If you’re a houseplant enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the whispers about the Monstera Esqueleto. This stunning plant has become a rare and highly sought-after treasure for collectors. Its dramatic, hole-filled leaves make it a true standout in any indoor jungle.
Finding one can be a challenge, and caring for it properly is key. This guide gives you the straightforward, practical advice you need to find, grow, and thrive with this exceptional plant.
Monstera Esqueleto
Often confused with the more common Monstera adansonii, the Esqueleto is in a league of its own. The name “esqueleto” means skeleton in Spanish, a perfect description for its fenestrated leaves. These aren’t just small holes; they’re large, open windows that leave more empty space than leaf tissue in mature specimens.
The leaves themselves are much larger and thinner than an adansonii’s, with a more textured, puckered surface. As it climbs, the leaves can get truly massive, sometimes over two feet long. It’s a fast-growing, vining plant that loves to climb a moss pole or trellis.
Why Is It So Rare and Expensive?
You might wonder why this plant commands such high prices and excitement. There are a few simple reasons.
- Propagation Speed: It grows from cuttings slower than many common Monsteras, limiting how quickly nurseries can produce large numbers.
- High Demand: Its unique look has made it incredibly popular on social media, driving demand far beyond the current supply.
- Maturation Time: It takes time for a plant to mature enough to produce those iconic, highly fenestrated leaves that everyone wants.
How to Find a Monstera Esqueleto for Sale
Patience and persistence are your best tools. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find one immediately.
- Check specialized online rare plant shops regularly for restock announcements.
- Join rare plant buy/sell/trade groups on social media platforms.
- Visit local plant swaps or boutique nurseries that focus on uncommon varieties.
- Consider starting with a smaller, more affordable cutting if a full plant is out of budget.
Your Complete Care Guide
Once you have your plant, providing the right conditions is straightforward. Here’s exactly what it needs.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is non-negotiable for good growth and fenestration. An east or west-facing window is ideal. A south-facing window is good too, but you may need to diffuse the harsh afternoon sun with a sheer curtain. Too little light will result in small leaves with few holes.
Watering and Humidity
This plant likes its soil to partially dry out between waterings. Stick your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to root rot.
As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity. Aim for 60% or more. You can use a humidifier, place it on a pebble tray with water, or group it with other plants. Good humidity helps the leaves grow larger and unfurl smoothly.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is crucial. You can make a great mix yourself with these parts:
- Two parts high-quality potting soil.
- One part orchid bark for chunkiness and aeration.
- One part perlite or pumice for drainage.
- A handful of horticultural charcoal to keep the soil fresh.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, sizing up only slightly. A pot that is too large holds excess moisture.
Fertilizing for Growth
Feed your plant during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so less is more.
Support and Training
The Monstera Esqueleto is a natural climber. Providing a support like a moss pole or coir totem mimics its natural habitat and encourages larger leaf development. As the plant grows, gently attach the stems to the pole using soft plant ties or twine. The aerial roots will eventually grip onto a moist moss pole, which also provides extra nutrients and hydration.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Propagating your plant is a rewarding way to share it or expand your own collection. The best method is stem cuttings.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the brown, bumpy ring 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 your chosen medium, ensuring the leaf is above the surface.
- Put it in bright, indirect light and change the water or keep the moss moist. Roots should appear in a few weeks.
- Once the roots are a few inches long, pot the cutting in your well-draining soil mix.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your schedule. Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Occasionally, yellowing is caused by underfeeding or a need for repotting.
Brown Leaf Edges or Tips
Low humidity is the usual culprit here. Increase the moisture in the air around your plant. Brown spots can also come from too much direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Leggy Growth and Small Leaves
This almost always means the plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter location. Also, check if it needs a support pole; climbing encourages better growth.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Wipe leaves down regularly and inspect new growth. If you spot pests, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Monstera Esqueleto and Monstera adansonii?
The Esqueleto has much larger, thinner leaves with bigger fenestrations (holes) that often extend to the leaf’s edge. Adansonii leaves are smaller, thicker, and have more enclosed holes.
How fast does Monstera Esqueleto grow?
In ideal conditions with good light and warmth, it is a moderately fast grower, especially during spring and summer. You can expect several new leaves per season.
Why are the new leaves on my plant not fenestrated?
Juvenile leaves often lack fenestrations. As the plant matures and receives adequate light, the new leaves will develop the characteristic holes. Lack of light is the main reason mature plants produce solid leaves.
Is Monstera Esqueleto toxic to pets?
Yes, like all Monsteras, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep it out of their reach.
Can I grow Monstera Esqueleto in LECA or semi-hydroponics?
Yes, many growers have success with this. It can help prevent overwatering issues. If you transition from soil, make sure to thoroughly clean the roots first.
Caring for a Monstera Esqueleto is a deeply satisfying experience. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be rewarded with rapid growth and those breathtaking, skeletal leaves. Remember, every plant has it’s own personality, so observe yours closely and adjust care as needed. With a little attention, your rare and highly sought-after specimen will become the centerpiece of your collection for years to come.