Monstera 'Esqueleto'

A cultivated Monstera once confused with another species

For many years, Monstera ‘Esqueleto’ was mistaken for Monstera epipremnoides. The true M. epipremnoides in Costa Rica has a different growth habit and leaf form.

Care for fenestrated aroid roots and climbing growth

Growth and support: Give the vine a broad, stable support that can carry increasingly large leaves. Hold the stem close to the surface and leave every leaf stalk free to turn towards the light.

Ongoing care: Handle expanding leaves carefully and allow them to open in their own time. Pulling at a rolled leaf can tear the narrow bands of tissue around the openings.

Light: Place it in bright, diffuse light. The broad, perforated blades need enough light for steady growth, while their thin remaining tissue can mark or scorch in intense direct sun.

Roots and substrate: Keep the potting mix lightly and evenly moist, allowing the surface to dry a little before watering again. Rewet the whole rootball and let it drain completely.

Troubleshooting Monstera 'Esqueleto': natural openings and leaf damage

Yellowing, wilt or brown edges

One simpler leaf can follow a change in growing conditions. A continuing decline across several leaves needs attention to attachment, light and roots. Thin margins become crisp after a dry rootball. Damaged roots, concentrated fertiliser or hot exposure. Check the moisture throughout the pot to help identify the cause. Wilt while the substrate is wet means damaged roots may no longer supply the broad leaf. Drain the pot and inspect them before watering again.

Spots, scorch or physical damage

The thin green bridges between holes tear easily when an emerging leaf catches. Do not pull the roll apart or force it around a pole. An old tear remains visible. Repeated damage on fresh leaves points to continued rubbing, a leaf opening while the plant is too dry, or feeding inside the roll. A stable dry scar beside the support is physical damage. Separate it from the rest of the collection if wet or soft marks continue to grow, and keep the leaves dry.

Pest signs on leaves and nodes

Silver lines with black dots suggest thrips when insects are present inside the folded growth. Fine pale speckling needs a close search for mites and eggs. Confirm the pest, isolate the plant and use a product labelled for it.

Smaller leaves or lost climbing contact

Secure the vine to a broad climbing surface and correct root stress. Removing healthy leaves will not make the replacements larger.

Changes to check

Esqueleto’s broad blades naturally contain many enclosed openings with clean, healed edges. Recent feeding looks raw or ragged and may be accompanied by droppings or insects. Compare the change with root firmness, exposure and new growth before taking action.

Monstera ‘Esqueleto’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Monstera: where the name comes from

Monstera comes from Latin monstrum or monstrosus, words for something unusual or abnormally formed, referring to the striking holes and divisions in the leaves.

Michel Adanson established the genus Monstera in 1763 in Familles des plantes, volume 2, page 470.