Monstera Obliqua: Care Guide for This Rare and Gorgeous Houseplant

Monstera Obliqua of the Araceae family, the rare cottage cheese plant, is mistaken for Monstera Adansonii most of the time. It is hard to find, and even when you do find it, it will be costly.

The paper-thin leaves have more holes than the foliage, and it means that this Monstera genus plant needs special care and some expertise to grow it.

What Is a Monstera Obliqua?

Monstera Obliqua is a slow-growing, pot-perfect ephemeral that will beautify any home garden. It is epiphytic and to grow on other plants, be stalked or trail from a pot. It needs basic care, like moderate moisture, and it will thrive in your garden. 

Monstera Obliqua Care

Our care and problem-solving guide will inspire and assist you in making the Monstera Obliqua grow in optimal conditions.

• Soil: Rich, organic, rich, and well-drained
• Water: Distilled, up to three times a week
• Lighting: Bright filtered light
• Temperature: 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 80 to 90 percent
• Growth: Straight, climbing, slow 
• Fertilizer: Diluted liquid feed applied weekly during the growing season
• Flower: Rare
• Toxicity: High

Water

Monstera Obliqua roots are sensitive to overwatering. Avoid soggy soil and keep the plant in it for long periods. This step can prevent root damage and save your plant.

 

Root rot is quite a common problem for all plants, but you do not want to risk it with this rare species. The best way to ensure perfect watering is to check the top two inches of the soil before each watering. If it is dry or slightly moist, water it. In case it is wet, wait for a few days before the next watering.

An under-watered plant will have slower growth and will wilt fast. In winters, slow down on watering Monstera Obliqua.

Light

The ideal spot for Monstera Obliqua is the observatory or a bathroom because of high humidity and indirect light. This rare beauty needs extra care when it comes to its light requirements. 

 

Choose a bright area or room with plenty of indirect light, and make sure that you place it away from the direct sunlight.

Strong sunlight will immediately damage the delicate leaves. Less light can slow down Monstera Obliqua growth rate.

Soil

Monstera Obliqua loves moist soil that is rich in organic matter and essential nutrients. Pick a peat-based potting mix that is light and airy to lessen the chances of overwatering the plant. The soil should be a mixture of bark and perlite too.

 

Monstera Obliqua soil needs to have a pH of 5 to 7.5. If the compost is excessively dry, the leaves start turning brown. In short, the soil should be kept moist in summers and slightly dry in winters.

Temperature

The perfect temperature for the Monstera Obliqua plant is between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, try to maintain the temperature at 68 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

Install the grow lights in winters to keep temperatures warm. Remember, a temperature below 39 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the plant.

 

Humidity

Monstera Obliqua loves very high humidity. Try to maintain humidity around 80 to 90 percent. These humidity levels will encourage a faster growth rate.

If the indoor humidity is too low, the plant will begin to show brown, and crisp Monstera Obliqua leaves. There are a few ways to increase moisture around the plant/

1. Install a humidifier
2. Mist your plants regularly
3. Plant it close to other plants
4. Install a pebble tray under the pot

Mist plants twice weekly in winters and more frequently in summers.

Fertilizer

Monstera Obliqua likes diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Slow-released feed is highly recommended for the plants. Organic fertilizers are always the best choice. Experts also advise treating your Monstera plants with vermicompost.

 

How do you know that the plant needs more fertilizer? Your Monstera Obliqua can show signs of deficiencies, for example:

• Pale foliage
• Yellow or brown patches
• Crispy leaves
• Wilting stems

You can easily avoid all these by maintaining its nutrients by organizing a fertilization schedule. Remember, little is more. Do not overfeed the plant.

Pruning

Monstera Obliqua grows as a compact, bushy plant that can be grown as a climber too. In its native habitat, it climbs up on trees to look for the sun. The plant will not need regular pruning as they have a slow growth rate. Prune if there is damaged foliage.

• Foliage: Large, green two to six inches long. Leaf shapes vary. Matured leaves get perforated. 
• Stems: Green and round, less than half an inch in diameter.  
• Flowers: Tiny flowers grow on a green spathe. It turns bright yellow when it fruits.
• Fruits: Berry-like fruits are white and less than an inch big.

– Repotting

Monstera Obliqua can happily live in the same pot for a very long time as it has a slow growth rate. If it is necessary, you can repot it too. Here are some points to remember:

• Repotting is required every three years, usually.
• You know it’s the time to repot when the roots begin to peek from the bottom or top surface.
• Repot in a pot that is two inches bigger than the old one. 
• Use best potting mix.

Propagation

Monstera Obliqua propagation is done by stolon or stem cuttings. Let us guide you about the stem cutting method in the following sections.

1. Take a cutting of the rare Monstera Obliqua in the growing season, which begins in spring and lasts till late summer
2. The stem that you pick should be still nimble
3. Take a five to seven inches long stem cutting with the help of sterilized scissors or a knife
4. Make sure there are two nodes in each cutting. The new shoots will grow from here
5. Plant each cutting in a ready-made potting mix
6. Water generously and do not fertilize until the plant develops roots and shoots
7. It may take up to a month as the plant is a slow grower

We hope this detailed step-by-step guide answers all your questions about Monstera Obliqua propagation. Remember a few things before picking up that knife:

• It must be the growing season. Spring or summer is the best time to propagate your plants
• Water plants a few hours before taking a cutting
• Take cuttings in the evening or early morning
• Place new cuttings sheltered location
• Do not overwater new cuttings
• Gradually introduce the plants to the bright light

You can always sell extra plants or gift them. I feel it is a great idea to sell some cuttings and donate money to a charity or towards the plantation of trees. Gardeners also use platforms like farmers’ markets or online stores to showcase their saplings. 

Problems

Monstera Obliqua problems can vary from being related to overwatering, extremes of light conditions, lack of moisture to pest attacks. Even with foliage with holes, the plant attracts pests. Here is what you can expect and how to avoid it.

– Whiteflies

They appear as a cluster of white, tiny flies on the undersides of the leaf. They may leave a sticky residue too. Spray the affected leaves with lukewarm, soap water or a natural pesticide such as neem oil.

 

You can prevent the attack by managing the humidity levels and by placing sticky traps near the plant.

– Spider Mites

They appear as almost transparent red or yellow mites on the backside of foliage and have sticky webs that look cloudy. You can use a wet cotton pad to dab the mites or spray with lukewarm water and soap mixture to get rid of the pests.

 

You can prevent it by misting plants regularly and replacing the topsoil if they have already infested the plant.

– Common Diseases

Improper care and unsanitary practices can lead to an ill Monstera Obliqua plant. A weak plant is prone to fungal disease and viruses.

Here are some common problems that your plant can face.

– Mosaic Virus

The mosaic virus will crease tiny pale lesions in a mosaic-like pattern on the foliage. The affected leaves are prunes with shears, and usually, the plant needs to be isolated.

 

Avoid using an old potting mix and unclean tools to prevent this from spreading. 

– Root Rot

Decaying black roots, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth can all be a sign of root rot. Overwatering and poor drainage causes this problem, and leaves the plant weak, and also causes death.

The only solution is to either repot the plant into fresh soil or take cuttings and restart the plant. It can be prevented by watering when it is needed and by having a well-drained soil mix.

– Brown Foliage

Brown tips of leaves indicate that the plant is getting too much sunlight or direct light. To prevent this problem, move it into soft or indirect light. Also, make sure that humidity is high and that you are watering the plant regularly.

– Yellow Foliage

Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. After managing the watering pattern correctly, you can remove the yellow foliage. Let the topsoil dry out completely before watering.

• Whiteflies and spider mites: Treat with warm soap water or neem oil mixed in water
• Mosaic virus: Cut off infected areas
• Root rot: Change the pot and trim unhealthy roots
• Brown foliage: Prune leaves, and bring into filtered light
• Yellow foliage: Prune affected stalks and avoid overwatering

Tips for Success with Growing Monstera Obliqua

• Be careful about the exposure to light for this plant. Make sure the light is not too low or too high. Indirect bright light is what it needs. Have a look at the best spot in your home, and then place it where you are certain it will not get direct light. Direct light will scorch the plant
• The plant needs high humidity levels that can be obtained by placing it correctly and being consistent with misting the plant. You can use one of the methods mentioned above to increase humidity too.
• The plant is a slow grower, so be patient as it matures. It may take several years for the lacy foliage to grow. The cottage cheese plant quickly shows the fenestration on leaves, while the Obliqua plant takes time. 
• Do not over-fertilize the plant or repot before it outgrows the existing pot. Especially take care of it when it is in the dormant state

Frequently Asked Questions

– Does Monstera Obliqua Bloom? 

Not really. Monstera Obliqua rarely produces flowers. The blooms are subtle, and the plant can grow them any time of the year. Flowers have cream petals and are surrounded by a green spadix that turns orange.

– Is Obliqua Toxic? 

Yes. Monstera Obliqua is toxic. It is not safe for children and pets because of its calcium oxalate crystals. If digested, it causes swelling of the mouth, throat, and lips. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and acute oral pain.

– What Is the Price of Monstera Obliqua in the Market? 

Monstera Obliqua plants are auctioned for as high as $23,000. Bloggers say that a single cutting is sold for $5000-8000 as it is rare.

– Why Is Monstera Obliqua Costly? 

Monstera Obliqua is costly because it has unique foliage, and its paper-thin foliage is quite interesting. Being exotic, it naturally gets costly.

– Are There Other Types of Monstera Obliqua?

Yes. Four types of Monstera Obliqua are available:

1. Peru
2. Bolivia
3. Panama
4. Suriname

The first one, Peru, is the most famous because of its unique foliage.

– Is Monstera Obliqua a Climber? 

Not really. Monstera Obliqua usually anchors its aerial roots on adjacent trees while climbing to find sunlight. They do grow beyond being a bush and can be trained to look like a climbing vine. Place a moss pole beside it, and it will do the trick.

– Is This Monstera Variegated? 

No. Monstera Obliqua is not variegated. Variegated ones have shades of green with white patches on the foliage. A rare genetic mutation produces white areas due to less chlorophyll.

There is a possibility of finding a variegated Monstera Obliqua variety too. It happens rarely. According to a botanist from Petal Republic, Briana Yablonski, One out of 6000 plants may be variegated naturally.

Mint variegated Monstera Deliciosa is a large plant that is considered the rarest. Its attractive mild mint green and rich green spectrum foliage make it unique. It can be sold at a price of over $39,000.

–  Are Monstera Peru and Monstera Obliqua the Same Plant?

No. Monstera Peru or Monstera Karstenianum and Obliqua Monstera are separate species within the Araceae family. Both plants must not be confused as one. Peruvian has waxy, succulent leaves with a climbing habit, while Obliqua has fine leaves with holes.

– Are Monstera Obliqua and Monstera Adansonii Different Plants?

Yes. Both of these are different. They may appear similar when young as the Adansonii is also called the cottage cheese plant and has foliage with holes. Most of the Obliqua plants sold these days are Adansonii. If the plant you got is priced between $50 to $100, it’s most likely not Obliqua.

The foliage of Obliqua is paper thin and has more holes than the leaf. It is heavily perforated without any symmetry. 

– I am a Novice Gardener. Can I Grow Monstera Obliqua?

No. Monstera Obliqua is not an easy plant to grow, and it is not for a novice gardener. Being an extremely expensive plant, it is also not worth an experiment. It is best to have some experience of taking care of plants before you grow your own

Conclusion

Monstera Obliqua is an extremely rare plant that is known for its foliage with holes. It is said to have more holes than foliage and is often sold at a very high price. People sell other varieties of monstera with fenestrated leaves as obliqua.

Here is what we learned about this wonderful plant:

• Monstera Obliqua are slow-growing houseplants that are very sensitive about exposure to light and needs indirect, filtered light.
• Monstera Obliqua soil needs to be well-drained with rich organic material in it. It needs mild, well-balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season and not in winters.
• The plant can be repotted when it outgrows the old container. Do this in the growing season. Monstera Obliqua propagation is done through stem cuttings.
• Monstera Obliqua is a toxic plant. It must be kept away from young children and pets. It can cause allergic reactions.
• The plant is costly and must not be mistaken for other similar plants. It is sold in auctions or through specialized growers only.

Monstera Obliqua comes with specific care requirements, and we hope our comprehensive guide helped you. Now you can grow your collection of rare species and master the art of caring for them. Happy gardening!