This article, “Monstera Pinnatipartita vs. Monstera Peru,” will cover some key similarities and differences between these two rare Monstera varieties. Read on to discover:
- An overview of Monstera Pinnatipartita and Peru.
- The key similarities these both varieties share.
- The most common differences between the two.
Monstera Pinnatipartita
Native to Central America and the tropical regions of South America, Monstera Pinnatipartita, commonly known as Philodendron Silver Queen, belongs to the Araceae family.
Pinnatipartita is a beautiful, rare, evergreen, and medium-growing climbing plant that looks similar to the Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Deliciosa, in appearance when young.
As an epiphyte (a plant that grows on another plant), Pinnatipartita has a naturally ascending and vining growth habit and performs best when given support, like a moss pole to climb.
Monstera Peru
Native to tropical regions of Peru and American rainforests, Monstera Peru, commonly known as Monstera Karstenianum Peru or Monstera sp. Peru, belongs to the Araceae family.
Peru, like other Monstera varieties, is a climbing vine whose leaves are iridescent, brilliantly puckered, and exceptionally inflexible—giving the plant the distinctive feel it’s known for.
As an epiphyte like Monstera Pinnatipartita, Monstera Peru also has a naturally ascending and vining growth habit and performs best when given vertical support, like a moss pole to climb.
Monstera Pinnatipartita vs Monstera Peru — Key Similarities
Believe it or not, Monsteras are full of surprises; even better, there are approximately 48 (close to 50) species of Monstera in the world, and the majority look similar to each other.
Among the variations found in tropical regions, Monstera Pinnatipartita and Peru are relatively rare (you’ll find only a few in the local nursery, highlighting how unique they are).
However, aside from the obvious epiphyte feature and climbing nature, these tropical plants have many key similaritiesthat make it difficult for gardeners to distinguish between them.
Wondering what makes these two plant species so similar? Read on to discover some features that make distinguishing between Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera Peru difficult.
The Root System
When it comes to the root system of Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera Peru, both share a few similarities in terms of aerial roots that allow excess water and nutrients to reach the root.
Being evergreen climbing vines and epiphyte plants, both mature Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera Peru search for a tree trunk, an anchor, or a moss pole to support new growth.
Consequently, if you restrict these Monsteras to a pot (without a suitable medium to climb and survive) during the juvenile stage, they will most likely not grow to their full potential.
The Leaf Structure   Â
If you look closely at the leaf structure and appearance of Monstera, you can tell a lot about the nutritional shortage, watering requirements, and the state of its roots.
When it comes to the leaf structure of Pinnatipartita and Peru, both are often confused during the juvenile stage due to bullate leaves, color, texture shape, and sunken veins.
However, note that the patterns of large fenestrations (split leaves) on the dark green juvenile leaves of mature Monstera Pinnatipartita distinguish it from Peru. (More on that later!)
The Growing Habits
When it comes to the growing habits of Monstera Pinnatipartita and Peru, both Monstera types have interesting behaviors to display due to the absence of a root-bound system.
To initiate growth, it is essential to have a warm, humid environment. Since both Monsteras are found in tropical regions, rainforests are considered ideal for a constant growth cycle.
As both Pinnatipartita and Peru are classified as epiphytes, they grow upon secondary plants or objects like Moss Pole merely for physical support and have no attachment to the ground.
Temperature Limitations
The majority of activities that take place in plants are affected by temperature, including transpiration, vegetation, photosynthesis, germination, respiration, and blooming.
Undoubtedly, temperature is one of the most vital factors for the growth of Monstera plants; therefore, keeping them at controlled temperatures may facilitate their growth.
The ideal temperature range for Monstera Pinnatipartita is 65 to 80ºF (19 to 25ºC), while the Monstera Peru temperature requirements are also exactly the same.
Considering that both varieties have a human-like nature when it comes to survival, if you store them in extreme conditions, you will most likely restrict their survival to a limited time.
Monstera Pinnatipartita vs Monstera Peru — Key Differences
Finally, we discussed the core similarities between Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera Peru to give you an idea of the shared characteristics, now is the time for key differences.
Unlike other Monsteras, the differences between Pinnatipartita and Peru are quite major and matter for individuals who are adamant about keeping one Monstera plant type over the other.
The Root System
Here’s a quick fact: Monstera aerial roots are often considered the most refined of all aerial roots, meaning they won’t harm the interior but will nourish and support the plant.
Despite no visible differences, the roots of the Monstera Pinnatipartita have relatively faster growth. On the flip side, Monstera Peru grows slowly—making them incredibly popular among homeowners.
Compared to other vigorous growers like Monstera Siltepecana, Peace Lily, Monstera Adansonii, and Monstera Deliciosa (Hurricane Plant/Mexican Breadfruit), you may have to wait longer for Monstera Peru vine and flowers to grow to their full potential.
The Leaf Structure   Â
Monstera Pinnatipartita has deep green to light, almost-green colored leaves, and as they reach the maturation stage, the leaves begin to transform into a unique shape and cut.
On the flip side, when it comes to the structure of Peru, it has thick, wrinkled, ridge-like, and tear-drop-shaped leaves. The extraordinary length of these rounder leaves extends up to 9cm.
As Pinnatipartita grows larger, the fenestration starts to appear clearly. The stunning holes or slots in the plant make it uniquely beautiful, while the smooth texture has its own feel.
On the other hand, the leaves of Peru are glossy and bubbly, giving the appearance of plastic. Nevertheless, depending on how the light hits, it may seem to have a variegated pattern.
The Growing Habits
Monstera Pinnatipartita does well in deep shade in its native environment but can also grow indoors as a houseplant when placed next to a north-facing window with bright indirect light.
Monstera Peru grows well in bright light; it can tolerate more bright light than Pinnatipartita. Consequently, the two varieties have a mutual aversion to being exposed to direct sunlight.
During the growing season, prepare a well-draining potting mix for Pinnatipartita with organic matter like compost, mulch, and bark bits to promote new growth from stem cuttings.
On the other hand, the requirements for preparing well-draining soil for Peru are not quite complicated. Just look out for soil with an acidic ph level of 5-7.5, and you’re good to go.
Temperature Limitations
Monstera Pinnatipartita is indigenous to tropical rainforests; it does well in average humidity conditions. If required, the humidity should be raised artificially by grouping plants together.
Since Siltepecana is endemic to Monstera Peru, it can tolerate high humidity levels; however, raising the humidity in the growing seasons artificially at night is recommended.
On the other hand, Monstera Peru is a tropical plant that adores extreme humid environments. If the leaves of Monstera Peru turn yellow, it means the humidity is not enough.
Regarding temperature limitations, don’t put Monstera Peru under freezing temperatures. On the other hand, Monstera Pinnatipartita goes dormant (temporarily inactive) in winter.
Monstera Pinnatipartita vs Monstera Peru — Things to Know
Here, we have covered the similar and contrasting features of Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera Peru; it is now time to unveil some interesting facts about these houseplants.
- Unlike other Monsteras, Monstera Peru grows vigorously in bright but indirect light.
- Peru survives in lower-light conditions, but keeping the soil moist is important.
- Stem cutting may be used to propagate both by dipping them in the rooting hormone.
- The ideal humidity for both Monstera Pinnatipartita and Peru plants is at least 60%
- To provide supplemental humidity, cover your planted cutting with a plastic bag.
- Some species of Monstera Peru and Pinnatipartita bear clustered berry-like fruit.
- Both Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera (Karstenianum) Peru flower in summers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re looking for a Monstera to modify your houseplant collection, or maybe you’re just feeding your brain with general information on Monstera plants, we hope this article helped.
However, we’re not done just yet. As a bonus, we’ve taken the time to answer some questions about Monstera Pinnatipartita and Monstera Peru.
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Is Monstera Pinnatipartita Rare?
When compared to its popular plant cousins, Adansonii, Peru, and Deliciosa, Pinnatipartita has long been considered a rare plant that changes dramatically when it reaches maturity.
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What is the Key to Monstera Pinnatipartita Care?
The key to Monstera Pinnatipartita care is ideal humidity (at least 60%), well-draining compost/pot mix (own soil), watering (a few times a day), and low light conditions.
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Is Monstera Pinnatipartita Common?
The answer is no. Monstera Pinnatipartita is not a common Monstera species; it is quite rare compared to its cousins, Adansonii, Peru, Dubia, and Deliciosa.
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How Much Light Monstera Plants Need?
To grow, Monsteras need five to eight hours of indirect light each day, while the gorgeous coloring of variegated varieties of Monsteras must be exposed to more light.
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How to Clean a Monstera Plant at Home?
To keep the leaves of the Monstera plant clean and healthy, wipe them with a damp cloth every week. Additionally, use a water jar for watering the top few inches of leaves daily.
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What Type of Soil is the Best for a Monstera Plant?
Monstera thrives best in dense, nutrient-rich soil. To benefit the plant, prefer a soil mix with a slightly acidic pH. You can even check Facebook Marketplace or Etsy for ready-made soil mix.
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What are the Watering Requirements for Monstera?
Water your Monstera only once every two to three weeks to avoid root rot at all costs. Just check the soil to determine if the plant needs water. If it’s dry, water the plant immediately.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
