How to Grow and Care for Monstera Esqueleto

The Monstera Esqueleto is a striking tropical plant whose name, Spanish for “skeleton,” describes its dramatic leaves. As the plant matures, it develops large leaves with extensive perforations, known as fenestrations, creating a delicate, lace-like structure. This aroid is prized for the unique architectural quality its foliage brings to an indoor space.

Monstera Esqueleto vs Monstera Adansonii

Distinguishing between the Monstera Esqueleto and the more common Monstera Adansonii can be challenging, especially with young plants. The most significant difference appears as the plants mature. Esqueleto is capable of producing much larger leaves, sometimes reaching up to two feet in length indoors, whereas Adansonii leaves remain considerably smaller. The fenestrations on an Esqueleto are also far more extensive, with larger and more open holes that often extend to the edge of the leaf.

The leaves of Monstera Adansonii are a darker shade of green and have a thicker, more robust texture. In contrast, Esqueleto leaves are often a lighter green and can feel thinner and more delicate to the touch. The holes on an Adansonii tend to be more rounded and contained within the leaf blade, while the Esqueleto’s fenestrations are more pronounced and define the leaf’s appearance.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Provide plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window is a good location as it provides softer morning light. Direct afternoon sun can be too intense and may scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to slow, leggy growth with fewer fenestrations.

The right soil composition is important for preventing root rot. A chunky, well-draining aroid mix is recommended, usually containing orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. This mix creates air pockets and allows excess water to drain, which is beneficial for the plant’s epiphytic roots that are adapted to clinging to trees, not sitting in dense soil.

Base watering on the soil’s moisture level rather than a rigid schedule. Water thoroughly only when the top two to three inches of the soil have dried out. These plants are more tolerant of being slightly underwatered than overwatered, as constantly saturated soil can lead to root rot. During fall and winter, the plant will require less frequent watering.

The Monstera Esqueleto appreciates warm, humid conditions. Ideal temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–29°C). The plant will perform best with humidity levels above 60%, so placing it near a humidifier or grouping it with other plants can help. Avoid placing it near drafts from windows or air vents.

During the active growing season of spring and summer, regular feeding supports new foliage. A balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants can be applied about once a month, diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots. Fertilizing should be paused during the fall and winter.

As a natural climber, the Monstera Esqueleto develops its largest and most fenestrated leaves when given a support structure. Providing a moss pole or a sturdy trellis encourages this upward growth. As the plant attaches its aerial roots to the support, it signals the plant to produce more mature foliage.

Propagation Methods

Propagating a Monstera Esqueleto is most successful with stem cuttings during the spring or summer growing season. Select a healthy section of the stem that includes at least one node, which is the small bump where a leaf and aerial root emerge. Using clean, sharp shears, make a cut just below the chosen node and remove the lowest leaf to expose the node more clearly.

You can root the cutting in water or a soil-less medium. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is fully submerged while the leaves stay above the surface. Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Roots should begin to appear from the node within a few weeks.

Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted in a moist medium like sphagnum moss or perlite. Keep the medium consistently damp but not waterlogged to prevent rot. Placing the cutting in a sealed container with sphagnum moss creates a humid environment that encourages root development. Once the new roots are at least an inch long, the cutting is ready to be transferred into a pot with a well-draining soil mix.

Common Issues and Solutions

Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can affect Monstera Esqueleto. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so increasing humidity can be a deterrent. If an infestation is present, treat the leaves with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to manage the problem.

Yellowing leaves are a frequent problem and often a sign of overwatering. If you notice leaves turning yellow, check the soil moisture and allow the top few inches to dry out completely before watering again. If the problem persists, you may need to inspect the roots for signs of rot, which appear brown and mushy, and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.

Brown, crispy leaf tips or edges are linked to a lack of humidity or inconsistent watering. Using a humidifier, misting the leaves, or placing the plant on a pebble tray can help increase ambient moisture. Brown tips can also be caused by mineral buildup from tap water, so using filtered or distilled water may be beneficial.