If you’re a plant enthusiast, you might have heard about Monstera Obliqua, also known as the Monkey Mask plant. This tropical plant is native to South America and is popular for its unique foliage. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask, including its taxonomy, appearance, care guide, common pests and diseases, habitat, related plants, and references.
Contents
Taxonomy
Here’s the taxonomic information of Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask:
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Monstera |
Appearance
Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask has unique foliage that sets it apart from other plants. Its leaves are thin, delicate, and perforated with small holes, giving it a “Swiss Cheese” appearance. The leaves are also smaller in size compared to other Monstera plants, making it a perfect addition to your indoor plant collection.
Care Guide
To help your Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask thrive, here’s a detailed care guide:
Water
Like most tropical plants, Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask requires consistent moisture. Water your plant once a week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The soil should never dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce the frequency during the dormant season (fall and winter) to once a month.
Soil
Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for this plant.
Sunlight
Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it can burn the delicate leaves.
Hardiness Zones
Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask thrives in warm, humid environments. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and can be grown indoors in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask is susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, regularly inspect your plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat any infestations.
Leaf yellowing and brown spots can occur due to overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight. Adjust your watering and lighting accordingly to prevent these issues.
Habitat
Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask is native to rainforests in South America, where it grows as an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants instead of in soil. It thrives in warm, humid environments and requires consistent moisture to grow.
Question and Answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask:
Q: Is Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask a rare plant?
A: Yes, Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask is a rare plant that is difficult to find in the market. It is also more delicate than other Monstera plants, making it a challenging plant to grow.
Q: Can Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask grow in low light?
A: While Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask prefers bright, indirect sunlight, it can also grow in low light conditions. However, it may not produce as much foliage as it would in bright light.
Q: Does Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask require high humidity?
A: Yes, Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask requires high humidity to thrive. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly, placing a humidifier near it, or grouping it with other plants.
Q: Can Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask be propagated?
A: Yes, Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask can be propagated through stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem with a few leaves and nodes, let it dry for a few hours, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in bright, indirect light until the cutting roots and starts to grow new leaves.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Monstera Obliqua Monkey Mask:
- Monstera Adansonii
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Philodendron Birkin
- Philodendron Brasil
References
Here are some references we used to create this article:
- “Monstera Obliqua: The Unicorn of the Plant World.” Gabriella Plants. Accessed 3 May 2021. https://www.gabriellaplants.com/blogs/news/monstera-obliqua-the-unicorn-of-the-plant-world.
- “Monstera obliqua.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 3 May 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287905.
- “How to Care for Monstera Obliqua.” Houseplant Central. Accessed 3 May 2021. https://houseplantcentral.com/monstera-obliqua-care/.
