Monstera siltepecana aka Monstera Peru

Taxonomy

Monstera siltepecana is a fast-growing species of flowering plant in the genus Monstera, native to the wet tropical biomes of southern Mexico and Central America. It is a vining plant and as it matures, its distinctive silver-veined leaves develop holes (fenestrations) that are believed to help sunlight pass through to lower leaves. The genus name Monstera comes from the Latin word for monstrous/abnormal, referring to the abnormal leaves of the plant. It is known to grow more than 60ft/18m tall and is an incredible climber that uses aerial roots to grab onto trees as it grows towards the sun.

Common names

Monstera Peru, Silver Monstera

How to care for Monstera Peru

Difficulty

Caring for Monstera Peru is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Monstera Peru should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Monstera Peru loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Monstera Peru prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Monstera Peru to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Monstera Peru. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Monstera Peru should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Monstera Peru’s native range is Central America.


More info:
Wikipedia