We are blessed to be the dwellers of the planet earth. Our mother’s planet is abundant with all kinds of plants. Copious varieties of plants are found in every region including the depths of the seas to the peaks of the mountains. Each plant has its own unique appearance, characteristics, and benefits in the ecosystem. One such unique plant is the Monstera Peru plant.
This is a unique and beautiful member of the Monstera family. It has large, shiny, dark green, corrugated leaves with a compact and rigid structure. In this article, we will discuss the important facts related to the Monstera Peru plant along with its care and requirements.
Monstera Peru Family
The genus Monstera belongs to the family Araceae (the Calla family). There are more than 60 species in the family, the majority of which are native to tropical regions of America. The term is derived from the word ‘monstorous’ meaning ‘abnormal or gigantic’.
The members of the family have large unique leaves with patterned holes or cuts in them. Most of them are indoor plants with evergreen vines or are herbaceous in nature. Monstera deliciosa is popular species and it has edible and tasty fruit.
Monstera Kerstenianum Peru
- The plant monstera Peru is commonly called Monstera kerstenianum Peru however this name is not a scientifically accepted name.
- It is sometimes commonly known as the Monstera sp.Peru plant.
Monstera Peru Growth Habit
- Monstera sp. Peru is climbers in nature and it is recommended to add a totem or moss support in the pot. This will enhance the growth, size, and beauty of the plant.
- They are steady growers and grow even fast in optimum conditions.
- Root structure: Their roots are not rooted very deeply and are somewhat lightly or weekly placed in the soil.
- Plant height: The leathery leaves are about 2 inches apart on the plant. The average indoor plant is around 35 cm in height. An adult plant in ideal conditions may reach up to 6 meters in height. The Monstera leaves are about 4 to 9 cm in length.
Monstera Peru Plant Care
Monstera Peru is a low-maintenance plant. Important points related to the care and requirements of the plant are mentioned below:
Water Requirement:
Monstera Peru requires occasional watering. Once or twice a week is a good frequency. Make sure to keep the soil dry between the intervals.
Overwatering may lead to issues like the yellowing of leaves. If you find this issue, observe your watering schedule. Rectify it if it is more than twice a week.
Soil Requirement:
The Monstera sp. Peru requires light and free drainage soil. It prefers acidic to neutral soil with PH 5 to 7.5. A barky soil mixture proves out to be a good option for the Monstera Peru plant.
Humidity Requirement:
Monstera Peru being native to the rain forests require a humid environment. You can increase the humidity around the plant by any of the undermentioned methods;
- Adding a humidifier in the room.
- Misting the leaves of the plant.
- Putting a pebble filled tray under the plant pot and filling it will water to provide the plant with the required moisture.
Sunlight Requirement:
The plants require exposure to bright indirect sunlight. It can withstand direct exposure to full sun for up to 3 hours. More exposure will lead to the burning of the leaves.
Temperature Requirement:
Mostera Peru has an ideal temperature range between 16 to 25 degrees Centigrade.
A lower temperature is not much suitable for the plant.
Fertilizer Requirement:
The plant needs a simple fertilizer for domestic plants in low quantities. The addition of fertilizer once a month is recommended. However, you may reduce the frequency in winters as extra quantities of fertilizer may cause salt buildup in the soil leading to the burning of the plant.
Pot Requirement:
The Monstera sp. Peru plants have a climbing nature so they make a beautiful dangling plant in the hanging plant basket. However there height and beauty will be suppressed in this mode.
They dwell fully and strongly in a terrestrial pot with support. This potting position is recommended to get a strong and beautiful Monstera Peru plant.
Repotting:
You can repot the plant after about 3 years if necessary. Frequent repotting is not advised.
Cleaning Requirement:
The plant has a unique compact leaf structure with wrinkles or grooves on them. Dust can compile on the leaf and block the stomata of the leaves. This can create issues in the photosynthesis of plants suppressing their growth. So it is recommended to keep the leaves clean. Misting and wiping the plant twice or thrice a week is a good practice especially in dusty environments.
Air Pressure:
As the plants are weekly rooted, strong air pressure may destroy the plant. Always keep the feeble plant away from continuous air exposure. They should not be kept around air conditioners, heaters, or windy windows.
Monstera kerstenianum Plant Toxicity
Monstera Peru plant like its other family members is toxic. On ingestion, they can cause allergic reactions to the eyes and throat. It is strictly advised to keep kids and pets away from playing around the plant.
Monstera Peru Variegated
There is a type of plant which have lesser chlorophyll in the leaves than the usual and is called variegated plant varieties. They give a unique appearance due to white patches or stripes on the leaves of the plant. The Variegated plant looks different than the original species. These are cultivated by selected genetic mutations by botanists.
Variegated plant varieties are admired by people and are sold at high prices. Mostera Peru variegated plants originated from Venezuela and are uniquely beautiful. They make slender vines and have white flowers. These are a good addition to the collection of Monstera plant lovers.
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Monstera Peru Plant Propagation
The monstera Peru plant is propagated by the cuttings of the stem.
Season:
March is the ideal month for propagation. Winters never show good results for plant propagation.
Method:
- Use a sharp knife or shears and cut an 8 cm part from the tip of a healthy plant stem.
- Make sure you get the nodes or the aerial roots on the cutting of the stem.
- Now remove the lower leaves keeping at least 3 to 4 on the upper side of the stem cutting.
- Plant the stem cutting 2 to 3 inches deep in a pot of moist soil.
- Keep the pot in bright indirect light and water in low quantities every week or according to the soil condition.
- Wait for about three to four weeks and shoots will start developing as the sign of successful propagation.
- You can also plant the stem in a water jar and convert them into the soil after the root system is developed.
Common Problems
Peru is one of the most precious houseplants, therefore, you should ensure the provision of all adequate growing conditions. The only worrisome problems for your Peru can be caused either due to mealybugs or scale bugs.
The other common problems include browning and curling of leaves that are primarily caused due to water imbalance. The overwatering leads to browning or yellowing of leaves whereas underwatering causes curling of leaves.
Conclusion
Monstera Peru is a climber from the Araceae family. It is a rare plant with unique, deep green, thick and stiff leaves with a wrinkled surface. It is easy to grow and a good addition to the indoor plant collection especially for Monstera lovers. Monstera kerstenianum Peru is toxic like its other family members. Kids and pets are advised to stay away from the plant.
