Snake Eyes Plant is botanically identified as Monstera standleyana. This vining plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly regions like Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras. While some Monstera species are known for developing unique holes or splits in their leaves (fenestrations), Monstera standleyana generally does not. It is also commonly referred to as Philodendron Cobra, a name that sometimes arises from its climbing growth habit.
Essential Care for Your Snake Eyes Plant
Snake Eyes Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally receiving at least six hours daily. Placing it near an east or north-facing window provides suitable conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light may result in leggy growth and smaller leaves.
Water your Monstera standleyana when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot’s bottom, then promptly discard any standing water in the saucer. This plant prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate sitting in soggy soil.
An aroid mix, containing ingredients like peat moss or coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite, provides ideal drainage and moisture retention. The pot chosen should always have drainage holes to facilitate water exit. Selecting a pot only slightly larger than the root ball can also prevent the soil from holding too much moisture.
Monstera standleyana prefers warm conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging between 65-80°F (18-27°C). While it can tolerate average household humidity, higher humidity, between 55-80%, is beneficial for optimal growth. To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier, grouping plants, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly or every two to four weeks. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Always fertilize after watering the plant to protect its roots from potential burn.
Propagating Snake Eyes Plant
Propagate Monstera standleyana during its active growing period in spring or summer. Stem cuttings are an effective method for creating new plants. Select a healthy stem with at least one node, a small bump where leaves and roots emerge.
Cut a section of the stem about six to eight inches long, making the cut just below a node. Remove any leaves on the lower part of the stem that would be submerged if rooting in water. Cuttings can be rooted in either water or a moist potting mix.
For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear jar with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically appear within two to four weeks. If rooting in soil, plant the cutting in a well-draining mix, ensuring the nodes are buried, and keep the soil consistently moist. Providing warmth and bright, indirect light will encourage root development in both methods.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, especially if lower leaves are soft. If the soil remains soggy, it can lead to root rot. Yellowing can also result from underwatering, insufficient light, or nutrient deficiencies. Adjusting your watering schedule and checking soil moisture before watering can often resolve this.
Brown tips or edges on the leaves often signal low humidity or inconsistent watering. Maintaining a regular watering routine also contributes to preventing brown tips.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites and mealybugs, can affect Monstera standleyana. Regularly inspecting your plant helps in early detection. If pests are found, isolate the affected plant to prevent spread. Treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help eliminate these pests.
Is Snake Eyes Plant Toxic?
Monstera standleyana, like many Araceae plants, is toxic if ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout its tissues. If parts of the plant are chewed or swallowed, these sharp, needle-like crystals can cause irritation and discomfort.
Symptoms of ingestion may include oral pain, a burning sensation, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or lips, excessive drooling, and vomiting. While the irritation is immediate and unpleasant, leading to prompt cessation of ingestion, serious systemic poisoning is rare. However, it is advisable to seek veterinary or medical attention if the plant is ingested by pets or humans.