Silver Monstera

Silver Monstera (Monstera siltepecana) is a trailing and climbing foliage plant with small, heart-shaped green leaves brushed with a silvery sheen. Stems reach 1.8m to 3m, and 10m or more if the plant climbs a tree, on a plant only 45cm to 90cm wide. Like other monsteras it is toxic if chewed, so keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

Why you'll love it

• Silvery, tapered leaves. Each heart shape draws out to a long point, and the silvery overlay makes the dark green veins stand out.
• Trails or climbs. Let it hang from a high basket or drape along a wall, or give it a mossy pole or tree trunk and the aerial roots will grip and climb.
• Quick growth. It is a fast grower, so a young plant soon begins to fill its space.
• Slim footprint. At 45cm to 90cm wide it suits balconies, shelves and narrow garden beds.
• Outdoors or in. Grow it outside in a tropical garden or on a sheltered balcony, or indoors in a pot.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and shelves. Trailing stems of 1.8m to 3m look best from a high basket or a shelf where they can trail freely.

Poles and tree trunks. Plant at the base of a rough-barked tree or beside a mossy pole, and the aerial roots will attach and climb. Given the support, it can reach 10m or more, so allow room.

Balconies and courtyards. A covered balcony in the tropics or subtropics gives it the bright, indirect light it wants. In cooler areas, keep it indoors.

Growing Silver Monstera in Australia

Position and climate. Give it bright light but not direct sun. It likes warmth, ideally over 15C, and needs protection from frost. Outdoors, it suits tropical and subtropical gardens under cover. Elsewhere, grow it as an indoor plant.

Soil. Use free draining soil rich in organic matter. In a pot, a quality potting mix with some added bark keeps the roots airy.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly during the first 12 weeks, until established. In a pot, avoid overwatering. Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertiliser. In dry climates or air-conditioned rooms, a spray of water on the leaves improves humidity.

Pruning. Trim stems to shape in the warmer months. Tip pruning makes the plant bushier, and a support or room to trail keeps it tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Monstera as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives with small leaves and short trailing stems, and it soon puts on growth in warm, bright conditions. Pot it into free draining mix and add a support if you want it to climb.

Our grower does not always have tube stock available. When there is none, this page shows the tube as sold out, and the notify button will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor plants
• The Monstera care guide
• More climbers
• Plants for balconies

Common questions

Is Silver Monstera safe for cats and dogs?

No. Like other monsteras, its sap contains crystals that irritate the mouth and throat if chewed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

How much light does it need?

Bright light without direct sun. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, and deep shade slows the growth.

Can I grow it outside?

Yes in tropical and subtropical gardens, in a sheltered, shaded spot. It needs protection from frost and does best above 15C.