Monstera acuminata (Shingle Plant)

This trailing Monstera acuminata is often confused with the Monstera adansonii. The acuminata has smaller and narrower and pointed leaves with random pattern of fenestrations. It is often found grow or climbing up trees as an epiphyte in the tropical rainforest of Central America in places like Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. As young plant the leaves will grow in a shingle pattern, it will lie close to the surface its grows on sometimes with overlapping leaves. This gives it its common name - Shingle plant.

Care difficulty: Very hardy and easy to care for.

Light requirements: Prefer bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly but allow this plant to dry out mostly between waterings.

Humidity: Can do well in normal household conditions but will enjoy some humidity. Grouping humidity-loving plants together can help, as can placing pots of a wet pebble tray. You can mist the area around the foliage although this will only increase humidity temporarily. Humidifiers, kitchens, bathrooms are also beneficial to increase humidity.

Feeding: can be fed in the growing season during spring and summer every 2 weeks, but refrain from feeding in winter.

Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if eaten.

Repotting: Repot once a year to encourage further growth or when it has outgrown its current pot.