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This is either a variation or a cultivar of Monstera Deliciosa. If this plant is a variation of Monstera Deliciosa it is appropriate to call it Monstera Borsigiana; however, if this plant is a cultivar of Monstera Deliciosa it is more appropriate to call it Monstera Deliciosa var. Borsigiana. Unfortunately, there is no consensus as to what is the correct classification and nomenclature for Monstera Borsigiana.
How to Identify Monstera Borsigiana
It has already been mentioned that this plant is closely related to Monstera Deliciosa, and consequently, the two plants have many similarities. To tell these plants apart, look for these key identifiers:
- Monstera Borsigiana grows in a vertical vine-like structure from a young age; whereas, Monstera Deliciosa grows horizontal to the ground for many years before vining upward.
- Monstera Borsigiana leaves are comparably smaller (1 ½ foot wide); whereas, Monstera Deliciosa leaves grow comparably larger (3 feet wide) and feel leathery.
- Monstera Borsigiana grows quickly; whereas, Monstera Deliciosa grows slightly slower.
- Monstera Borsigiana has a smooth geniculum; whereas, Monstera Deliciosa has a wavy geniculum.
- Monstera Borsigiana have nodes that are located closer together on their stems; whereas, Monstera Deliciosa has nodes that are further apart on their stems.
- Monstera Borsigiana is priced relatively low; whereas Monstera Deliciosa are priced between $20 and $100.
How to Grow Monstera Borsigiana from Seed
To grow a Monstera plant from seed, follow these steps:
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours
- Fill a container with a seed starting soil mix21
- Plant the seeds in the soil mix
- Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
- Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
- Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
- Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open air
- Once the plants are established, move them to a more permanent plant container
How to Propagate Monstera Borsigiana
This type of plant is incredibly easy to propagate via stem cuttings. There are two methods for working through this process. They are propagation in water and propagation in soil. The steps are similar but do have some differing aspects. Let’s look at both methods in more detail.
Propagation in Water
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
- Set the stem in a container filled with water
- Set the container in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight
- Change the water every other week
- Once roots have been established on the stem, plant the stem in a container filled with potting soil that contains a mixture of perlite
- Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy
- Set the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight
Propagation in Soil
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
- Pull off any leaves that are near the bottom of the stem
- Fill a plant container with potting soil and set the stem 2 to 3 inches into the soil
- Moisten the soil with water
- Set the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry
- Shoots should appear on the plant after a few weeks
Monstera Borsigiana Growing Conditions
The natural environment of Monstera plants is the rainforests of South and Central America. This means that they should be provided with a similar environment indoors and outdoors. They should be kept away from cold and drafty areas, AC vents, heating vents, radiators, and space heaters.
When caring for a Monstera plant that is kept indoors, provide it with temperatures that range between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels above 50%. Plant humidifiers, pebble trays, and plant heat mats are three tools that are perfect for tropical plants that are kept indoors.
Monstera plants that are kept outdoors should only be planted in the ground in USDA Hardiness Zones 10, 11, or 12; otherwise, they should be kept in a plant container that can be carried indoors during cold temperatures.
How to Plant Monstera Borsigiana
This plant should be repotted when it begins to show signs of crowded roots or lack of nutrients. Repotting will provide it with new, fresh soil that contains nutrients for healthy growth and more room for its root system to grow. The steps for repotting a Monstera plant are:
- Select a plant container with drainage holes that is two inches wider in diameter than its current container
- Fill the new container with potting soil
- Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
- Use a sterile cutting utensil to trim away rotten roots
- Set the plant into the hole in the new container
- Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
- Set a moss pole in its container so it can attach to it
- Water the plant
- Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight
Monstera Borsigiana Potting & Soil
When it comes to soil conditions, Monstera Borsigiana requires soil that has acidic or neutral pH levels. A Soil pH Meter is the best way to determine soil pH levels. To create higher levels of acidity in the soil, add bone meal, hardwood ashes, or ground eggshells to it. For a more detailed look at how to adjust soil pH levels, read this article.
Neutral pH levels are not the only soil conditions that Monstera Borsigiana requires. It also needs soil that has the ability to drain well but still hold some moisture. The soil should contain 2 parts perlite and 3 parts potting soil. This should be mixed with pumice or horticultural sand.
This type of Monstera can also grow well in Hydroponics or LECA.
Monstera Borsigiana Water Requirements
The best way to know when this type of plant needs water is to test the moisture level of its soil. If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can use a drink. If, however, the top two inches are still moist, it does not need any more water. Monstera Borsigiana will grow best when its soil is kept moist but not soggy.
The best method for watering Monstera Borsigiana is the soak and dry method. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Test the soil moisture level before giving it a drink.
- If the plant needs a drink, fill a tray with a few inches of water.
- Set the plant container in the tray of water.
- Let the plant soak in the water for fifteen minutes. The roots will soak up water from the bottom of the container.
- Take the plant container out of the water.
- Allow the excess water to drain from the holes in the bottom of the plant container.
Try using a plant watering app to track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.
Monstera Borsigiana Light Requirements
This plant should be set in a place that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. To ensure that this plant is receiving adequate amounts of sunlight, use a light meter to test indoor light capacity.
Best Monstera Borsigiana Fertilizer
This plant can benefit from feedings all year round. It should be fed with a 5-2-3 liquid fertilizer or a fertilizer made for Monstera plants. Follow these steps to feed a Monstera Borsigiana:
- In Spring and Summer, feed a Monstera Borsigiana with each watering session.
- In Autumn and Winter, feed a Monstera Borsigiana with every other watering session.
Best Monstera Borsigiana Companion Plantings
This plant can benefit from being clustered together with other plants. Not only will a cluster of several plants fill a space and create a lush, tropical environment, but it will also provide the tropical plants with more humidity. The following three plants are just a sampling of options that will look lovely next to a Monstera Borsigiana.
Peperomia Hope
This is a vining succulent plant that is also from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has many of the same care requirements as Monstera Borsigiana, which makes it easy to care for both types of plants at the same time.
Light Requirements
Peperomia Hope should be set in a place that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Peperomia Hope should be placed in well-draining soil that is made from a 50/50 ratio of peat moss and perlite. The soil’s pH levels should also be kept within a range of 6 to 6.5.
Water Requirements
Peperomia Hope should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It is a hassle-free plant
- It is easy to learn how to grow
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Monstera Borsigiana
- It is not toxic
Cons
- It is susceptible to infestations of aphids, mealybugs, and scale bugs
- It is not cold tolerant
Monstera Dubia
This is another vining plant that is a native of the tropics. It grows against poles, trees, and tall structures in a shingling pattern, which is why it is nicknamed the “shingle plant”. It is a relatively easy-going and hassle-free plant that has many of the same types of care requirements that Monstera Borsigiana. This makes it easy to grow the two plants together.
Light Requirements
Monstera Dubia should be placed in an area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Monstera Dubia requires soil that is well-draining, filled with organic materials and has a pH level range of 5 to 7.
Water Requirements
Monstera Dubia should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- Its care requirements are similar to Monstera Borsigiana
- It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
Cons
- It is toxic
- It is susceptible to root rot
Anthurium Superbum
This is an eclectic plant that looks like it stepped out of a prehistoric jungle. It is nicknamed Bird’s Nest Anthurium due to its feathery-looking foliage and above-ground root system.
Light Requirements
Anthurium Superbum should be placed in an area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect light when it is growing; however, it can be placed in a darker area when it goes dormant.
Soil Requirements
Anthurium Superbum requires soil that retains a little moisture but drains off the water quickly. Its soil should contain potting mix, charcoal, gravel, and perlite. When it comes to its soil requirements, this plant should be treated a little like an orchid.
Water Requirements
Anthurium Superbum should be watered on a regular schedule. It will need to be watered when the top inch of its soil is dry and its soil should be kept moist, but not soggy, at all times.
Pros
- It is a unique-looking plant
- It is a slow grower
- It can be propagated via division
Cons
- It is persnickety about its water regimen
- It is not cold tolerant
- It is susceptible to root rot
Monstera Borsigiana Diseases and Common Problems
The most common problems faced by Monstera Borsigiana are:
- Brown Leaves
- Leaves without Fenestration
- Root Rot
- Scale Insects
- Spider Mites
- Yellow Leaves
Monstera Borsigiana Treatments and Maintenance
The best way to deal with any plant pests or infestations is to prevent them. Learn how to properly water, feed, and provide sunlight for each plant and they will grow strong and healthy. Along with this, it is best to schedule a regular pest and disease inspection to catch any infestation quickly and prevent them from spreading throughout the plant or to other nearby plants.
Here are some basic guidelines for caring for the most common problems faced by Monstera Borsigiana:
Brown Leaves
This could mean that the plant is not receiving enough humidity or it is receiving too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shadier and warmer area and provide it with extra moisture.
Leaves Without Fenestration
If the plant is still young, it may just need to grow a bit more in order to produce its signature fenestrations; however, if the plant is older, it could be that it is not receiving enough light or nutrients to produce leaves with slits in them.
Root rot
The symptoms of this will be leaves that are soggy, curled, or browning. To treat this problem, let the soil dry out completely and set the plant in a place where it will get plenty of airflow. If it is still struggling with too much water in its container, follow these steps:
- Remove the plant from its container
- Wash off all the dirt from its roots
- Cut off any roots that are rotten
- Replant the plant in a clean container with fresh soil
- Wait to water it for a few days
Scale Insects
This type of infestation looks like tiny brown bumps on the backs of the plant’s leaves. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:
- Spray them off with a hose
- Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
- Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly
Spider Mites
This type of infestation looks like webbing spread over the plant’s leaves and stems. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:
- Spray the plant with a mixture of 1 quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsps. Of neem oil
- Wipe off the leaves and stems
- Repeat as necessary
Yellow Leaves
This could be caused by too much sunlight, too much water, or a lack of nutrients. To resolve this issue, move the plant to a shadier area, reformat its watering schedule, or give it a feeding. This will be a process of elimination.
Where to Buy Monstera Borgiana Seeds Online
Purchasing seeds online is an easy way to gather gardening supplies. Some of the best places to purchase seeds online are from these online shops:
Where to Buy Mature Monstera Borsigiana Online
The best place to purchase Monstera Borsigiana plants online is Etsy.
Concluding Thoughts
Monstera Borsigiana is a lovely plant to grow indoors or outdoors. Its uncomplicated care requirements and its unique beauty make it the perfect plant for anyone.
FAQs
Question: Is Monstera Borsigiana Toxic?
Answer: Yes, it is toxic. It should not be handled without gloves because its sap can irritate the skin. If it is consumed by a child or pet, contact a health professional or poison control.
• Poison Control Center
• Animal Poison Control
• Ask a Poison Control Vet
Question: Does Monstera Borsigiana Produce Flowers?
Answer: Yes, this plant produces an inflorescence with a spathe and spadix.