Monstera epipremnoides 'Variegated'
Variegated Esqueleto
UK price
£25 to £80
Price by size
- Sold, 90 days
- 0
- Middle half
- -
- Last sold
- -
- On record
- 0
- Sale
- Typical
- Middle half
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About Monstera epipremnoides 'Variegated'
Monstera epipremnoides, nicknamed 'Esqueleto' for the narrow ribs of leaf tissue left between its long, slender fenestrations, carries an additional layer of pattern in this variegated form. Crisp white and cream sectoring breaks across the thin, skeletal blade, sometimes bisecting entire leaf halves and sometimes appearing as fine marbling along the ribs. The overall silhouette is more delicate and lace-like than the bolder deliciosa-type Monsteras, and the variegation adds to the airy, intricate look the species is collected for.
Native range
Cultivated variegated sport of the species native to Costa Rica and Panama.
Classification
- Genus
- Monstera
- Family
- Araceae
- Type
- Variegated
- Growth habit
- Climbing vine
- Form of
- Monstera epipremnoides
Morphology
- Leaf shape
- Narrow, deeply fenestrated pinnateVeins or lobes arranged like a feather, branching out symmetrically on both sides of a single main central vein.
- Leaf length
- 35-65 cm
- Leaf width
- 20-35 cm
- Petiole colour
- Green, ribbed
- Venation
- PinnateVeins or lobes arranged like a feather, branching out symmetrically on both sides of a single main central vein., skeletal ribs between fenestrations
- Texture
- Thin, semi-glossy
- Variegation
- Crisp white and cream sectoring
- Growth habit
- Climbing vine
Recent UK sales
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For sale in the UK
Before you buy
- Examine the stem and nodes closely; avoid plants with dark, soft spots that could indicate stem rot.
- Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices near the petiole attachments for signs of thrips or mealybugs.
- Ensure the plant is firmly established in its pot by gently checking the stability of the main stem, as recently rooted cuttings are more prone to failing in transit.
- Verify that the leaf shape and elongated fenestrations match the specific morphology of Monstera epipremnoides, as other climbing Monstera species are sometimes mislabelled.
Monstera epipremnoides 'Variegated' care
- Substrate
- A chunky, well-aerated aroid mix containing orchid bark, perlite and coco coir supports the vigorous growth of this hemiepiphyte. A loose medium replicates the forest floor and prevents roots from sitting in water.
- Watering
- Allow the top few centimetres of the potting mix to dry out completely before watering again. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the roots are adequately flushed.
- Humidity
- Maintain medium to high humidity, ideally between 60% and 80%, to encourage large leaves and robust aerial roots. Lower household humidity can lead to crisp, brown edges on new growth.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every two to four weeks during the warmer growing months. Reduce feeding significantly over winter when the plant's growth naturally slows.
- Repotting
- Repot every 12 to 18 months or when the robust root system begins to circle the bottom of the current container. Provide a sturdy moss pole or wooden plank at the time of repotting to support its natural climbing habit.
Common problems
Root rot
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to waterlogged soil
Fix: Unpot the plant to inspect the roots, remove any decaying tissue, and repot into a fresh, freely draining aroid mix.
Lack of fenestrations on new leaves
Cause: Insufficient light or a lack of structural support for the climbing stem
Fix: Move the plant to a brighter spot with filtered light and ensure the aerial roots can attach to a pole.
Thrips or mealybug infestations
Cause: Warm indoor environments combined with poor airflow
Fix: Isolate the plant, wipe down the foliage regularly, and apply a suitable systemic or contact pesticide.
Gear for this plant
- Coir Moss Pole, 120cm (4-Pack)Coco coir totem for climbing aroids to root into as they grow upward.
- Natural Rooting Powder, 3 x 75gRooting hormone powder for stem and leaf cuttings.
- Precision Bonsai Pruning Scissors, 200mmFine-bladed snips for clean node cuts when taking a cutting.
- Digital Hygrometer & ThermometerLCD humidity and temperature gauge for checking a grow spot against a plant's target range.
How to propagate Monstera epipremnoides 'Variegated'
- Methods
- Stem cutting, Air layering. Step-by-step guide
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Rewards a consistent watering and light routine, but tolerates the occasional lapse. Suited to growers with some houseplant experience.
- Time to establish
- 4–8 months
- True from cuttings
- Yes. Cuttings keep the cultivar's character.
- Notes
- Stem cuttings root reliably when taken with at least one node and a healthy aerial root. Place cuttings in damp sphagnum moss or perlite until a secondary root system develops before moving to a standard mix. Air layering directly on the climbing pole is also highly effective.