Monstera acacoyaguensis is a striking tropical plant that can add a touch of the exotic to any home or garden. With its large, heart-shaped leaves, this plant is sure to turn heads.
This plant is native to tropical Central American regions such as Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It belongs to the Araceae family which is a highly-coveted group of plants that are common in many households.
If you’re lucky enough to have this plant in your home or plan on getting one soon, you’ll want to brush up on your knowledge about this member of the Monstera family so you’re ready to give it the best care. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Monstera Arcacoyaguensis.
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How to care for Monstera acacoyaguensis
With such a special and rare plant, it’s important to give it the care it needs to thrive. Luckily, this plant is pretty easy to keep alive with a consistent sunlight and watering routine.
Here is everything you need to know about how to care for your Monstera acacoyaguensis.
1. Bright, indirect light
There aren’t that many tropical plants you can easily grow indoors like Monstera acacoyaguensis. Direct sunlight isn’t needed, but bright light from an east or west window will do. You’ll need a grow lamp for your Monstera if you don’t have natural light for your Monstera acacoyaguensis plant and the bulb should simulate outdoor sunlight.
Light is important for Monstera acacoyaguensis’s health and growth because it enables the plant to photosynthesize, which makes sugars. Make sure your plant doesn’t get too much direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves.
Your plants might be getting too much or too little light if they’re turning yellow or scorched. Plants that are young need 14 hours of light per day, while mature plants need only 10 hours.
If you notice that your Monstera is getting sunburnt, you can either move it to another room, pull it further away from the window, or install translucent curtains that can help to diffuse the natural light.
2. Watering when needed
Monstera acacoyaguensis is a water-loving plant from the tropics. However, it doesn’t like to be sitting in soggy water. This could lead to all sorts of pest and fungal issues if the water can’t escape over a period of time.
When the soil in the top inch of your Monstera becomes dry, water it. By gently putting a finger inside the soil, you can determine whether the top inch of soil is dry. The top inch of the soil needs to be watered if it feels dry to the touch.
Make sure that you water this Monstera until the water starts to drain from the pot’s bottom. Let the pot drain for at least five minutes before placing it back on the saucer.
While the “finger test” mentioned above should be your primary guide, you’ll probably find that you end up watering your Monstera acacoyaguensis plant around once a week or so.
3. Well-draining soil
A well-drained, aerated, and organic-rich soil or potting mix is best for growing Monstera acacoyaguensis. In addition, the potting mix should have a pH between 5 and 7.5.
Aroids are not fussy about soil conditions. The epiphytes, after all, obtain their nutrients from decaying matter. Because of this, they will take nearly anything you offer them.
Potting mixes based on sphagnum moss and loamy soil are ideal. You can add pumice, bark chips, or perlite.
A heavy or poor-draining soil that becomes soggy should be avoided. This can lead to root rot in your Monstera, which can be highly dangerous for the plant.
4. Occasional repotting
Monstera acacoyaguensis has a medium growth rate. Because of this, you’ll only need to repot your plant every 2 or 3 years at the soonest. When you’re repotting your Monstera, make sure to find a pot that is 2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot.
Try to transplant your Monstera acacoyaguensis in spring when it’s at its healthiest and most productive growing point.
If you wait too long to repot your Monstera acacoyaguensis, you may find that it is root bound. This is when the roots have filled up all the space in the pot. The plant will stop growing, and your Monstera’s leaves may start to yellow.
You’ll know your plant is root bound when its roots can be seen coming out of the watering holes in the pot. The dangers of a root bound Monstera are that it will be less able to absorb water and nutrients and its more susceptible to stress.
It’s definitely time to change pots when you see that the roots have started to circle the inside of the pot (here are our picks for the best pot for your Monstera). If you wait too long, the plant may start to die.
5. Sufficient levels of humidity
It is critical that Monstera acacoyaguensis plants are kept in a humid environment, usually between 50% and 80% humidity. As tropical plants, they love to be kept in humid conditions.
It is possible for leaves to turn yellow, have brown edges or crisp up if the air is dry or low in humidity. Additionally, your Monstera may start to droop.
Therefore, if you live in an environment that has low temperatures and low humidity, it is advisable that you buy a humidifier. You should also mist your plants a few times a week, or you can have a pebble tray for your plants.
The plants can be placed with other plants, kept in a bathroom, greenhouse cabinets, or terrarium, or kept in a terrarium with other plants. This will help to concentrate the humidity as well.
6. Control pest infestations
You shouldn’t have many problems with pests when growing your Monstera acacoyaguensis indoors. This is because, in general, the plant is very resilient.
However, there are a few common Monstera pests that could potentially cause problems:
- Mealybugs: These pests are small, white, and fuzzy. They tend to congregate on the stems and leaves of the plant and suck out the sap. This can cause the plant to become weak and stunted.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that congregate on the new growth of the plant. They suck out the sap, which can cause the plant to become stunted.
- Spider mites: These are tiny spider-like creatures that live on the undersides of leaves. There are many types, such as the Spruce mite, Southern red mire, and two-spotted spider mite. Signs of an infestation start with small pale dots and can lead to webbing that slowly kills the leaf.
- Thrips: Thrips on your Monstera can be a real problem, but these tiny rice-sized bugs can be hard for the naked eye to see. They feed on the plant and create deformities as well as small discolored dots.
How to eliminate pests on Monstera acacoyaguensis plants
To control these pests, you can either use an insecticide or try some home remedies. Neem oil is a popular home remedy for pests. You can also try using a mixture of water and dish soap or, as another home remedy, mix one part water with three parts rubbing alcohol.
You can then put this mixture in a spray bottle and use it on your plant.
If you have a serious infestation, you may need to consult a professional. The most important thing to do is remove the plant from any other ones nearby to try to prevent the spread of the pests.
7. Manage any diseases
In addition to pest control, you should also be aware of diseases that can affect your plant. The most common ones are:
- Powdery mildew: This is a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves of the plant. It’s caused by too much moisture and not enough air circulation.
- Leaf spot: Bacterial leaf spot on your Monstera involves brown or black spots appearing on your Monstera’s leaves. It’s caused by a fungus or bacteria and is often due to too much moisture.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial infection that can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and fall off.
How to control diseases on Monstera acacoyaguensis plants
The best way to control diseases is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This can be done by ensuring that the plant has enough air circulation and isn’t being overwatered. If you do notice a disease, you should isolate the affected plant from any healthy ones.
You can then treat it with a fungicide or bactericide. You can find a commercial product at your local nursery or garden center.
You can also try using a home remedy such as a mixture of water and baking soda. This can be effective in preventing powdery mildew from developing.
8. Occasional pruning of your Monstera acacoyaguensis
Pruning is an important part of plant care, and Monstera acacoyaguensis is an easy plant in this area. They don’t need much pruning and will grow at a consistent rate without this procedure.
However, over the years you will need to regularly maintain your plant by pruning leaves off your Monstera that are damaged, dead, or diseased.
In order to clip off these less healthy Monstera leaves, you should sterilize your scissors with bleach or alcohol. At the very least, wash them with soap and water. This will help prevent the spread of disease.
After you have pruned your plant, you should give it a good watering. This will help the plant to recover and encourage new growth on your Monstera.
9. Propagating your Monstera acacoyaguensis plant
Stem cuttings are the best way to propagate Monstera acacoyaguensis. This cutting will grow in water or potting mix.
You can also layer and split it. It’s only possible to split if you have suckers.
The spring is the best time to propagate Monsteras and other houseplants. In summer, however, your plant may not have enough time to root before it goes into dormancy. If you must propagate outside of spring, try to supplement the cutting with a plant light and make sure your Monstera’s temperature and humidity are at the correct level.
How to propagate Monstera acacoyaguensis
You can propagate Monstera acacoyaguensis by taking clean, sterile pruning shears and cutting the stem just below a node, which is the point where new growth will form. From there, you can grow the cutting in either soil or water, with roots usually forming in several weeks.
It’s pretty easy to propagate this plant when you have the proper supplies and instructions. Here’s everything you need to know to get started, including the process to follow:
- You’ll need to saturate your pot with water until excess runs out of the drainage holes. Discard any debris that collects on the saucer.
- Choose a mature, healthy stem that’s about four to six inches long. Make sure it has at least two nodes. Cut off the bottom leaves, leaving one or two.
- Use rooting hormone to get it rooted faster.
- Put your stem cutting in the hole you made in your potting mix or you can grow your Monstera cutting in water. Cover at least two lower nodes. When growing it in soil and if you need to keep the cutting upright, lightly tamp the soil.
- Keep the potting mix moist with high humidity by misting your plant and covering it with your plastic bag. Make sure the leaves don’t touch the bag. You should also leave a small opening so the plant can breathe.
- Keep your potted plant somewhere warm with indirect, bright light.
- Make sure the soil is moist on a regular basis. Also, let the plant breathe for a few hours without the plastic bag.
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand when propagating your Monstera acacoyaguensis:
- Pruning knives, shears, and scissors that have been sterilized
- Soil or potting mix. Peat moss alone or a 50% perlite 50% peat moss mix.
- A plastic bag that can be sealed.
- A hormone for rooting.
- A planter or pot.
10. Add support to help your Monstera acacoyaguensis climb
Monstera acacoyaguensis is a climbing plant in its natural environment and make great vines in indoor environments as well. In order to train your Monstera acacoyaguensis to climb, you should provide it with a support.
You can use a trellis, bamboo pole or a moss pole to help your Monstera grow upright. The important thing is that the support is sturdy and won’t fall over.
You should also regularly check your plant for any damaged or dead leaves. These should be removed so that the plant can continue to grow healthy vines.
11. Regularly fertilize
The Monstera acacoyaguensis likes to be fertilized once a month when it’s in a growing season. This includes spring, summer, and potentially early fall depending on what zone you live in.
You can use a balanced fertilizer that is meant for houseplants. You can find these at your local nursery or garden center. A slow-release fertilizer is also a good option.
When applying the fertilizer to your Monstera, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t continue to fertilize your plant in the fall or winter months. At this time of the year, your plant won’t take the nutrients in, which could lead to an unhealthy buildup of fertilizer in the soil.
12. Keep Monstera acacoyaguensis out of reach of kids and pets
An often overlooked part of Monstera acacoyaguensis care is making sure that it is a safe addition to your home. The Monstera is toxic to cats, dogs, other pets and humans, so keep it out of reach by putting it higher up on your decor or hanging your Monstera acacoyaguensis.
The sap of the plant can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to wash your hands after handling it. If you have any cuts or scrapes, you should avoid coming into contact with the sap as it can cause an infection.
If you suspect that your pet or child has eaten a part of this plant, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
How to identify Monstera acacoyaguensis
You can identify Monstera acacoyaguensis from its oval leaves. They are partially matte and partially glossy, with a muted green color. The leaves have large, round holes in them – known as fenestrations which help the plant to climb trees in its natural habitat.
Unlike Monstera deliciosa, the Monstera acacoyaguensis keeps its entire margin rather than splitting, becoming perforated as it matures. These Monstera in the wild can grow up to 20 feet and you can expect it to grow between 4 to 6 feet tall in your home.
Yellow flowers on a cylinder spadix adorn the inflorescence of this Monstera. Light yellow or green spathes cover the flowers. There is also a terete, smooth flower stalk that is longer than the spadix.
The flowers of this plant have both male and female reproductive organs. They also produce a sweet, sticky nectar that attracts flies and other insects for pollination.
Monstera lechleriana vs acacoyaguensis
The main difference between Monstera lechleriana and Monstera acacoyaguensis is the shape and fenestrations of their leaves. The acacoyaguensis has a thicker spadix and tightly rolled juvenile leaves, with very few fenestrations as the plant matures. The lechleriana also tends to grow taller.
That is, with the Monstera lechleriana, you will see fenestrations on both sides of the inner rib of each leaf. The Monstera acacoyaguensis, however, has fewer holes albeit bigger ones.
Monstera acacoyaguensis vs adansonii
The main difference between Monstera acacoyaguensis and Monstera adansonii is the size and fenestration of their leaves. The leaves on acacoyaguensis tend to be bigger and floppier and the fenestrations tend to be similarly bigger than on adansonii.
These two plants have a very similar appearance, so you wouldn’t be blamed for confusing the two. However, as they mature, the size difference becomes more evident, showing that the acacoyaguensis tends to need more support to grow over time compared to the Monstera adansonii.
The fenestrations on acacoyaguensis are also of less regular, more random shapes. You’ll also notice that the acacoyaguensis has a much longer spadix than the adansonii plant.
Monstera acacoyaguensis vs esqueleto
The main differences between Monstera esqueleto and Monstera acacoyaguensis are their size, color, texture, and fenestration patterns as well as the size, color, and texture of their leaves. The acacoyaguensis tends to have smaller, smoother leaves which are a darker green color compared to esqueleto.
Monstera esqueleto’s fenestrations are what make this type of Monstera stand out. Once you see one, you’ll start to understand where the esqueleto gets the “skeleton” part of its name, as that’s what the delicate leaves start to look like as it matures.
Can Monstera acacoyaguensis be variegated?
Yes, it is possible for Monstera acacoyaguensis to be variegated. However, it is quite rare and difficult to find a plant of this type that is already variegated. In addition, only approximately 1 in 100,000 Monstera plants will randomly develop this variation.
Variegation in Monstera is when there is more than one color showing on a plant’s leaves and stems. The most common type is when a plant has green and white leaves, but there can be other variations such as yellow and green or even pink and green.
In Monstera acacoyaguensis leaves, the variation is usually a light green or white series of dots or splotches. This is the primary sign that you’re lucky enough to have a variegated Monstera acacoyaguensis. These plants are quite striking and can add a touch of elegance to any home – if you can find one, of course.
Can I buy a variegated Monstera acacoyaguensis?
Yes, but if you’re interested in purchasing a variegated Monstera acacoyaguensis, be prepared to pay a premium. These plants can cost upwards of $1000, depending on the severity and pattern of the variegation. Getting a cutting is likely the most affordable way to acquire a variegated Monstera acacoyaguensis.
While you can also try propagation of an existing, non-variegated plant, given how exceedingly rare it is for variegation to form naturally, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this.
What causes variegation in Monstera acacoyaguensis?
Variegation can happen naturally, genetically or through a lab process. For genetic mutations, this creates defects in the structure of chloroplast which, in turn, leads to the leaves failing to create chlorophyll. The mosaic virus can also cause variegation in Monstera acacoyaguensis.
The mosaic virus on Monstera leads to the plant’s leaves being discolored and mottled. The exact cause of the virus is unknown, but it is thought to be transmitted by aphids.
As mentioned, one possible cause of variegation is tissue culture. This is a lab process that causes the Monstera plant to stop producing chlorophyll. It is a permanent and stable way of producing variegation in a controlled environment and is how, for example, the Monstera Thai Constellation was formed.
Is Monstera acacoyaguensis rare?
Yes, the Monstera acacoyaguensis is considered a rare plant, especially in comparison to its more common cousins. However, it isn’t nearly as rare as the Monstera adansonii, which is even harder to find and more expensive than this variety.
The primary reason for its rarity is that its natural environment has been drastically reduced. Deforestation has led to the loss of much of its habitat, and the plant is now considered endangered in its natural environment. However, it is still widely available in cultivation.
This makes genetic variations harder to find, especially for variegated plants.
The variations of the Monstera plant with holes, such as the Monstera acacoyaguensis, don’t take in as many nutrients or sunlight as other common varieties of Monstera. This leads to smaller yields in natural environments overall.
What is a standard Monstera acacoyaguensis price?
The Monstera acacoyaguensis plant tends to range from $100 to $500 dollars for un-variegated varieties. Variegated varieties can cost upwards of $1,000. The price is largely dependent on the size, color, and pattern of variegation. A cutting can, however, cost as little as $30 and go up to about $100.
Cuttings are often the most affordable way to acquire a plant and this one is no exception. Either way though, and as you can probably tell, if you’re interested in purchasing a Monstera acacoyaguensis, be prepared to pay a premium.
However, if you’re smart and propagate your own plants, you can use cuttings from the original to create new plants for a fraction of the price. Down the line, you can sell these and recuperate your costs.
Find out more about how much you’ll pay for this variety with our Monstera plant price guide.
Where can I find a Monstera acacoyaguensis for sale?
While you may be able to find Monstera acacoyaguensis in some plant nurseries, they will likely be quite expensive. The best bet is to look for a cutting from someone who already has the plant. There are also many online groups and forums dedicated to plant trading and sales.
Plant nurseries that specialize in variegated plants are more likely to have Monstera acacoyaguensis for sale. These can be found online or by visiting specialty nurseries in person.
Alternatively, talking to a private individual about acquiring one of their cuttings can be a great idea if you’re trying to collect multiple plants and can use barter as a way to get plenty of varieties.
Sellers on sites such as Etsy and eBay are also likely to have Monstera acacoyaguensis for sale, although the prices may be higher than average.