If you’re looking for a truly special houseplant, the Monstera Esqueleto is a top choice. This rare and highly sought-after plant has become a favorite among collectors for its stunning, hole-filled leaves.
Unlike the more common Monstera Deliciosa, the Esqueleto has larger, thinner leaves with more dramatic fenestrations. These “skeleton” leaves give it a light, elegant look. It’s a statement plant that can become the centerpiece of any room.
Finding and caring for one does require some specific knowledge. This guide will give you all the practical tips you need to succeed with this beautiful plant.
Monstera Esqueleto
Often confused with Monstera Epipremnoides, the true Esqueleto is a distinct species. Its leaves can grow enormous, over two feet long, when given the right support. The key feature is the pattern of holes, which often start from the central rib and extend outwards.
It’s a fast-growing climber in its natural habitat. As a houseplant, it appreciates similar conditions to other Monsteras but is a bit more sensitive. Patience is key, as new leaves can take time to unfurl and develop their characteristic splits.
How to Find a Monstera Esqueleto for Sale
Because it’s rare, you won’t typically find it at a big-box garden center. Your best bet is to check specialized online plant shops, Etsy sellers, or local plant swaps. Be prepared for a higher price tag compared to common houseplants.
Always buy from a reputable seller. Look for clear photos of the actual plant you’ll receive. Check reviews to ensure they package their plants well for shipping.
- Inspect the leaves: Look for vibrant green color without yellowing, brown spots, or signs of pests like spider mites.
- Check the roots: If possible, ask for a photo of the root system. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan.
- Understand the size: You might by a small starter plant or a more established one. Smaller plants are more affordable but take longer to mature.
Your Step-by-Step Care Guide
Caring for your new plant isn’t overly complicated, but attention to detail makes all the difference. Consistency in its environment helps it thrive.
1. Light Requirements
Monstera Esqueleto needs bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal. Direct afternoon sun can scorch its thin leaves, causing brown patches. If light is too low, growth will be slow and the leaves won’t develop as many holes.
2. The Right Soil and Pot
A well-draining, airy mix is non-negotiable. These plants hate soggy roots. You can make a perfect mix by combining:
- Regular potting soil
- Orchid bark or coco chips
- Perlite or pumice
- A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional)
Choose a pot with drainage holes. Aerial roots may grow from the stem; these can be guided back into the soil or onto a moss pole.
3. Watering Correctly
This is where most problems occur. Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes, then let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again. The frequency changes with the seasons—less in winter, more in summer.
Use your finger to check the soil moisture. Don’t rely on a schedule. Overwatering leads to root rot, which is a serious issue.
4. Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical plant, it appreciates humidity above 50%. If your home is dry, use a humidifier or place the pot on a pebble tray with water. Normal room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) are fine. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Good air circulation is also important. It helps prevent fungal diseases and strengthens the plant. A gentle fan in the room can help, but don’t point it directly at the plant.
5. Feeding Your Plant
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows down.
An occasional treat like a fish emulsion fertilizer can be beneficial, but it’s not required. Always water the soil before applying fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellow Leaves
This can have a few causes. The most common is overwatering. Check your soil moisture. Yellow leaves can also indicate a need for fertilizer or, less commonly, too much direct sun.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges
This is usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase the moisture in the air and check that you’re watering deeply enough when you do water. Sometimes, a buildup of salts from fertilizer can cause this—try flushing the soil with water.
Leaves Without Holes (Fenestrations)
Immature leaves often lack holes. If mature leaves are solid, the plant likely needs more light. Move it to a brighter location (with indirect light) to encourage those beautiful splits.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Propagating a Monstera Esqueleto is a rewarding way to share this plant. The best method is stem cuttings.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the brown, ring-like bump where leaves and roots emerge).
- Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut just below a node.
- You can root the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Place the node in the medium, but not the leaf.
- Put it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
- Change the water weekly if using that method. For moss, keep it lightly moist.
- Once roots are a few inches long (this can take several weeks), pot it up in your well-draining soil mix.
FAQ About Monstera Esqueleto
Is Monstera Esqueleto the same as Monstera Epipremnoides?
No, they are different plants. The Esqueleto tends to have larger, thinner leaves with more symmetrical fenestrations compared to the Epipremnoides. The differences can be subtle, so buying from a trusted source is key.
How fast does Monstera Esqueleto grow?
In ideal conditions with good light and warmth, it can put out a new leaf every few weeks during the growing season. Growth slows or stops in the winter.
Why are the leaves on my Monstera Esqueleto so small?
Small leaves are often a sign of insufficient light or a need for fertilization. Providing a moss pole for the plant to climb can also encourage larger leaf growth over time.
Is it pet friendly?
Like other Monsteras, the Esqueleto contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.
Should I mist the leaves?
Misting provides only a very temporary boost in humidity and can promote leaf fungal issues if water sits in the crevices. Using a humidifier is a much more effective and safer method for increasing humidity around your plant.
With the right care, your Monstera Esqueleto will reward you with incredible, architectural growth. It’s a plant that truly gets better with age, each new leaf telling a story of the environment you’ve created. Remember to observe it closely and adjust your care as needed—every home’s conditions are slightly unique. The effort is well worth it for such a spectacular plant.