Top Tips to Grow a Healthy Monstera Peru Indoor

Let's grow together!

Monstera Peru is a fabulous and easy-to-care-for plant. With a distinct appearance and feel, this plant is a must-have in homes!

Here, we’ll share with you essential care practices, so you can confidently raise your Monstera Peru. We will also provide various options for you to buy one for yourself. Keep reading to learn more about Monstera’s attractive attributes!

What Is Monstera Peru?

The Monstera Peru is known to some as Green Galaxy Monstera (by Costa Farms) and Monstera Karstenianum. It is a fabulous plant made famous by its textured foliage.

Unlike other varieties of Monstera, this exotic plant’s leaves are ripped, almost ridged. Additionally, although it is rare, some Monstera Peru can occasionally sport a green-white variegation in its leathery leaves.

This perennial belongs to the Araceae family. Its rich green, lanceolate leaves love humidity when grown indoors.

If you are in hardiness zones 10-12, you can raise your Monstera Peru outdoors.

Monstera Peru Origin And Family

Green Galaxy Monstera belongs to the Monstera genus in the Araceae family. Natively, it’s from the rainforests of Peru.

This fabulous plant has recently gained popularity among indoor growers and was believed to be discovered by Francisco de Orellana during one of his trips to Peru.

Where To Buy

If you want to buy a Monstera Peru, you can check with your local florist or nursery. However, there are usually better deals and broader selections at online sites like Etsy.

In terms of pricing, the reasonably affordable costs of this plant are between $5+ for cuttings and $30+ for potted plants (4 “-6” pots).

Monstera Peru Plant Size

As a houseplant, the Monstera Peru reaches up to 12 feet tall when mature. This plant will look good near an east or west-facing window.

Monstera Peru Care Needs

The Monstera Peru is a humidity-loving plant that needs relatively dry soil throughout the year. During the summertime, water your plant once the top inch of the soil is dry. Keep pouring until water flows out of the drainage hole. Be sure to empty the catch plate to avoid root rot.

Check out this more detailed guide to care for your Monstera Peru!

Monstera Peru Care Difficulty

Like many plants from the Monstera genus, the Monstera Peru is easy-to-care-for in most situations – if you give it the proper amount of well-draining soil and light. With this Green Galaxy Monstera guide, you can quickly grow this fabulous plant.

Monstera Peru Growth Rate

The Karstenianum is a slow-growing plant. Indoors, it reaches a mature height of up to 12 feet.

You can manage this plant’s height with proper pruning in the growing season during the spring and summer.

Monstera Peru Potting

The potting material for Monstera Peru should typically be plastic, terracotta, or clay in most cases. As a hemiepiphytic vining plant (its shallow roots are rooted in the soil for support), this beauty loves climbing, so adding a moss pole or any climbing material can help increase the growth of this lush plant.

The size of the pot matters for Green Galaxy Monstera, and you should use the large option typically.

Good drainage is another need for this perennial.

Monstera Peru Repotting

Monstera Peru is a slow grower, so repotting it is not a priority. However, changing the soil once in a while will help replenish the nutrients and enable your Monstera to thrive even more.

#PhilodendronFriday featuring my Monstera Peru 😻🖤 #PlantTwitter pic.twitter.com/rumTfGE70I

— Kimberly ✨ (@kim_tavarez2) April 8, 2022

Monstera Peru Soil

For the Monstera Karstenianum, standard commercial potting soil is suitable. Add components such as coco coir, orchid bark, pumice, or perlite to make your soil mixture. Keep in mind that this plant prefers a relatively dry growing medium.

Make sure your chosen soil type accommodates good drainage and aeration so the roots can breathe better.

We recommend the following potting mixes:

Monstera Peru pH

You’ll need a soil pH of roughly 5.0-7.5, which is neutral to acidic, for the Karstenianum. If you’re worried about acidity, you may check your soil with the help of a basic pH testing tool.

You can lower the pH if it’s too high by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

You can add baking soda, wood ash, or calcitic or dolomitic lime to your soil to raise its pH if it is too low.

Monstera Peru Water

You’ll want to keep your soil relatively dry when watering Green Galaxy Monstera. To gauge moisture, stick a finger into the pot, or invest in a soil moisture meter device. You’ll know it’s time to water your Monstera when the upper inch of the soil is dry.

However, the frequency of watering also depends on the potting material. If you have a porous pot, you’ll need to water the plant more often because it absorbs moisture, so the substrate dries faster.

On the other hand, if you planted your Monstera in a plastic pot, water it less because the substrate remains more humid.

Overwatering is one of the most common killers of indoor plants. When in doubt, remember that it’s safer to go underwater than overwater the Green Galaxy Monstera. Also, ensure your pot has drainage holes and fast-draining soil for excess water.

Monstera Peru Light

This plant comes from the rainforests of Peru and is used to receiving bright indirect sunlight. However, as an indoor plant, it can also tolerate a couple of hours of morning sunlight (30 minutes to 2 hours max). A north-facing window and east and west windows are ideal for this plant.

Too much light will damage its leaves. When this happens, move your plant away from the window or use curtains and blinds to filter the light coming in.

On the other hand, if your Peru is getting less light than it needs, its leaves will droop. In this case, you can move your plant closer to a window. You can also supplement it with grow lights. We recommend the following artificial lighting products:

Avoid putting your Monstera Peru in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or kill it.

Monstera Peru Fertilizer

Feed your Monstera plants to give them some extra nutrient boost. Use a slow-release fertilizer once a month during its growing season in the spring and summer.

Here are some plant food options:

When growth naturally slows down in the wintertime, you don’t need to fertilize your tropical plants.

Avoid supplying fertilizers to your Green Galaxy Monstera, as it may seriously damage or even kill it.

Propagating Monstera Peru

It is possible to propagate a Green Galaxy Monstera with the proper methods. Here are various techniques for propagating this fabulous houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One of the best ways to propagate a Monstera Peru is by making a cutting and planting it directly in the soil. It is ideal for propagating a Green Galaxy Monstera in the springtime. Propagate a Monstera Peru in soil by following these steps.

1. Collect your Monstera Peru cutting. Look for a healthy stem on your Monstera Peru with one or two nodes. Cut just below the Green Galaxy Monstera’s nodes with gardening shears.

2. Plant your Monstera Peru cutting. Directly plant the cutting into standard commercial potting soil so the nodes are covered.

3. Maintain your Monstera Peru cutting. Keep the soil around your baby Monstera Peru moist and maintain a temperature of approximately 55-80°F.

4. Rotate your Monstera Peru cutting. Rotate the pot occasionally for even growth on all sides of your Peru.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Six easy steps can be used to propagate a Monstera Karstenianum in water.

1. Cut. Take a piece of the stem that has at least one node and fresh growth on it.

2. Submerge. To keep an eye on root development, place the cutting in a clear container or a glass filled with water.

3. Maintain. The cutting should then be kept in a bright, well-ventilated, shaded area

4. Refill. To prevent bacterial disease, change the water every three or five days.

5. Transplant. Check for progress after two weeks; if the roots are one inch or longer, plant the cutting into a sterile potting mix.

6. Wait. Your new plant may initially look wilted, but this is normal because the roots need to adjust to the soil. At this point, avoid applying fertilizer or any treatments until your plant has gotten the chance to stabilize.

Hey everyone thought I'd share my monstera Peru as it's doing something a bit special #HouseplantHour pic.twitter.com/radoxpS3TS

— Claire Robson (@89claire_louise) March 15, 2022

Humidity And Aeration for Monstera Peru

Monstera Peru is a rare perennial that loves high humidity. We recommend keeping the air humidity levels around 50%-70% for best results.

Aside from absorbing water through its roots, your plant will also need nourishment from the moisture in the air. You can keep bowls of water to evaporate nearby, or you can invest in a humidifier that is more consistent in improving humidity for your plant.

Monstera Peru Temperature

Temperature ranges between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your Karstenianum.

Sudden temperature swings can be fatal for your Karstenianum. During winter, close windows and seal any openings where cold drafts may enter. Don’t place your plant near appliances that emit heat.

Toxic

Keep an eye out if you have small children or animals. The Monstera Karstenianum is dangerous to pets, such as cats, dogs, and people. If ingested, expect the following symptoms: swelling of the tongue and throat and GI distress. It can also cause skin irritation. In most cases, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Monstera Peru

The Monstera Peru is a disease and pest-resistant plant. Here are some common problems, diseases, and pests, along with how to treat them.

Spider Mites

Unfortunately, spider mites are widespread, and Karstenianum is particularly vulnerable. Spider mite damage appears on the plant’s thick leaves as tiny brown or yellow patches. You might also see fine silk webbing when the infestation is severe.

Start by spraying your Karstenianum with water from a sink nozzle or a pressure sprayer. This dislodges the spider mites from the plant. If the first method fails, an organic pyrethrin spray will serve you well.

If you desire a more organic approach, releasing ladybugs in your indoor growing space can reduce spider mite populations. There’s also a beetle known as the “Spider Mite Destroyer,” which may be challenging to acquire, but the name speaks for itself!

Fungus Gnats

If you see sudden wilting, yellowing, or poor growth in your Green Galaxy Monstera, these could be symptoms of a fungus gnat infestation.

You’ll spot these gnats buzzing about your plants. Adult gnats are grayish-black in color with see-through wings, thin bodies, and long antennae. They are attracted to moist soil with a high organic matter content.

If you overwater, fungus gnats will appear more frequently on your Green Galaxy Monstera. Instead of watering when the upper inch of the soil is dry, delay your watering three days to let the soil dry out. This should kill some of the larvae at the top of the soil.

We placed yellow sticky cards nearby when we encountered these gnats in our hydroponics systems. These traps are effective in catching adults. To kill the larvae, mix 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 4 cups of water and pour it on the soil.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid climates. It initially grows on the top surface of the leaves, but it will quickly spread on the undersides of your Karstenianum. The leaves will turn yellow and dry out.

Dilute one teaspoon of neem oil and one teaspoon of dish soap in 4 cups of water. Add ¾ teaspoon of baking soda for good measure. Spray this solution on your plant’s leaves to eliminate powdery mildew.

White Flies

Whiteflies are gnat-like pests that feed on the sap of your houseplants. Having them on your Green Galaxy Monstera can be a significant inconvenience. They deposit eggs which will hatch into larvae that eat the undersides of your plant’s leaves.

You can get rid of Whiteflies using a general pesticide. You may either buy it online or make one using the recipe below:

• To create your base, mix these ingredients: 5 drops of dish soap (make sure it doesn’t have any bleach in it!) + 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil

• For every cup of water, add 1.5 tsp of the prepared mixture

• Shake the solution well and transfer it into a spray bottle.

• Spray all surfaces of the infected plant, especially on the underside of leaves.

Scale Insects

Adult scales are sedentary and covered in a waxy coating, but they will give birth to tiny crawling bugs.

Armored scales can be scraped off, but you must do it gently using an old ID card or with your fingers. Take care not to rip the leaves of your Monstera Peru.

Use insecticidal soap, horticultural, or neem oil to suffocate scale insects. When you see active crawlers, spray your unique plant with a general pesticide. Follow it up with a second application after a week. We recommend some products below:

#MonsteraMiercoles featuring my Monstera Peru 😻 yes I just made that hashtag up lol. 🌱 pic.twitter.com/ANsJRmoXiv

— Kimberly ✨ (@kim_tavarez2) March 30, 2022

Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that will suck the sap of your Monstera Karstenianum. Some aphids are crawlers, and some are winged. They may come in brown, black, red, green, white, and many others.

Look for aphids on the underside of leaves, on shoots that have not unfurled yet, and on delicate areas of the stem. If you find these insects (usually in a cluster), act before they spread to other houseplants!

First, cover the soil with a plastic bag. Then, give your plant a thorough wash using soap and water. You can even use a sponge to make sure all surfaces are covered. After washing, isolate your plant in a shaded area with good airflow so its leaves won’t burn from the soap.

If the aphids come back, spray your Monstera Karstenianum with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute these products first.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Karstenianum. These little parasites damage your Monstera by inserting a feeding tube into the plant tissues and sucking on the sap. They can eventually weaken or even kill your plant.

Soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to remove them, then use its tip to remove each mealybug manually. You can also spray neem oil on the leaves to suffocate these bugs.

Brown Leaf Tips

One common cause of browning edges on your Green Galaxy Monstera’s leaves is a soil build-up of salts and minerals. This typically happens if you apply too much fertilizer or use chemically-treated tap water.

Another reason for browning leaf tips is the lack of moisture. Water your plant appropriately, and improve your indoor humidity.

Drooping Leaves

The leaves of your Monstera Peru might start to droop if it lacks the proper amount of moisture and bright indirect light it needs. Check out or Water and Light sections above to see the recommended care practices for your plant.

Drooping leaves can also be an issue with low humidity, so check the humidity levels in your area and ensure that it matches your plant’s needs.

Yellow Leaves

Several factors can cause the leaves of a Monstera Karstenianum to become yellow. One possibility is that it doesn’t get enough bright light. It could also be that the plant gets too much or too little water.

Yellow leaves should be pruned to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of deterioration. Besides, they can be unattractive and worrying to look at. Simply trim the leaves off with a sharp, sterile pair of shears.

Root Rot

Root rot is a prevalent cause of death for Karstenianum. Soil that is too compact will become water-logged and eventually rot the roots of your plant. Because this disease is difficult to stop, prevention is the best course of action.

The simplest way to prevent root rot is to lower the amount and frequency of watering your Monstera. Before giving your plant a drink, check to see if the first 3 inches of the soil are dry. If not, your plant can most probably wait a little longer!

In terms of potting material, porosity is a property that allows air to pass through and dry the soil while also allowing excess moisture to escape. Porous pots can be made of clay, baked terracotta, ceramic (unglazed), or concrete. Make sure you choose one that has drainage holes at the bottom!

Similar Plants to Monstera Peru

Love Green Galaxy Monstera? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:

Monstera Albo – A beautiful and simple-to-care-for plant, Monstera Albo will liven up any indoor garden. Because of its unusual look and feel, this houseplant is a favorite among plant collectors.

Monstera Deliciosa – The “split-leaf philodendron” is another name for the large and bold Monstera Deliciosa. This beauty is often found in designer spaces for its stunning look that increases the wow factor of any area.

Philodendron White Knight – This gorgeous and rare plant is a crown gem of every indoor garden. Its unique foliage of rich dark green and splashes of white makes it a highly sought-after plant and a great addition to indoor gardens.

Conclusion

With its attractive characteristics, Monstera Peru is a terrific choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant. Your care efforts for this plant will provide stunning, exotic flora that you’ll love having in your house!

Can’t get enough of plant guides? Check out these other options below.

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

Let's grow together!