Amydrium Medium Origin
Amydrium medium can be found in the Araceae family. The tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, are the natural habitat of this plant.
Amydrium medium is a typical epiphyte that adheres to other plants and trees for stability in the wild. It thrives in the understory of tropical forests, where it receives plenty of moisture and humidity.
The attractive foliage and unusual growth habits of Amydrium medium have made it a popular indoor plant in recent decades.
Monstera Deliciosa Origin
Monstera deliciosa is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. It is more well-known as the Swiss cheese plant. Its natural habitats include the tropical woods of Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama in southern America.
Monstera deliciosa can attain a height of up to 70 feet in its natural habitat, and its leaves can be up to 3 feet wide. It grows in the understory of tropical forests and is supported by the other plants and trees around it as an epiphyte.
Monstera deliciosa is widely planted as an ornamental plant and indoor plant all over the world nowadays. Its huge, glossy leaves with holes and splits give it a distinct and tropical appearance, which is why it is so sought after.
Monstera deliciosa is a vine houseplant; thus, it needs something to climb on. Give the plant something to climb, such as a moss pole or trellis.
Similarities
Amydrium medium and Monstera deliciosa, fellow members of the Araceae family, look and grow similarly. They share some of the following characteristics:
Appearance
Large, glossy, and heart-shaped leaves characterize the appearance of both plants. Natural holes and splits in the leaves of both plants contribute to their distinctive and eye-catching look.
Growth
Both species grow by attaching themselves to other plants or trees, a characteristic known as epiphytism. They naturally develop long, strong stems as they ascend into the treetops of their native forests.
Native Habitat
Both species of plant are indigenous to the tropical zones of Southeast Asia and Central America.
Sunlight
Amydrium medium silver and monstera deliciosa preferably thrive in indirect, bright light. Intense heat from the sun will scorch the leaves, so keep them out of too much direct sun. The latter plant tolerates low light conditions. Therefore, most gardeners recommend dappled sunlight.
Soil
Amydrium medium silver and monstera deliciosa prefer similar soil conditions. Keep the soil wet but not soggy. Letting the top inch of soil dry up between waterings is okay. Too much water can result in root rot.
For the soil, pick a potting mix that can hold onto moisture but still drains effectively. The best option is a blend of peat moss, perlite, and bark.
Humidity
Amydrium medium and monstera deliciosa thrive in high humidity. Humidity in mature plants can be increased by misting the leaves often or by setting the plant on a tray of stones submerged in water.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the Amydrium medium and Monstera deliciosa is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to feed the plants every week for four to six weeks during the spring and summer. Leaves will burn if you fertilize too much.
Watering
When it comes to watering, note that you should let the top inch of the soil get just slightly dry before watering again. Once the plants have been adequately watered, the surplus liquid should be allowed to drain like monstera plants.
Pruning
Prune your plants by following the instructions given below:
- Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts on the stem or leaf.
- Identify which stems or leaves to prune by looking for damaged, yellowing, or excessively leggy growth from surrounding trees.
- Remove the stem or leaf by making a clean cut as close to the base of the plant as possible.
Propagation
Propagate your plants by following the instructions given below:
- Select a healthy stem or leaf to use for propagation.
- Cut the stem or leaf below a node.
- Place the cutting in water or soil, submerging at least one node.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location with high humidity, and ensure the soil or water is moist.
- Once the cutting has developed roots or new growth, transplant it into a pot with well-draining soil.
Differences
There are some similarities between the striking Amydrium medium and Monstera deliciosa, but there are also some key distinctions between the two. Listed below are some key distinctions between these two types of vegetation:
Leaf Shape and Size
Both Amydrium medium and Monstera deliciosa feature huge, heart-shaped leaves; however, the leaves of the former are often smaller and generally more elongated. Monstera deliciosa leaves, in comparison, can be noticeably bigger and broader, with more pronounced lobes.
The leaves of Monstera deliciosa tend to be more textured and slightly scratchy to the touch, whereas those of Amydrium medium tend to be smoother and more leathery.
Moreover, monstera deliciosa’s mature leaves can be green and white variegated, but Amydrium medium foliage is more likely to be a uniform green.
Care Requirements
While both plants are low maintenance, there are major distinctions in how they should be handled. Comparatively, Monstera deliciosa does well in dimmer conditions than Amydrium medium. Also, Monstera deliciosa likes a more moisture-retentive soil mix, whereas Amydrium medium prefers a well-draining soil mix.
Growth Behavior
While they are both epiphytes, their growth behaviors may be different. In contrast to Monstera deliciosa, which can climb by trailing its stems and leaves along the ground in search of stability, amydrium medium prefers to stay compact and grow straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amydrium medium a Monstera?
Although not a Monstera, Amydrium medium does belong to the Araceae family of plants. Despite their superficial similarities, Amydrium medium and Monstera deliciosa are in fact two distinct species of plant that require different environments and maintenance. Compared to the vining habit of Monstera deliciosa, the Amydrium medium has smaller and more elongated leaves, and its growth habit is more upright and compact. While in the same family, each plant has its distinct features and requires specific care to thrive.
Is Amydrium Medium rare?
As a result of its limited distribution, amydrium medium is often regarded as a rare plant. However, its accessibility may change based on where you reside and where you decide to buy your plants.
It’s no secret that Amydrium has risen in popularity in recent years thanks to the surge in curiosity surrounding exotic houseplants. Hence, it might be easier to find specialty nursery nurseries or online plant shops that cater to collectors and enthusiasts.
Factors including its natural distribution, method of propagation, and appeal among plant collectors can also contribute to a plant’s rarity. Amydrium medium may be uncommon in certain settings, yet it is still easily accessible for many gardeners.
How do you care for Amydrium Medium?
You can care for the Amydrium medium by following the instructions given below:
Amydrium medium flourishes under indirect, bright light. The leaves will scorch if exposed to direct sunlight.
The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, with regular watering. A little dryness in the top inch of soil between waterings is fine. Leaves might be damaged if the soil dries out too much. Moreover, it thrives in humid environments. Humidity can be increased by misting the leaves often or by setting the plant on a tray of stones submerged in water. Always use a potting mix that drains well yet holds moisture. Peat moss, perlite, and bark are a good combination.
To maintain a manageable size and form, prune the plant as needed. To maintain the plant’s vigor and appearance, you can also remove any leaves that have turned yellow or are otherwise damaged.
Every year or two, or whenever you notice the plant is struggling, repot it into a little larger container with a new potting mix.
The plant may need a support system as it develops to keep it from tumbling over. A post or trellis will suffice to keep the plant upright.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
