, including the following, have been found:
Monstera obliqua is a climber.
A renowned American plant collector and botanist named Dr. Thomas B. Croat has referred to the Monstera obliqua houseplant as “a botanical unicorn” due to its rarity.
This plant, which was first described by German botanists Johann W. Krause and Adolf Engler in 1908, has since been mistaken with Monstera species that have a similar appearance, and it is hardly ever seen outside of private collections.
Monstera Obliqua at a Glance
- Hemiepiphyte, an evergreen plant
- Monstera obliqua, scientific name
- 4-foot average height
- 0.5 feet in width on average
- Slow rate of growth
- Does it produce flowers?
- Whiteflies and spider mites are typical pests.
- Years of life expectancy with excellent care
- High level of care difficulty
What To Do When You First Get Your Monstera Obliqua
- Make sure the soil surface is moist. Only water if the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. If the soil is already wet, come back the next day to see if it needs to dry out before being watered.
- According to the Monstera Plant Resource Center, most growers of Monstera obliqua prefer to use an organic custom soil medium rather than a commercial mix, therefore it could be worthwhile asking the seller for their suggested formula.
- Give it climbing supportif you want a climbing plant, make sure it has something to lean against. You should either tie the plant gently to a growth stake, such as a moss pole, or allow it to grow up another, higher, bigger plant.
Ideal Soil for Monstera Obliqua
This plant flourishes in a mix with good drainage and lots of extra organic fibres to aid in moisture retention without compacting the soil.
The Yard and Garden blog’s horticulturist Ben Hilton suggests using “peat-based soil supplemented with perlite (granular material) and bark such as coconut coir.
The ideal pH range for soil is between 5 and 7. You don’t want to take a chance on estimating the pH level with a plant this unusual.
This one is relatively affordable and precisely checks the pH of the soil in addition to monitoring the amounts of light and moisture.
Monstera Obliqua Water Requirements
With improper watering, the health of this plant can be highly delicate, therefore you should try to keep the soil wet rather than soggy or dry by examining the top few inches with your finger every day.
Alternately, you can use a moisture metre (see above) to determine the frequency of watering, which may be three times per week during the summer and once per week during the winter.
Monstera Obliqua Lighting Needs
For this plant to simulate the dense rain forest canopy it is used to, bright yet filtered sunlight is required.
The best places to put it are on a middle or lower shelf in a bright room, or on a window with a sheer curtain providing some shading.
Darker homes are suggested to utilise LEDgrow lights, like this portable, affordable model that lets you control the amount of sunlight your Monstera obliqua receives.
Ideal Temperature Range for Monstera Obliqua
For Monstera obliqua, a good temperature range is 59-77F (15-25C), but try to maintain a constant 68F throughout the year.
Keep the plant away from draughty areas during the winter months because temperatures below 39°F will kill it. Be careful while using artificial grow lights to avoid temperature spikes.
Ideal Humidity Level for Monstera Obliqua
To mimic the jungle habitat of Monstera obliqua in south and central America, 80–90% is excellent. For the delicate lacy leaf structure to remain intact, there must be constant high humidity.
In order to preserve its own microclimate, you should buy a humidifier (this ultra-quiet model serves as a nightlight and runs for 25 hours at a time).
Best Location for Monstera Obliqua
Since a heated conservatory is comparable to a protected, humid greenhouse, it may be suitable.
As long as the plant is not too close to radiators or air conditioning draughts, the bathroom is another excellent place to satisfy the required levels of brightness, temperature, and humidity.
Monstera Obliqua Growth Habits
Monstera obliqua can be trained to grow as a climbing plant, despite having a bushy, compact appearance as a juvenile.
It climbs in the rain forest where it naturally lives to reach the sun, securing its roots to the trees as it ascends higher into the canopy.
What symptoms do I have of a Monstera Obliqua?
Monstera obliqua resemble Monstera adansonii in appearance. The leaves themselves are narrow rather than oval or arrow pointed, and comparable shaped holes form inside the leaves.
How is a Monstera Obliqua node grown?
I decided to explain how I root my obliqua cuttings today! The majority of node cutting techniques for monstera, philodendron, etc. will work with these instructions. Cuttings from plants called node cuttings frequently have no leaves. For instance, monstera obliquas produces “runners,” which are lengthy growth strands with several nodes. You can break apart and root these runners to make new plants.
Choosing the Cutting
Make sure you have a good cutting first, of course! Unfortunately, there are lots of people out there that trade and sell nodal-free cuts. The section of the plant that will produce new growth is the node. Without it, you can’t grow a new plant!
Therefore, consider where you should cut before getting scissor-happy and chopping up your priceless children. And be sure to inspect the cutting of the plant you must have before buying it. Request numerous pictures of both the mother plant and the clipping.
How to Root the Cutting
Sphagnum moss is where I choose to root my cuttings that are more delicate. You can root your cutting in a variety of containers. In order to see any new development, I personally prefer to root my cuttings in our 2.25-inch clear nursery pots. Any other plastic container, such as sandwich bags, is likewise acceptable. Sandwich baggies are an excellent additional method for covering your propagation pots with humidity.
It’s simple to provide node cuttings with a humid environment for propagation by using old Chinese food containers. On the bottom of the container, spread a layer of moist, not wet, sphagnum. For a more airy sensation, you can also mix perlite with the moss.
The moss should be on top of your node cutting. You are ready to go when you close the container and put it in a window or next to a grow light. About once a day, I like to let some fresh air in by opening these propagation boxes. This enables me to examine the cutting carefully for any signs of decay or other anomalies. It also offers me a chance to examine the container’s humidity and moisture.
A nice chunky potting mix can also be used to directly root plants for more experienced gardeners. Some of my obliqua cuttings I just let hang out in a humid setting on top of some potting soil (like inside a terrarium or cloche). They will form roots in a few months. If you wait long enough, new growth will start to appear! Here is a picture of an obliqua node that I had rooted using our potting soil and one of our 2.25-inch clear nursery pots.
Be Patient!
The progression of this cutting took roughly 4 months. The length of time it takes to establish roots and grow new growth mostly relies on your environment and the season.
This cutting was housed in a reptile terrarium that I got from PetSmart and turned into a grow tank. I rooted this cutting in the winter, however I grow my plants under grow lights in a room with controlled humidity and temperature.
The cutting initially started taking root in the substrate. Once it had gained a solid foothold, it began to push out this fresh leaf development. Be sure to cut carefully and slowly. Daily inspection and touching are alluring, but you should really make an effort to resist. Plants desire to expand. They will do better if you give them more space and allow them to handle things on their own.
Please feel free to write us or message me on Instagram if you have any questions or concerns about your own plants.
What distinguishes Monstera adansonii from Monstera obliqua?
Before I go into further depth, let me briefly highlight the seven characteristics that set the two Monstera species apart:
- the blossoming
- the leaves’ thickness
- the design of the leaves’ perforations
- stolons or runners present or absent
- dimensions and leaf edges
- the growth rate
- Price! The cost disparity is STAGGERING.
I sought Enid Offolter’s opinion on these disparities in order to acquire her seal of approval. Enid, a self-described “Horticultural Enabler,” is the proprietor of the renowned NSE Tropicals, a fantastic producer and seller of uncommon and exotic tropical plants in Florida.
INFLORESCENCE
The quantity of blooms on the spadix is a defining difference. The Monstera genus is a member of the plant family Araceae, sometimes known as the aroid family, and is distinguished by its distinctive inflorescences.
A spathe, which resembles a hood and is a modified leaf, and the spadix, which is the long, cone-shaped growth in the centre, make up the inflorescences of all aroids.
The blooms, which are actually rather little, are visible on the spadix. Due to the fact that the real blooms are tiny and only appear on the spadix, what we commonly refer to as the “flower” is actually the inflorescence, which is made up of the spathe and spadix.
I’ll point you to a post on Instagram by Mick Mittermeier where he discusses and illustrates the differences between obliqua and adansonii.
Mick is a renowned plant expert, collector, and explorer who has earned a reputation as a leading figure in the Monstera community.
Be careful to click on the second photo in Mick’s post, which you can find below. The obliqua inflorescence, which is depicted in the first image, has a lot less blooms than the adansonii in the second image.
Although the spathes are absent, the difference is still readily apparent visually (see the caption for more information!
But are our plants going to bloom inside the house? There are almost no chances!
Since they don’t typically bloom inside, there are other differences that we’ll need to consider in addition to the inflorescence difference.
THICKNESS OF THE LEAVES
Few of us will ever have the opportunity to compare and contrast the two due to the rarity of obliqua.
The thickness of the leaves, however, is another feature that sets obliqua and adansonii apart.
Compared to adansonii, Monstera obliqua has noticeably thinner leaves. Obliqua leaves are so thin they practically resemble paper.
STOLONS
Describe the stolon. In essence, a stolon is a “runner” or a long stem that begins to grow and eventually develops roots and new plants at the nodes.
When the plant locates a tree to grow on, it will begin climbing the tree by sending out leafless stolons, also known as runners, along the forest floor.
Have strawberry plants ever caught your eye? These are typical stolon-forming plants, which produce new plants along the stolons as well as runners.
They reportedly readily form stolons even in your home if you are one of the chosen, rare few who has an obliqua. Astonsonii won’t.
SIZE AND EDGES OF THE LEAVES
As opposed to adansonii, which has straight leaf edges, obliqua leaves typically have somewhat wavy edges. On YouTube, Kaylee Ellen expressed this viewpoint and also made a fantastic, in-depth film on the subject. For me, Enid Offolter from NSE Tropicals also confirmed this.
Enid also told me that her Monstera obliqua plant, which is the Peruvian variety, never grows leaves longer than 6 to 7 inches. Compared to the 2 foot tall leaves of her mature adansonii, which are developing on her Florida trees!
Monstera obliqua, M. xanthospatha, and M. minimum are the smallest species of the [Monstera] genus, with stems 2-10mm thick and leaves 10-25 cm [4-10 inches], according to Michael Madison, who wrote A Revision of Monstera in 1977.
On occasion, you can purchase monstera obliqua on Etsy. View the Monstera obliqua assortment on Etsy (link to Etsy). My go-to website for buying plants is Etsy.
RATE OF GROWTH
You can pretty much be positive that you have an adansonii if you have a plant in your house that is growing quickly.
My own Monstera adansonii grows more quickly than most other houseplants I own, and I have a lot of them!
Obliqua develops excruciatingly slowly. It will actually take them a few years to even rise a few feet in the wild, where it likes tropical climates and high humidity.
PRICE
You may be 99.999 percent certain that your plant is an adansonii and not an obliqua if you didn’t pay a fortune for it. A Monstera obliqua will cost you several hundred dollars, if not upwards of four figures.
Unfortunately, many vendors incorrectly describe plants as obliqua when they are actually “simply the common adansonii.
In all honesty, having an adansonii in your home will make you happier! It is quite improbable that you have an obliqua unless you spent a LOT of money and bought from a reputable seller or private collector. I’m sorry, but this is true.