With its striking silvery-blue foliage and elongated, fenestrated leaves, Amydrium medium ‘Silver’ brings a refined, sculptural touch to any plant collection. The shimmering, metallic hue of its leaves catches the light beautifully, creating an elegant focal point for shelves or plant stands. Though it looks exotic, this climbing aroid is surprisingly resilient and adaptable when given the right care.
Scientific Name
Amydrium medium ‘Silver’ (a cultivated form of Amydrium medium, meaning “intermediate” in reference to the leaf shape between species in the genus)
Reclassification or Naming History
Originally described by botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1829. The species belongs to the Araceae family and is closely related to Monstera and Epipremnum, which explains its similar growth habit.
Synonyms
None currently accepted for this cultivar, though Amydrium zippelianum is sometimes confused with it.
Common Name
Silver Spiderman Monstera, Silver Amydrium
Origin
Native to tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where it grows as an epiphytic climber in humid lowland forests.
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too little light can dull the silver tones, while too much direct sun may scorch the leaves. A few hours of gentle morning light is ideal.
Water
Water when the top third of the soil has dried out. In spring and summer, this may mean weekly watering; reduce in winter when growth slows. Always empty excess water from saucers or cachepots to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Enjoys moderate to high humidity (50–70%). Mist occasionally or place near a humidifier to prevent crispy edges. Excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, or grouped with other tropical plants to increase ambient humidity.
Soil
Prefers a chunky, free-draining aroid mix with components like orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir. This ensures good airflow to the roots and prevents compaction.
Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Pause feeding in winter.
Temperature
Ideal temperature range is 18–28°C. Protect from cold draughts and temperatures below 15°C, which can cause leaf yellowing or blackening.
Pet-safe
Toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
Sprouts Top Tips
Train your Amydrium medium ‘Silver’ to climb up a moss pole or coir totem – this encourages larger, more mature leaves with deeper fenestrations and a richer silver sheen.
Extras
This plant is a natural climber but will also trail attractively from a shelf if left untrained.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, Amydrium medium ‘Silver’ isn’t a Monstera at all – but its growth habit and split leaves make it an easy imposter in any “Monstera corner.”