Is Monstera Obliqua Toxic To Cats?

Is Monstera Obliqua Toxic To Cats?

Yes, all Monstera plants are hazardous to humans and pets due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that, when consumed, can cause immediate mouth discomfort, swelling, and vomiting.

This plant genus is slightly hazardous to humans and toxic to both dogs and cats. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing are all symptoms of exposure.

Why Is Monstera Obliqua So Rare?

The Monstera obliqua is one of the rarest species in its genus, owing to its slow growth. For breeders and purchasers, the obliqua takes several years to mature into its trademark fenestration, initially resembling an adansonii. These plants, too, demand specific attention.

Another reason is that they are extremely difficult to care for. These stunning plants require precise conditions to grow and thrive, and they are prone to wilting at the slightest hint of stress. That said, once you’re up and running, you should have no issue keeping your obliqua alive.

What Is The Difference Between Monstera Obliqua And Monstera Adansonii?

The texture of their leaves distinguishes Monstera obliqua from Monstera adansonii. The adansonii has a strong, almost leathery texture and huge, roundish holes, but the obliqua is incredibly fragile, with holes covering the majority of the surface area of its leaves.

Other distinctions between the adansonii and the obliqua include growth pace (the obliqua produces new leaves slowly for a Monstera) and wild prevalence. Although this cannot be proved, it is claimed that there have only been a few hundred sightings of the obliqua in the wild.

Are There Types Of Monstera Obliqua?

The majority of obliqua have no fenestrations at all. The most common kind is the ‘Peru,’ which has considerable fenestration and is the only one that is popular in cultivation because to its holes. Peru, Panama, Suriname, and Bolivia are the four types.

So, we now have a little more accurate information on M. obliqua; it is an interesting plant. With their growing popularity, you can almost certainly expect to see more of them in the coming years. But don’t be fooled: these guys aren’t going to be in your neighborhood big box anytime soon, if ever.

What Is Monstera Obliqua Growth Rate?

The Obliqua grows exceedingly slowly.

Individual plant collectors who only see Monstera obliqua as a houseplant have mostly contributed to this finding.

Furthermore, the slow growth, especially when contrasted to its counterpart, Monstera Adansonii, which appears to send out new leaves at a consistent rate and grows quickly overall.

In its natural habitat, the plant produces between 30-70 new leaves every 12 to 18 months. On the low end, that is 2.5 leaves.

Is Monstera Obliqua Rare?

Monstera obliqua is one of the rarest—and most demanding—monstera types available, and it’s an expensive endeavor that only the most dedicated plant enthusiasts undertake.

Monstera obliqua lives in an ephemeral, or rapidly changing, habitat, frequently near sea level, and nestles amid the roots of larger trees.

It matures even on tiny trees because it is not a strong climber. Its small stature gives it the advantage of being able to use substrate that other plants cannot.

It is also epiphytic, which means it can grow on top of other plants and absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air, trash, rain, and water.

How Do You Care Monstera Obliqua?

Due to its high humidity requirements, Monstera obliqua is one of the more challenging houseplants to care for. Before investing in this more expensive houseplant, it makes sense to experiment with a Monstera adansonii plant first.

Also, keep in mind that immature plants’ leaves may not grow the enormous fenestrations found on older plants.

Water: When the top inch of soil begins to dry out, water your plant. During the spring, summer, and fall, when the plant is actively growing, you only need to water it once or twice a week. During the winter, water less frequently, perhaps once every one to two weeks

Light: Monstera Obliqua grows best in indirect light. Too much shade, on the other hand, causes the plant to wilt, while intense sunshine causes the foliage to burn. As a result, it is critical to check the sunshine levels in your home to ensure that your plant receives appropriate light without burning.

Fertilizer: During the growing season, Monstera Obliqua plants should be fed on a regular basis (spring-fall). Reduce the amount of fertilizer used in the winter to half the usual amount.

An organic slow-release fertilizer is the finest fertilizer for this plant. Dry granular fertilizers and liquid concentrates are both available.

Soil: This plant grows best in a well-draining mix with plenty of organic fibers to help it retain moisture without compacting the soil.

The pH of the soil should ideally be between 5 and 7. With a plant as unusual as this one, you don’t want to risk guessing the pH level.

Temperature and Humidity: If you thought typical Monstera Plants need a lot of humidity, you’d be surprised at how much more this plant requires. Monstera Obliqua demands near-constant humidity because it is so fragile and soft.

So, if you live in a tropical climate and don’t use air conditioning or heating, this plant is ideal for you! Otherwise, for this specialist plant, plan on getting a humidifier that maintains constant humidity levels of at least 60%. (Or keep it in a glass case at 80 percent humidity).

Can Monstera Obliqua Grow In Water?

Monstera Obliqua plant care necessitates propagation, and stem cuttings can do just that. Soil or water can be used as a propagation medium. Always take cuttings during the growing season, which runs from spring until the beginning of summer.

Make sure the plant has a leaf and nods when you cut it. Fill a pot with peat and loam compost and generously water the top layer.

The roots will develop properly after a few weeks, and the plant will begin to expand gradually. The goal of all of these propagation strategies is to induce more roots to grow before potting this Monstera into fresh compost.

How Much Is Monstera Obliqua?

A genuine Monstera obliqua is not inexpensive. You should expect to pay up to $200 for a stem with nodes, with no certainty that it will take. A juvenile Monstera obliqua will cost you around $7,000 to buy.

A big Monstera obliqua previously went for a jaw-dropping and record-breaking $23,000 in an online bid for those with a little extra to spend.

When buying for a cutting or plant, if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is, so be cautious.

What Is Monstera Obliqua?

Monstera obliqua is a species of Monstera found in Central and South America. It, like most Monstera species, is hemi epiphytic. The plant is well-known for its extremely perforated foliage, which is sometimes described as having more empty space than leaf.

Monstera obliqua has an extremely varied appearance. It is a little plant that grows only a few meters high and is classified as a green climbing plant.

The Obliqua has the thinnest stem in the family, measuring only about 2mm thick.

In its natural habitat, the Monstera obliqua stem grows 2-5m every year. These figures appear impossible to believe when kept as a houseplant.

Monstera obliqua also develops stolons, which are leafless runners that fall to the forest floor and spread horizontally until they locate a new tree to grow on. Stolons can grow to be up to 20 meters long.

Obliqua leaves are smaller, but the holes are more visible. According to certain gardeners and plant aficionados, obliques have more holes than leaf space! Monstera obliqua leaves are also paper-thin in comparison to Monstera adansonii’s slightly thicker leaves.

Where Can I Buy Monstera Obliqua?

Etsy, E-bay, and some specialized plant bidding sites are the best locations to look. Read the seller reviews, request images of the actual plant or cutting being sold, and question about insurance and guarantee.

If you have your heart set on a monstera obliqua, you may spend a long time looking and networking to discover a genuine obliqua. (This is part of the enjoyment for many plant collectors!)

Why Does My Monstera Obliqua Have Holes?

To adapt to their natural environment, Monstera plants typically have holes in their leaves. The primary goal is to gather more sunlight by growing taller overall, absorb more water, and survive strong winds.

Because it grows in shady regions, the holes allow the plant to collect enough sunlight that filters through. Furthermore, the huge gaps between the leaves allow rain to seep to the soil and be absorbed by the roots.

The slits help protect the plant against strong gusts, which could harm the leaves or uproot the entire plant.

Does Monstera Obliqua like humidity?

The most important aspect of caring for a Monstera obliqua is keeping it moist. Without it, your Monstera’s leaves will curl, dry out, or wilt, and your plant may even die. In other words, keeping the small leaf surface of this skeleton-like plant moist is critical.

Ideally, you should be able to give it with an environment that is 60% to 80% humidity. If this is not possible, regular misting, a plug-in humidifier, and the presence of several other plants may be able to supplement the moisture in the air.

Keep it away from artificial heating, air conditioners, and drafty doors and windows. As an extra precaution, place a moist pebble tray beneath your Monstera for derivative moisture.