Monstera Obliqua: How to Grow One from Seeds?

• About
• Latest Posts

Shaleena Quinlan

Shaleena comes from a long line of midwestern farmers and feels like gardening is in her blood. She loved helping her grandmother in her garden, learning to plow the soil, sow the seeds, and carefully attend to each plant. Her travels had added to her gardening knowledge, and she knows quite a bit about growing produce in the tropics. She always makes space for a bit of a garden no matter where she has lived.

Latest posts by Shaleena Quinlan (see all)

• How to Propagate Monstera Guide: The Three Ways to Succeed - September 17, 2021
• Escargot Begonia: Why Is The Rex Begonia So Rare? - August 31, 2021
• Rieger Begonia: When You Can Expect The Hiemalis Begonia To Flourish - August 31, 2021

This particular type of Monstera plant is chock-full of controversy. It is an extremely rare and expensive plant and many experts wonder if any plant on the market that is labeled as a Monstera Obliqua is real or just an odd-looking Monstera Adansonii.

How to Identify Monstera Obliqua

When attempting to identify one of these plants it is vitally important to remember that it is difficult to distinguish from a Monstera Adansonii. Even professional botanists and gardeners can be deceived into thinking one is the other because they are just so similar, especially when they are young. A few key identifiers to assist in identifying one plant from the other are:

• Monstera Obliqua leaves are narrow, while Monstera Adansonii leaves are more oval or arrow-shaped
• Monstera Obliqua leaves have more holes than leaf tissue, while Monstera Adansonii leaves have more leaf tissue than holes
• Monstera Obliqua leaves have a paper-thin texture, while Monstera Adansonii leaves have a slightly rougher texture

How to Grow Monstera Obliqua from Seed

Typically, these plants are grown from stem cuttings rather than from seedlings.  To grow a Monstera Obliqua from seed, follow these steps:

1. Purchase seeds from a reputable seller
2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours
3. Fill a container with a seed starting soil mix
4. Plant the seeds in the soil mix
5. Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
6. Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
7. Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
8. Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open air
9. Once the plants are established, move them to a more permanent plant container

How to Propagate Monstera Obliqua

The ideal method for propagating any Monstera plant is via stem cuttings. The steps for doing this are as follows:

1. Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
2. Pull off any leaves that are near the bottom of the stem
3. Place sphagnum moss or potting soil directly on the stem’s node
4. Moisten the soil with water
5. Set the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight
6. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry
7. Roots should appear on the plant after a few weeks
8. Replant the stems in a medium of coco coir until it is more established

Monstera Obliqua Growing Conditions

It is necessary to keep this tropical plant in a place where the humidity levels are at least 85% and the temperatures range between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  Since this combination is not a favored environment for most humans, it may be best to supply heat and humidity to this plant via a plant humidifier or a pebble tray.

How to Plant Monstera Obliqua

It is a good idea to repot these plants every few years. This will provide the plant with new, fresh soil that contains nutrients for healthy growth.  The steps for repotting a Monstera Obliqua are:

1. Fill the new container with potting soil
2. Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
3. Carefully remove the plant from its current container
4. Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
5. Set the plant into the hole in the new container
6. Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
7. Water the plant
8. Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight

Monstera Obliqua Potting & Soil

This type of plant should be potted in soil that is well-draining but able to hold moisture. The soil should contain peat moss, compost, worm castings, bark, and pumice. It is recommended to inquire about the seller’s potting soil mix when the plant is purchased. This is the best way to ensure that the soil is exactly what the plant requires.

Monstera Obliqua Water Requirements

This type of plant needs moist, but not soggy soil and humidity in its air at all times. Its leaves are delicate and should not be allowed to dry out. Setting it next to an air conditioner vent will also cause it to dry out and severely damage the plant.

Monstera Obliqua Light Requirements

This type of plant should be set in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. If it is set in direct sunlight, it will dry out and burn. It can also grow under plant grow lights.

Best Monstera Obliqua Fertilizer

This type of plant should only be fed during spring and summer. It will need gentle feedings so that its root system doesn’t get burnt. This Monstera Plant Food fertilizer is an excellent choice for fertilizing any type of Monstera plant.

Best Monstera Obliqua Companion Plantings

Providing this type of plant with a companion or two will benefit it tremendously. Its holey and rather scraggly leaves will look better next to other tropical plants and it will benefit from the extra humidity that clustering plants can provide.

The following three plants are just a sample of the many wonderful options available to grow next to a Monstera Obliqua.

Monstera Peru

This is a trailing vine plant that hails from the rainforests of South America.  Its leaves are large, dark green, and leathery.  Not only do its good looks make it an ideal companion for a Monstera Obliqua, but its easy-going nature and care requirements will also.

Light Requirements

Monstera Peru should be set in a place that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.

Soil Requirements

Monstera Peru requires soil that is well-draining and full of organic nutrients.

Water Requirements

Monstera Peru 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 hardy
• It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
• It is a beautiful plant to use as decoration

Cons:

• It is susceptible to infestations of fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale bugs, and spider mites
• It is susceptible to root rot
• It is toxic

Philodendron Selloum

This is a tropical plant with long, thin, shiny leaves that feature splits. It is a very hassle-free plant that grows into a small tree over time (it can reach up to five feet tall). This is a great companion for a Monstera Obliqua because its leaves have a complementary look and it is easy to grow.

Light Requirements

Philodendron Selloum should be set in a place that receives bright but indirect sunlight.

Soil Requirements

Philodendron Selloum requires soil that is well-draining, retains a little moisture, and has alkaline pH levels.

Water Requirements

Philodendron Selloum 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 unique-looking plant
• Its care requirements are similar to Monstera Obliqua
• It is a hassle-free plant

Cons:

• It is toxic
• It is susceptible to infestations of aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects

Philodendron Gloriosum

This is a tropical plant with large heart-shaped green leaves that features wide cream-colored veins running throughout them. It is a native of the tropical regions of South and Central America. It is both stunning in its good looks and in its easygoing care requirements.

Light Requirements

Philodendron Gloriosum should be set in a place that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight

Soil Requirements

Philodendron Gloriosum requires soil that is well-draining and well aerated. It should contain orchid potting mix, peat, perlite, and horticultural charcoal.

Water Requirements

Philodendron Gloriosum should not be overwatered since this will cause root rot. It should only be watered when the top layer of its soil is dry. It is best to water this plant in the soak and dry method.

Pros:

• It is easy to care for
• It is beautiful
• It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
• It is a slow grower

Cons:

• It is susceptible to root rot
• It is susceptible to infestations of aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies

Monstera Obliqua Diseases and Common Problems

Just like most Monstera plants, this type is susceptible to a few pests and problems. Fortunately, these are easy to detect and deal with. The most common issues faced by Monstera Obliqua are:

• Mealybugs
• Scale Insects
• Spider Mites
• Whitefly
• Brown Leaves
• Yellow Leaves

Monstera Obliqua Treatments and Maintenance

The best way to care for these plants is to prevent a pest infestation or a common problem from setting in. Use neem oil to regularly clean the leaves of the plant and to prevent insects from attaching themselves to it. Learn how to water the plant correctly and keep a close eye on the moisture levels of the plant to prevent overwatering and underwatering which will cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow.

Here are the steps for dealing directly with the most common types of infestations and problems this plant faces:

Mealybugs

This type of infestation looks like cotton that has attached itself to a plant’s stems and leaves.  To deal with this infestation, follow these steps:

1. Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
2. Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
3. Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every 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:

1. Spray them off with a hose
2. Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
3. 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:

1. Spray the plant with a mixture of 1 quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsps. Of neem oil
2. Wipe off the leaves and stems
3. Repeat as necessary

Whitefly

This type of infestation looks like tiny white bugs on the plant’s leaves and stems. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:

1. Spray them off with a hose
2. Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
3. Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly

Brown or Yellow Leaves

This may mean that the plant is drying out and needs more moisture and less direct sunlight. Move the plant to a warm but humid area and carefully monitor its water regimen.

Where to Buy Monstera Obliqua Seeds Online

It is very unlikely to find seeds for this plant. Anyone selling them online should be checked thoroughly since there is a high rate of fraud surrounding this plant. Because of this, it is best to avoid purchasing Monstera Obliqua seeds and opt for purchasing a mature plant instead.

Where to Buy Mature Monstera Obliqua Online

There is also a lot of fraud surrounding the selling of mature Monstera Obliqua plants. Many online shops advertise Monstera Obliqua for sale, but 99% of the time, the plant they are selling is just a Monstera Adansonii. When purchasing one of these plants, look for these factors:

• It is being sold by a private collector
• It is priced extremely high (3 to 4 figures)

Please note that even if the plant being sold has the two factors going for it, it does not mean that it is a genuine Monstera Obliqua. It is just that the chances of it being real are raised quite a bit when these two factors are brought into the conversation. The lesson here is to be very cautious and careful before purchasing one of these plants.

With this in mind, here is one online shop that advertises Monstera Obliqua with a high price tag. Check them out thoroughly and consider the cost before purchasing.

• NSE Tropicals

Concluding Thoughts

Monstera Obliqua is a unique and rare plant, which is why it is oftentimes referred to as a unicorn plant.  Its rarity is cause for its luxurious price tag and its uniqueness is cause for its market demand.  While this plant does make a great focal point in a garden setting or for those who love posting Instagram photos, it is certainly not the plant for everyone.  It is expensive and difficult to care for, but for those who love a challenge and an anomalous garden feature, look no further.

FAQs

Research Citations

Monstera Plant Resource

Bloom Box Club

Plantophiles

The Yard and Garden