Caring for the rare Monstera Acacoyaguensis can be a bit tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. So we’ve put together the ultimate care guide for Monstera Acacoyaguensis–from identifying the plant to troubleshooting common problems. Whether you’re a seasoned indoor gardener or just starting out, this article will help ensure your Monstera Acacoyaguensis thrives in your home.
Table of Contents
Identifying Monstera Acacoyaguensis
Monstera Acacoyaguensis is native to Central and South America, and it can be identified by its large, fenestrated leaves that have distinct holes or splits in them. Unlike other monstera varieties, the Acacoyaguensis fenestrations do not cut through the whole leaf to the edge. The fenestrations go all the way to the edge of the leaf and then stop, leaving a sliver of leaf that keeps the shape of the whole leaf together.
When young, Monstera Acacoyaguensis has smaller leaves with less pronounced fenestration than its mature counterparts. It can take up to a year for this plant to begin fenestrating its leaves. As it grows, however, this plant becomes a true stunner with larger leaves and more intricate patterns of holes and splits. Mature Monstera Acacoyaguensis plants can reach up to 10 feet long if given adequate space to grow properly.
Monstera Acacoyaguensis Care Guide
To care for Monstera Acacoyaguensis, you need to pay attention to several factors, and although it may seem overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, they are fairly simple to care for.
Soil
The Acacoyaguensis prefers well-draining, loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite works great for this plant. A soil mix formulated for monstera plants would also work really well for this plant.
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing your plant near a window with filtered light or under a shade cloth outside can provide the perfect amount of light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and stunt growth, while too little light will slow down the growth rate and produce smaller leaves, so it’s important to find the right balance early on in your plant’s life. Aim to give your plant between 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight every day.
Water
Before watering your plant, check the soil’s moisture level by either using a moisture meter or inserting your finger into it. If it feels dry up to an inch deep, then water your plant thoroughly until the water drains out from the bottom of the pot. In hot weather, you may need to water your Monstera more frequently than in cooler months. However, be careful not to overwater since this can lead to root rot.
Remember that different environments will affect how often you need to water your plant. Monitor its condition regularly and adjust accordingly if needed.
Temperature
The Monstera Acacoyaguensis thrives best in warm temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures outside of these ranges, but not for too long, and it will not survive in freezing temperatures at all.
Keep your Monstera Acacoyaguensis away from cold drafts or window sills that might expose it to chilly air in the winter, and keep a close eye on the changes in sunlight during the summer, as it could become too much for your plant in its normal spot. Always make sure your plant has adequate ventilation, as this helps to prevent diseases and fungi from trying to take over your plant.
Humidity
Monstera Acacoyaguensis thrives in an environment with high humidity levels, which closely mimics its native rainforest environment. Ideally, this plant wants between 70-80% humidity. If you live in an area with lower humidity levels, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to increase it for your plant to thrive.
One way to increase the humidity for your Monstera Acacoyaguensis is by using a humidifier near the plant. This will help add moisture to the air, maintaining ideal humidity conditions for your plant’s growth. Another option is to place a humidity tray filled with water near your plant, allowing the evaporation of the water to increase the humidity levels, mist the plant regularly, or group multiple plants near each other.
Use a humidity meter to monitor the humidity levels around your plant. This makes it much easier to adjust the humidity levels around your plant to keep it happy.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your Monstera Acacoyaguensis will help it grow to its full potential, and will also help it to stay healthy. It’s important to know that not all fertilizers are going to be good for your monstera, and following the directions on the bottle or package is incredibly important to prevent fertilizer burn, which can quickly kill your plant.
For any monstera plant, it’s a good idea to switch from a regular fertilizer to a plant food that is designed to be given to your plant every time you water it. This type of fertilizer will give your plant a smaller amount of nutrients more frequently, ensuring your plant gets the nutrients it needs when they’re needed, not all at once.
Repotting
Repotting your Monstera Acacoyaguensis when it has outgrown its current pot is extremely important. When a plant’s roots don’t have enough room to grow in the pot, the plant could become pot bound. There are some plants that like being pot bound, but monsteras do not. They thrive when their roots have room to grow.
When repotting your monstera, you’ll need a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the plant’s root ball. It will also need good drainage, and allow for air flow either through the drainage holes or through the sides, like a terracotta pot.
Once you have removed your Monstera Acacoyaguensis from its old container, place it into its new home with fresh monstera-specific soil added around its root system. Make sure not to bury any leaves or stem nodes too deep under compost as this can cause rotting issues.
When your plant is in its new pot, water it well and allow any excess water to drain out before putting the plant back in its home.
Pruning
Regular pruning of your monstera will keep it healthy, promote growth and maintain the plant’s shape. Always use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid spreading any diseases to your plant.
To prune your monstera, start by removing any yellow or brown leaves as they may be a sign of disease or pest infestation. You can also trim off any dead stems or leaves that are not producing new growth.
If your Monstera Acacoyaguensis is getting too large for its current container, prune back some of the foliage to reduce stress on the roots when repotting. You can then use those cuttings to propagate a brand new Acacoyaguensis!
Propagation
Propagation is a pretty easy and cheap way to get more monstera plants to fill your home with. There are a few ways to propagate this plant: air layering, soil propagation, and water propagation.
Air Layering
Air layering involves wrapping a growth node (the little bump on the other side of a leaf stem) with moist sphagnum moss. Always choose a stem and node that looks healthy and strong. Once the stem is wrapped with moss, put plastic wrap around it to keep moisture locked in. Watch it carefully to ensure it doesn’t develop any rot where this moisture touches the stem of the plant. Once you see root growth from the stem, you can cut below the roots and plant the roots in its own pot with monstera soil.
Propagating in Soil
To propagate in soil, take a cutting from the parent plant that includes at least one node. Make sure the stem you are cutting off is healthy! Remove any lower leaves on the cutting and place it directly into moistened potting soil. Many people choose to dip the end of their cutting in rooting hormone to help promote quick-growing roots, and it is recommended to do so, but it is not a requirement to propagate your plants.
Sometime between a few weeks to a couple months, you should start to see new growth above the soil, which will tell you that your propagation was successful!
Propagating in Water
Water propagation is even simpler than soil propagation, and many people love this method. To start, cut a stem from the plant that has at least one node, just like you would for soil propagation. Don’t forget to choose a healthy, strong stem!
Next, remove any leaves that would be submerged in water, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and place the cutting into a jar or vase filled with room temperature water. Make sure to keep the node fully submerged while allowing the rest of the stem to remain above water.
Change out the water every few days to prevent bacteria growth and monitor for root development. You do not need to reapply the rooting hormone. Once roots grow to about 2 inches long, you can transplant your cutting into soil, and then water it well.
Common Problems
Like any houseplant, the Monstera Acacoyaguensis is susceptible to certain issues that could hinder its growth and overall health. Here are some common problems you may encounter when caring for your Monstera.
Overwatering
Overwatering is a common problem with many houseplants. Overwatering will essentially drown your plant—when the soil can’t get enough oxygen to the roots, they will begin to rot. This will eventually kill the plant unless the problem is resolved quickly.
To avoid overwatering, make sure you allow the top layer of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use your finger or a moisture meter to determine when it’s time to water again.
If your plant is suffering from root rot, you’ll want to get the roots out of the soggy soil immediately. Use your clean, sterilized pruning shears to prune off any dead or mushy roots, and then repot using new soil. For this situation, do not water your plant for a few days. This will help the plant to rest and recover from the root rot before you give it more water to absorb.
Pests
Pests are one of the common problems that Monstera Acacoyaguensis owners encounter. These pesky creatures can cause a lot of damage to your plant, so it’s essential to be vigilant and take action at the first sign of an infestation.
You’ll want to look out for spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips. You may notice small specks or webs on your plant if it has been attacked by spider mites. Mealybugs look like white cottony patches while scale insects appear as brown bumps on the stems or leaves. Thrips are tiny bugs that feed on the sap from plants and leave behind silver streaks or scars on leaves. To prevent these pests from attacking your plant, ensure you keep your plant healthy and clean by wiping its leaves with a damp cloth regularly.
If you do spot any signs of an infestation, treat them immediately using insecticidal soap spray or neem oil. Always read instructions carefully before using any treatment so as not to harm the delicate foliage of your plant.
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves on your Monstera Acacoyaguensis can be a sign of stress or damage. This discoloration is often caused by overwatering or underwatering. We know that overwatering can lead to root rot, but underwatering can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
Another common cause of brown leaves is poor lighting conditions. Your monster may not be receiving enough sunlight, causing the leaves to turn brown and dry up.
Additionally, some pests like spider mites and mealybugs can cause brown spots on your plant’s foliage. Inspect your plant regularly for any signs of infestation.
To prevent further damage to your Monstera Acacoyaguensis, it’s important to identify the root cause of the problem and do what you can to fix it before it takes over your whole plant.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves on your Monstera Acacoyaguensis can be a sign of several problems. One common cause is overwatering. Make sure the soil has proper drainage and only water when the top inch feels dry. Using a moisture meter will help you determine when your plant needs more water.
Another cause of yellow leaves could be lack of sunlight. Monsteras require bright, indirect light to thrive, so make sure it’s placed in a spot that gets enough natural light or consider using artificial grow lights.
Pests such as spider mites or thrips can also cause yellowing leaves. Inspect your plant regularly for any signs of infestation and treat it immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
If all else fails, it’s possible that your plant is simply shedding its old leaves to allow new growth. As long as the rest of the plant looks healthy and there are no other symptoms present, this could just be a natural process.
FAQ Monstera Acacoyaguensis
Is Monstera Acacoyaguensis rare?
The Acacoyaguensis is a fairly rare type of monstera. It is gaining popularity, which will hopefully see an uptick in professional propagation of this plant, but it is in fact a pretty rare species of monstera.
Caring for monstera plants is actually fun and pretty easy once you get the hang of it! Try these resources for growing the healthiest, more gorgeous monstera around!
Monstera Resource Facebook Group
More Monstera Care Articles:
The Comprehensive Guide to Propagating Monstera Albo
The Ultimate Guide to Monstera Varieties
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