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Turquoise Puya

Monstera standleyana

These handsome leaves belong to Monstera standleyana from Costa Rica.  This hard-to-find vine doesn't grow as monstrously large as typical Monsteras, but its attractive variegation always changes, with no two leaves showing the same pattern.  In fact the bottom of each leaf often has a different pattern than the top!  This is an interesting Aroid that happens to be easy to grow and is quite vigorous.

Monstera standleyana

The thick leaves of this evergreen vine typically grow 6 to 8 inches long, and are attached by long, flaring stems.  All parts of the vine can get variegated, including the shoots.  The plant looks great when grown over a trellis or similar structure.  If the shoots grow too long, simply wrap them around the trellis or prune them.  It hasn't flowered for me yet.  I have read that it may be hybridized with Monstera deliciosa.

Monstera standleyana

Monstera standleyana

I have only grown it indoors at 70-80 degrees F, which it loves.  I have no information about its cold and heat hardiness, but feel free to experiment with rooted cuttings.  Like other Monsteras, it enjoys a loose soil that is high in organic matter.  A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil, 1 part fine orchid bark, and 1 part perlite or coarse sand.  Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy).  It grows well in bright, filtered light or morning sun.  I haven't grown it in stronger sun - it's possible that it may burn the leaves.  Over about 50% humidity is recommended.  In the right conditions, it is an easy, low-maintenance plant.

 

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Turquoise Puya

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