Monstera Peru Care Guide (Monstera Karstenianum)

Sure, Monsteras are a well-known favorite among houseplant collectors. But did you know there are a few rare varieties worth collecting, too? Take the Monstera Peru Plant (Monstera karstenianum). It’s a striking climbing vine with textured leaves and the Monstera genus’s easygoing nature. Ready to add a unique yet low-maintenance species to your home? Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to grow and how to care for Monstera Peru Plants at home. 

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How to Grow Monstera Peru (Monstera Karstenianum) – The Essentials: 

Botanical Name:	Monstera karstenianum sp. Peru
Also Known As:	Monstera Peru. Confusingly, it’s sometimes sold as Marble Planet Pothos and Epipremnum Marble Planet.
Growing Difficulty:	Easy to moderate
Light Requirements:	Bright, indirect light throughout the day. Can tolerate some direct morning light or lower light.
Temperature and Humidity:	Thrives from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate to high humidity.
Watering Needs:	Weekly or bi-weekly in spring and summer and every two weeks in winter. Water when the top few inches are dry and don’t let the plant sit in soggy soil.
Soil Preferences:	Well-draining, aerated, and neutral soil with a pH level from 5 to 7.
Fertilizing:	An all-purpose fertilizer once a month, only in the spring and summer.
Growth Expectations:	Vines can reach between one and 20 feet in length, depending on growing conditions.
Toxicity:	Toxic to humans and pets.

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About Monstera Peru (Monstera Karstenianum)

Scientific Facts

Monstera karstenianum species is considered a member of the genus Monstera. Plants in this genus belong to the Araceae plant family, commonly known as the arum family. 

Funny enough, Monstera karstenianum is not a formally recognized species name. You’ll also see this plant sold as Marble Planet Pothos and Epipremnum Marble Planet.

Origins and History

Given the confusion surrounding this plant’s name, it’s challenging to trace back its origins. However, many believe it originates from parts of southern Mexico and Central America. 

Species in the Monstera genus originate from tropical zones in the Americas. Plus, this plant’s tropical characteristics and the name Peru hint at roots in the Western Hemisphere.

Botanical Characteristics

Monstera Peru has vibrant, glossy green leaves with a unique shape and texture. Its leaves are oval-shaped with pointed tips and a rippled appearance. 

Interestingly, this species loves to climb. Its evergreen vines will readily climb nearly 20 feet up a tree. As houseplants, Monstera Peru enjoys a moss pole or trellis it can wrap around.

Other Popular Monstera Varieties to Grow as Houseplants

There are 45 Monstera species, plenty of which are popular as houseplants. Here are a few varieties you’re likely to spot in your local garden shop.

• Monstera deliciosa
• Monstera variegata
• Monstera borsigiana
• Monstera adansonii
• Monstera standleyana

Uses and Benefits 

Monstera Peru is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant. Some people use Monstera plants for Feng Shui purposes. They’re said to attract happiness and spark inspiration.

While this plant is considered toxic, some other Monsteras produce edible fruit. For instance, Monstera deliciosa has a fruit that tastes like a mix of pineapples and bananas.

Toxicity

Unfortunately, Monstera Peru is considered toxic to humans and animals. If consumed, it will cause swelling in the tongue and throat. So, you’ll want to keep this plant out of reach of any children and pets in your home. 

How Long Will Monstera Karstenianum Typically Live?

A Monstera’s lifespan varies based on genetics and growing conditions. However, some growers have reported the species living as many as 40 years. 

Monstera Peru Meaning and Symbolism

Monstera Peru gets its name from the Latin word Monstera. As you may have guessed, this word means ‘monstrous.’ This is because plants in the Monstera genus can produce impressively large and bizarre-looking foliage.

The Monstera karstenianum doesn’t hold much symbolism on its own. However, other plants within this genus have come to represent various ideas. For example, in China, the Monstera deliciosa symbolizes honor and respect for elders. 

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How to Grow Monstera Peru (Monstera Karstenianum) at Home:

Are Monstera Peru Easy to Grow at Home? 

Many consider Monstera Peru an easy to moderate houseplant to grow at home. As long as you take care of your Monstera, it will display its impressive foliage for years or even decades to come. 

Growth Expectations

Monstera Peru vines can grow up to 20 feet in length, though they’re likely to stay smaller indoors. The plant’s stems grow quickly, up to two feet per year, with leaves that reach up to four inches wide. 

What to Do Before Planting 

Before planting your Monstera Peru, you’ll want to consider the ideal location for this plant. It needs a spot out of reach of children, with bright, indirect light and room for its vines to hang or climb. 

This plant’s trailing vines make it a great candidate for hanging baskets. However, it prefers an environment where it can climb, like a planter with a moss pole or trellis. 

Now, grab a plastic pot with drainage holes and other tools for planting your Monstera Peru. Check the Essential Tools section below for a complete list of materials to have on hand. 

What’s the Best Soil Mix 

Monstera Peru loves a well-draining, neutral soil with a pH level from 5 to 7. The plant will enjoy ingredients that increase drainage and aeration.

The key is to ensure Monstera Peru’s soil isn’t heavy or dense, as this will cause too much moisture retention. Some materials to consider are peat moss or coco coir, orchid bark, perlite, or ground pine bark. 

For more, see our essential guide to the best Monstera Plant Soil Mix.

How to Plant Monstera Peru

Now, the time has come to plant your Monstera Peru. Here are some steps to take for planting this beauty as an indoor plant. 

• Before planting, collect your materials, including a plastic planter with drainage holes. If roots are growing out of the current pot, consider going up one container size.
• Create a soil mix with ingredients like perlite to improve aeration and drainage.
• Add your soil mix to the base of the container so that the top of the root ball will sit just a few inches under the pot’s lip.
• Place the plant into this new container and fill any gaps with soil until the root ball is covered. 
• Consider sitting the plant on a pebble tray or placing it near a humidifier if humidity is low in your home. 

Light Preferences

Your Monstera Peru will grow happily in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. This may be on a surface several feet from a south-facing window or closer to a window facing north or east. 

Monstera karstenianum can handle some direct morning light. But, it will burn if left in direct contact with the sun’s rays. It will also tolerate lower light conditions. However, too little sun will cause the plant to grow more slowly or become leggy. 

Temperature and Humidity Preferences 

As a tropical plant, Monstera Peru enjoys a relatively warm and humid climate. This species thrives in environments between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate to high humidity. 

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How to Care for Monstera Peru (Monstera Karstenianum) at Home

Watering Needs 

Monstera Peru enjoys a weekly or bi-weekly watering schedule in spring and summer. Decrease frequency in winter. Around once every two weeks should work, depending on growing conditions. 

Remember, while this species is tropical, it won’t enjoy living in soggy conditions. Only water your Monstera karstenianum when the top few inches of its soil are dry.

How, When, and Why to Fertilize 

To keep your Monstera Peru fed and happy, use an all-purpose fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Some houseplant owners find time-release fertilizers work well with this species. 

This plant does not need to be fertilized during the colder months of autumn and winter. 

Pruning Monstera Peru

Pruning your Monstera karstenianum can improve its appearance and encourage more growth. You may want to prune vines that have become leggy, yellow, display brown spots, or are damaged.

To prune Monstera Peru, grab some clean pruning sheers and cut just above the area you’d like to remove. If you’re pruning a healthy vine, it’ll make an excellent candidate for propagation. 

Propagation

If you’d like to propagate your Monstera Peru, it’s best to do so during the spring or summer months. Use clean shears or scissors to cut just below a node on one of your plant’s vines.

After taking a cutting, you can propagate by water or by planting in soil. Place the spot you cut directly into either medium, and roots will begin to form. If propagating in soil, keep the environment moist until your plant establishes roots. 

For more, see our in-depth guide to propagating Monstera plants.

When and How to Repot Monstera Karstenianum

Monstera Peru doesn’t need frequent repotting. Consider repotting every two to three years, or when you notice roots growing through the drainage holes. 

When repotting, only go up one container size or about an inch or two wider than the plant’s current pot. Follow the steps in the How to Plant section to ensure your Monstera thrives in its new environment.

For more, see our in-depth guide to repotting Monstera plants.

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Common Problems and How to Treat Them

Signs of Watering Issues

If you’re overwatering your Monstera Peru, you may notice its leaves turning yellow. Overwatering can also cause this plant to develop root rot. 

Adjust the plant’s watering schedule to ensure it only receives water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Remove any areas damaged by root rot and repot your Monstera in clean soil. 

On the other hand, underwatered Monstera Peru plants will begin to droop. If you notice that leaves appear lifeless or wilted, increase your watering frequency. 

Signs Monstera Peru is Getting Too Much Light

Your Monstera Peru will suffer if left in direct sunlight. Too much light may cause brown, burnt spots on its foliage. If you notice scorch marks, reposition your plant so it only receives indirect light. 

Signs of Temperature Issues

Temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit may stunt this plant’s growth. If temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may stop growing or die. 

If you notice signs of stunted growth, move it to an environment that is 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Common Pests and Diseases 

While it’s uncommon for Monstera Peru to face pest or disease issues, here are a few you’ll want to watch out for. 

• Spider mites
• Scale insects
• Mealybugs
• Fungal issues like root rot

If you notice a pest infestation, remove visible insects manually. Then, use an insecticide until symptoms subside. For fungal infections, trim away any affected areas of the plant and place it in fresh, clean soil. 

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Essential Tools for Monstera Peru

Here is a complete list of the materials you will want to have on hand to care for your Monstera Peru.

• Plastic container with drainage holes
• Saucer or decorative pot for eliminating excess water
• Well-draining soil mix
• All-purpose or time-release fertilizer
• Moss pole or trellis
• Watering can
• Clean shears or scissors
• Insecticide
• Pebble tray if needed for added humidity
• Humidifier, if needed
• Gloves for handling the plant

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Wrapping Up 

Monstera karstenianum is the perfect candidate to spruce up your collection. Between its easygoing nature and gorgeous foliage, this plant brings visual appeal to any space. Now that you know how to care for Monstera Peru, you’re ready to introduce it as the newest member of your home. 

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Monstera Peru (Monstera Karstenianum) FAQs: 

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Everything You Need to Know About Growing Monstera Plants:

For more on the famed Monstera plant and to learn more about how to grow and care for these plants at home, please see our guides to:

• The 12 Best Monstera Varieties to Grow at Home
• Monstera Plant Light Requirements
• The Best Soil Mix for Monstera Plants
• When and How to Water Monstera Plants
• When and How to Fertilize Monstera Plants
• 12 Common Reasons Your Monstera Plant Leaves are Turning Yellow
• How to Grow and Care for Variegated Monstera Plants
• Monstera Peru Ultimate Care Guide
• Monstera Plant Meaning and Symbolism
• How Fast do Monster Plants Grow?
• How Long Do Monstera Plants Live For?
• The Uses and Benefits of Monstera Plants.

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