Monstera Peru

Monstera Peru

Posted by Hannah Brand on Jun 16th 2024

Weekly Plant Chat: Monstera Peru

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Monstera karstenianum, more commonly known as Monstera Peru. This unique aroid has beautiful dark-green textured foliage and a trailing habit. If you love the genus Monstera as much as we do, then this is a variety is a must have!


Family of Origin

Monstera belong to the Araceae, or Aroid plant family along with some of our favorites including philodendron, anthurium, and alocasia. Monstera Peru is native to South America.


Plant Care

Light

Monstera Peru will thrive in bright, indirect light indoors. However, too much direct light can cause foliage to burn. If you plan to grow your plant outside for the summer, a nice shady spot will do.

Soil

Since Monstera are aroids, they like a chunky, airy mix. We recommend using, we recommend using Sol Soils House Plant Chunky Mix. This mix includes perlite, pumice, coconut husks, pine bark, and more to achieve the perfect balance of aeration, drainage, and water holding capacity. You can also create your own custom Aroid mix by combining 1 part All Purpose Potting Mix, 1 part Orchid Bark, 1 part Perlite, 1/2 part Charcoal, and 1/2 part Worm Castings.

Water

Check weekly for watering and give a good soak when the first several inches to half of the soil level is dry to the touch. Never allow it to sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. As always, make sure your pot has a drain hole!

Fertilizer

Fertilize in the spring and with active growth with an all-purpose fertilizer. We recommend Schultz All-Purpose Liquid Plant Food. Cut fertilizer routine in half in the fall and winter.

Hot Tips

Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs and spider mites. Check for pests weekly while watering and keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

Trim and prune to keep your plant nice and full.

Monstera are epiphytes meaning they grow on other plants for support. Monstera Peru grows nicely on Bendable Moss Pole which also helps it achieve larger, more mature leaves.

Monstera are toxic to cats and dogs.


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Monstera Peru are available in 4” pots in the greenhouse.



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