Amydrium medium Silver

The Amydrium medium 'Silver' is an extremely original and sought-after houseplant prized for its unique foliage. The plant produces juvenile green leaves that are more or less divided, gradually becoming covered with a delicate silvery sheen. Provide it with a climbing support and it will then develop larger, even more deeply divided, strangely perforated in places leaves, while their colour becomes increasingly silvery. Perfect for adding a tropical touch to your home, this plant, closely related to the Monstera, thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light.

The Amydrium is a relatively obscure genus within the vast Araceae family, which includes approximately 3,500 species, mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Morphologically, the Amydrium is very similar to the Monstera, another highly popular Araceae. It differs primarily in having two ovules per ovary—a detail invisible to the untrained eye, which explains why they are often confused. The Amydrium genus comprises only five species, native to Southeast Asia, southern China, and New Guinea. These are climbing plants that develop as lianas, clinging to trees or rocks using adhesive roots. The Amydrium medium grows naturally from Myanmar to the Philippines, including other tropical countries such as Thailand and Borneo.

The Amydrium medium 'Silver' is a horticultural variety distinguished, as its name suggests, by its silvery foliage (silver = argent in English). In its juvenile state, the plant exhibits moderate growth, producing medium-sized leaves that are initially whole, roughly the size of a hand, before expanding and developing one, then two or three lobes. The lamina is slightly textured due to prominent primary and secondary veins, and its colour is a striking bright green. As is common with such plants, it needs to reach a certain size before its foliage matures. Stake it with a moss pole to enable it to climb, mimicking its natural tropical habitat. The leaves can then grow up to 30–40 cm long and take on their mature form. Deeply divided, usually with one central lobe and three lobes on either side of the central axis, they also feature fenestrations, much like Monsteras. These perforations, often along the central midrib, may be spherical or irregularly shaped, greatly enhancing the plant's exotic aesthetic. Of course, this cultivar's additional appeal lies in its striking silvery hue which intensifies with age, making it one of the most decorative houseplants. Its mature size depends on available space and potting soil volume—it can reach between 1.50 and 2.50 m in height within 10 years. Though growth starts slowly, it accelerates once established, especially with regular fertilisation.

Though still relatively unknown, the 'Monstera' Amydrium medium 'Silver' more than deserves a place in your home. Provide it with a warm, humid environment, sheltered from draughts and direct sunlight, and its lush appearance will bring a tropical flair to your décor. For a colourful accent, pair it with a pot of Anthurium, whose vibrant —often red or pink— spathes will further enhance the aesthetic. And if space allows, a large Philodendron will make an excellent companion to complete the display.