Monstera siltepecana, a.k.a Silver Monstera, is an excellent tropical terrarium plant for both aesthetic and pet-safe benefits.
Native to Mexico, this species of Monstera is a fast-growing, vining wall climber that provides lush greenery and ample shelter from its large, wide leaves.
Monstera siltepecana is an easy-to-care-for plant that is suitable for beginner hobbyists and can cope with a wide range of environmental conditions.
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Scientific Name: Monstera siltepecana
Family: Araceae
Common Names: Silver Monstera, Mexican Monstera, White-Veined Monstera
Habitat: Tropical forests
Height: 10 to 12 feet tall
pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 65°F to 85°F
What Is Silver Monstera?
Silver Monstera, also known as Mexican Monstera or White-Veined Monstera, is a species of Monstera that is most commonly grown as a wall climber or hanging plant.
It has large, bright, arrow-shaped foliage and is one of the easiest Monsteras to care for.
This species is native to Mexico where it grows as an epiphyte along the sides of trees and other tall plants in tropical rainforests.
Silver Monstera Facts
Monstera siltepecana has thick, leathery leaves with distinct white splotches running up the middle of each leaf.
Its leaves are typically 8 to 12 inches in length and its vines can grow up to 10 to 12 feet tall.
This plant can flower in the right conditions and it’s more fragrant than others in the monstera family.
Description
Monstera siltepecana is a fast-growing, climbing vining plant with large, arrow-shaped leaves.
The underside of the leaf can be golden-yellow and the leathery topside may have white, cream, or grey splotches up the center of the leaves.
Its vines tend to be thick and strong and can sometimes be covered in short, velvety hairs bringing the foliage to life.
Habitat
This plant is native to the tropical forests of Mexico where it is usually found growing as an epiphyte along the sides of trees or among the environment’s other flora.
This species of Monstera is found at elevations of up to 12,000 feet and prefers high humidity levels and some morning sun.
pH Preference
Monstera siltepecana prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be slightly moist and well-draining as this plant does not like excessive moisture.
If the pH is too high or low, the plant’s leaves will begin to yellow and the growth rate may slow down.
Vivarium Type
Silver Monstera is quite an easy-going species. With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in. It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs. The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant. Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
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- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
- Aquariums – Fully aquatic-based enclosure with little to no dry terrain.
Vivarium Placement
This plant is a climbing species and is most commonly grown as a wall climber or hanging.
The vivarium should provide enough space for the plant to properly spread out and for vertical growing.
Place Monstera siltepecana near the substrate’s surface or on tree branches or driftwood pieces as a hanging plant.
Substrate
Monstera siltepecana prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should have a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 and should be lightly moist.
Use a terrarium substrate mix designed specifically for Monsteras or a general-purpose potting mix with some added perlite or other soil aerators to give it a bit more drainage.
Lighting
Monstera siltepecana needs indirect light and should not be placed in direct sunlight.
This plant likes its environment to be slightly shaded and bright.
High-output bulbs or full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs are optimal terrarium lighting for this species of Monstera.
Buy Silver Monstera
When buying Silver Monstera, there are a few things to keep in mind. Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to learn more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Silver Monstera Care & Propagation
This species of Monstera is a fairly hardy plant and is fairly easy to propagate.
It can be propagated from stem cuttings that are treated the same way as learned for other Monstera species (like the Monstera Peru).
Be sure to use clean cutting tools and condition the water used for additional protection.
How To Grow
Silver Monstera is a fast-growing plant and can provide a lot of coverage in a relatively short amount of time.
Its vines are rather fast-paced climbers and will easily latch onto various surfaces like the sides of a vivarium or driftwood.
This species prefers to have its soil moderately damp and likes regular misting but too much water will cause the leaves to yellow and rot.
Water Requirements
It’s recommended to water this plant every few days, monitoring the environment for soil moisture and adapting watering as necessary.
The soil should retain some moisture but should not be soggy. Liquid fertilizer can be added to the water a few times a month to nourish the plant.
Plants Similar To Silver Monstera
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup. Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find Silver Monstera hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this terrarium plant…
Here are other plants you might see will do well with or in place of Monstera siltepecana:
Conclusion
Overall, Monstera siltepecana is an excellent species of Monstera to add to any hobbyist’s terrarium. It is a fast-growing, vining wall climber that produces beautiful foliage and is suitable for beginner hobbyists.
With its fast growth rate and low-maintenance needs, this species can provide a great source of foliage coverage in any vivarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Monstera siltepecana is relatively easy to care for. It requires only moderate water and light, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is also fairly fast–growing, making it an easy and entertaining plant for any plant enthusiast.
Yes, Monstera siltepecana can grow in low light conditions. They prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. To ensure adequate growth, they should be placed in a spot that receives a few hours of indirect or filtered light each day.
Yes, Monstera siltepecana needs a high level of humidity in order to thrive. It should be kept in areas with at least 65% relative humidity.
Yes, Monstera siltepecana can grow in water. However, you should only use filtered or distilled water for best results. Additionally, you should change out the water every 2–3 weeks to ensure healthy growth.
Yes, Monstera siltepecana plants typically get fenestrations, or ‘swiss cheese-like’ holes, in their leaves as they mature.
To propagate a silver monstera, you should separate the plant into sections by cutting the stems just below each node. Plant the sections in separate pots filled with well–draining soil and water regularly. Keep the soil moist and cut out any diseased or dead leaves. Place in an area with bright, indirect light and mist the leaves in the morning to increase humidity.
Propagating Silver Monstera can also be done in water. First, carefully remove a stem with at least two nodes/leaves from an existing Monstera and place it in a vase or container of distilled or filtered water. Change the water every few days and after a few weeks, you should see roots begin to develop. Finally, carefully transfer the stem to a substrate like a sphagnum moss or perlite and lightly water.