monstera peru

Monstera Peru: Comprehensive Care Guide

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Are you looking for a unique Monstera plant to add to your houseplant collection? Look no further than the rare plant Monstera peru. This species is not like many Monsteras with fenestrated leaves but has dark green and leathery leaves with no holes. This plant is low-maintenance and gorgeous in any space. Read on to learn all about its care!

Monstera Peru Overview

The Monstera peru is a beautiful and very rare Monstera to own. Due to the rarity of this plant, its classification is not as uniform as other species. The scientific name is Monstera sp. peru, but it is also widely known as the Monstera karstenianum, Peruvian Monstera, green galaxy Monstera, and the Monstera peru.

The Monstera peru belongs to the family Araceae, also known as the Arid or Arum family, and the genus Monstera. Monstera plants are native tropical plants to the tropical regions of Central America and enjoy the climate that area provides.

The Monstera peru has many beautiful family members. A few popular Monstera varieties include the Monstera deliciosa, Monstera pinnatipartita, and the Monstera siltepecana.

Monstera deliciosa:This Monstera plant has been nicknamed the swiss cheese plant for its fenestrated leaves.
Monstera pinnatipartita: This rough-textured foliage-rich plant is similar to the deliciosa but has hollow veining.
Monstera siltepecana:Nicknamed the Silver Monstera, the siltepecana is known for its metallic silver veneration.
Botanical name:Monstera sp. peru
Family:Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Origin:Central America
Sunlight: Bright indirect sunlight
Watering:Once a week
Soil:Well-draining and aerated
Temperature:60-80 degrees Fahrenheit
Propagation:Stem cuttings
Re-Potting: Every two years or when root bound
Pests and Diseases: spider mites, mealy bugs, brown scale
Toxicity:Toxic to humans and pets
Monstera Peru: Comprehensive Care Guide 1

Monstera Peru Features

The Monstera karstenianum is a beautiful and rare Monstera variety that is unique compared to others. Monsteras are popular houseplants known for their fenestrated leaves, but the Peru plant has uniform dark green leathery leaves instead.

The Monstera peru can grow to massive heights in the wild but rarely surpass 6-8 feet tall in the best conditions. Additionally, this plant can easily prune to whatever size best fits your space. The leaves of this tropical plant are smaller than other monstera varieties and grow to be about nine centimeters long. Consider adding a moss pole to your plant pot to help this climber grow.

This species is a vining plant that can grow and attach to supports, making it easy to shape its spread in your space. The Monstera peru flower appears when grown in native environments outdoors and rarely shows up for indoor house plants. You will find a small white flower if you are lucky enough to see one.

Monstera peru plants are toxic to humans and pets due to their toxic calcium oxalate crystals found within the plant itself. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Monstera Peru Care Guide

Caring for Monstera peru is generally a low-maintenance process when you follow our Monstera peru care guide. Ideal Monstera peru care consists of bright indirect light to give life to the foliage without harming it, and keeping the soil moist is key through consistent watering.

Tropical plants like the Monstera peru enjoy warm temperatures and high humidity levels to thrive and grow. Fertilizing your peru plant is recommended during the growing season, and it is imperative to have proper well-draining soil. Read on to learn more in our care guide below.

Related Article: Variegated Monstera Adansonii: Instructional Care Guide

Ideal Growing Place

Under the right environmental circumstances, the Monstera peru can successfully grow and thrive outdoors. Before deciding to plant your peru plant outdoors, research the climate conditions in your area and where your location falls on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map and compare it to what is needed for the Monstera plant.

Monsteras are vastly popular houseplants for many, and peru plants are no different. This species is adaptable to grow successfully in many indoor environments. The growing season for Monstera Peru is during the spring and summer, when the growth rate is the fastest. Dormancy brings a slower growth rate during the fall and winter months.

Water

Watering your Monstera karstenianum is a breeze if you know how to check the soil moisture of your plant’s environment, whether it be outdoor soil or in a pot inside. It is time to water your Monstera peru when the top layer (top two inches) is no longer moist. You can check by placing two fingers in the top layer and feeling for moisture or by using a soil moisture level sensor. Watering your Monstera karstenianum peru about once per week during the growing season is recommended, but your plant may need less during the dormancy period.

Sunlight

Bright indirect light is best for the Monstera peru plant. Bright light is needed for the plant to do photosynthesis, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the sensitive foliage. It is best to place your peru plant near a brightly lit window to absorb the light.

Temperature

A temperature range of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit is most suitable for your Monstera peru. Higher temperatures mimic the natural environment for many Monstera genus plants such as the peru. This temperature range works well for those keeping it indoors but is something to consider if you want to plant it outdoors.

Soil

A well-draining soil that is also well-aerated is key to the health of your Monstera peru and its root system. Too much excess water in the soil can lead to harmful root rot. A successful potting mix will have amendments to create air circulation and enhance draining. Popular soil additions include perlite, coco coir, and orchid bark. Soil pH should be slightly acidic with a range of 5-7.5.

Humidity

High humidity serves the green galaxy plant well, similar to the conditions of its native habitat in Central America. Humidity levels should be at least 60% to support this plant. Some ways to increase the humidity are misting, using a pebble tray, or having a humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the growing period during the spring and summer, adding a fertilizer supplement to your Monstera peru is a great idea to offer extra nutrients. Provide your plant with half-strength fertilizer about once a month during the growing period. Fertilizers with a substantial nitrogen level can support your foliage health as well.

Pinching/Pruning

Monstera peru is a fast-growing plant and requires regular pruning to keep the plant in check. It is recommended to prune your Monstera when you see dying or sick leaves to make room for healthy leaves to grow. When your plant’s size or spread is too large, grab gardening gloves and sterilized tools to help you prune. Next, cut off the stem areas you want to remove above the node. Cutting below the node should only be done with propagation.

Potting and Re-potting

Repot your Monstera peru when they become root bound in their current pot, or about every two years to keep the plant healthy and thriving. When you repot, gently remove the plant from its pot, and shake out any excess soil. Next, get a new pot about two to three inches larger than the original, add fresh soil mixture, and plant your Monstera peru. Give a fresh watering, then care for it as normal.

Growth Zone

The Monstera peru plant is tropical in nature and prefers to grow outdoors in an environment with warmer temperatures and climate. This species can grow successfully in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, which makes up the southern and west coast states. Check the map to see if you are in those zones.

Common Pests, Toxins, Diseases & Other Problems

Common insects like spider mites, brown scale, and mealy bugs can affect your Monstera peru by feeding off it and making it their home. You should inspect the leaves of your plants each week during watering to check for infestation. If you notice these crawlers, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. 

Propagation

Monstera peru propagation is simple through the stem cutting method. First, use gloves to protect your skin when cutting this plant with your shears or sharp knife.

First, locate a stem area with a node and at least two leaves, and cut below the node. Your cutting should be about four to six inches long. Then, place your Monstera peru cutting into a jar of water, and replace this water every few days, so algae do not appear. Once new roots appear, it is time to move the cutting to the soil!

Monstera Peru Mature Timeline

After placing the stem cutting into the jar of water, you will see new roots growing after a few weeks. Once the roots are about 3 inches long, you are ready to plant them into fresh soil. Offer a gentle watering, keep your new plant in a room with bright indirect light and warm temperatures, and allow the roots to take hold. After this, plant growth will kick off, and you are on your way to having a new mature Monstera peru.

Monstera Peru: Comprehensive Care Guide 2

Monstera Peru FAQ

How Old Does Monstera Peru Have to Be Before They Bloom?

Monstera peru plants rarely flower indoors, but the plant must reach maturity in the wild before showing its blooms.

Are Monstera Peru Expensive?

While the variegated Monstera peru is rare, you can find cuttings for sale online that can be shipped to you for varying prices. Buying more than one cutting at a time is common and can add to costs.

Is Monstera Peru a Fast Grower?

Yes, the Monstera peru has a fast growth rate and can quickly take up your space. Pruning regularly is recommended.

Where Can I Buy Monstera Peru?

Since it is rare, the Monstera peru is not likely to be found at many store locations. However, you can find Monstera Peru for sale online from places like Etsy, eBay, and online nursery websites.

Where Does Monstera Peru Come From?

The variegated peru plant is native to the tropical areas of Central America.

How Do You Clean Dusty Leaves on a Monstera Peru?

Cleaning the dust off your Monstera leaves is quite simple. Take a damp cloth and gently wipe down both sides of your leaves about once a week.

Is Monstera Peru a Succulent?

Monstera plants are not succulents, as they have differences in plant structure and classification.

What Kind of Pot Is Suitable for a Monstera Peru?

Hanging baskets work for the Monstera peru if you want to show off their cascading vines. Terracotta and other ceramic pots also help with soil moisture retention and air circulation.

Is Monstera Peru Rare?

The Monstera peru plant is rare but can be found online if you want to purchase cuttings for your space.

Is Monstera Peru Toxic to Humans and Pets?

The Monstera peru is toxic to humans and pets because the calcium oxalate crystals within the plant can irritate.

The Bottom Line

The Monstera peru is a unique, rare, and delightfully easy plant to care for. You can show off its unique foliage that helps it stand out from other Monstera plants in hanging baskets or a pot in your space. Not only does this plant grow quickly, but it shows off a beautiful vining nature with magnificent colors and size. So, if you’ve been considering adding Monstera to your collection, start with this one!

Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Gustaf Johansson

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