Monstera obliqua is a relatively rare species famous for its significantly larger fenestrations than other Monstera variants. It is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, and its rarity has made it so attractive and expensive that plant collectors are willing to pay much for it.
You can buy Monstera obliqua from special botanical stores or online shops of avid collectors. Taking care of this plant requires understanding and meeting its needs in terms of soil, water, sunlight, nutrients, temperature, and humidity.
This plant species’ value has increased so much that many people are eager to collect and propagate them. This article will discuss where to buy Monstera obliqua and how to take care of them. If you are one of those who are interested in cultivating one, read on.
Where To Buy Monstera Obliqua
It is pretty challenging to find Monstera obliqua at regular botanical garden stores because chances are they are not true obliquas. What sets this plant apart from other Monstera variants is that its exceptionally large perforations take up almost 90% of a leaf’s area.
Some people get better chances at finding a true obliqua on Etsy. Check out this Monstera obliqua (available on Etsy.com). The seller is from Peru, and the country is a suitable source of this rare plant.
This plant thrives in an area with relatively higher humidity.
Since sources are most likely going to come from outside the US, you might as well check out some guarantee or insurance options before purchasing one.
Travel time may also affect the plant’s health, so finding one from an area closer to you is best. You must also be prepared to take some expensive risks as these plants don’t come as cheaply as other common Monsteras.
Another hiccup when looking to buy Monstera obliqua online is that you need to find a mature plant. Young obliqua seedlings look very similar to the pretty common Monstera adansonii, and you will only be able to tell the difference when the plants mature.
An adult obliqua can cost well over $10,000 or more. You don’t have to buy the whole plant, though, as you can grow one from cuttings.
The Requirements To Raise Monstera Obliqua
To raise a Monstera Obliqua successfully in a non-humid environment, you’ll need to re-create the perfect environment as best as you can. This plant is pretty rare because it tends to die more quickly than other species if its environment is not suitable for its growth.
Monstera obliqua is naturally epiphytic and climbs on tree branches in tropical areas. In its native environment, it is a pretty sturdy plant. However, when growing the plant in a pot, away from its natural habitat, you may want to consider the following conditions.
Soil
M. obliqua thrives well in a slightly acidic environment with a pH ranging from 6-6.5. Ideally, you must use loam soil for good drainage so as not to drown the roots. It also helps to add some mulch to the soil to retain some moisture between watering.
Mulch also adds some nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
Peat can also be used instead of mulch due to its high moisture retention capacity, although it doesn’t produce many nutrients as it decomposes. It should be fine since obliquas don’t require a lot of nutrients.
Water
This plant loves moisture. However, ensure that its roots do not sit on very wet soil as it may cause root rot. A good rule of thumb is to feed it with just the right amount of water once a week.
For instance, pour just enough water into the pot that the top layer does not appear soggy.
Let the well-draining soil and pot flush out the excess water, but when the weather is extremely hot or dry, you may want to mist your obliqua more often during the day. For instance, you may mist the leaves at sunrise and again in the afternoon at around 2 PM.
After three to five days, you may try to inspect the soil again. Poke your finger up to your third knuckle into the soil. If it’s still moist, you only have to mist the leaves, but if the soil is dry, you may add enough water to moisten the dry top layer.
Sunlight
Monstera obliqua is an indoor plant that loves partial or full shade. It is best to place the pot next to an east-facing window where it can receive filtered morning light or a north-facing window where it can receive the least amount of direct sunlight during the day.
Nutrients
M. obliqua does not require many nutrients, as the minerals coming from the decomposition of mulch in the soil are enough for the plant to thrive. Since this plant is a climber, its roots can also get some nutrients from the air.
You may want to put a stick as a makeshift tree branch for the plant to climb. You may check out the Blooming Jungle Moss Pole (available on Amazon.com). It is sturdy and popular among Monstera collectors.
Temperature
The plant is native to tropical Central and Southern America and can benefit from an environment with temperatures ranging from 60 – 70 °F (15.5 – 21 °C). If your home is consistently under this temperature, you might want to find some good space heaters to place around your plant.
Or if your home is higher than this, you’ll want to consider getting some fans or an air conditioner to keep your home at this temperature.
Humidity
M. obliqua requires high humidity that can replicate its natural environment in tropical regions.
Avid collectors tend to switch on humidifiers all day during dry months to protect the plant and provide the humidity it needs.
The average humidity in Brazil or Peru, where M. obliqua grows best, is around 80%, so keeping the plant in an area with this much humidity is best. That is why it is best to grow this plant indoors so you can control its environment better.
Final Thoughts
Monstera obliqua is very rare, but it is not impossible to find. Raising it may be a bit challenging for novice collectors, but it can be rewarding when you see the appearance of a mature, authentic obliqua.
The main challenge lies in finding a legit seller because the plant is rather difficult to find. Therefore, you must be equally cautious and adventurous in your search.