This article, “Monstera Siltepecana vs. Monstera Peru,” will cover some similarities and key differences between these two popular Monstera varieties. Read on to discover:
- An overview of Monstera Siltepecana and Monstera Peru.
- The similarities these both Monstera plants share
- The common differences between the two.
Monstera Siltepecana
Native to Southern Mexico and Central America, Monstera Siltepecana, commonly known as Swiss Cheese Plant or Silver Monstera, belongs to the Araceae (the Calla) family and the Monstera genus.
Siltepecana, like other Monstera species, like Monstera deliciosa, is a climbing vine whose leaves become pockmarked with tiny holes as the plant ages. However, in immature foliage, it has striking silver venation.
Since Siltepecana loves to climb, it will grow best when given a moss pole to climb up. However, in a terrarium or hanging basket, though, this tropical plant will shine.
Monstera Peru
Native to tropical regions of Peru and South America, Monstera Peru, commonly known as Monstera Karstenianum Peru, belongs to the Araceae (Arum or Aroid) 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, Monstera Peru has a naturally ascending and vining growth habit and performs best when given support to climb.
These climbing support structures include things like moss poles or trellises. When placed around the plant, they support the plant’s natural growth patterns.
Monstera Siltepecana 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 of them look similar to each other.
Among the variations found in South and Central America, Monstera Siltepecana and Monstera Peru are relatively rare (you’ll find only a few in the local nursery, which serves to highlight how unique they are).
However, aside from the obvious rarity and climbing nature, These tropical plants have several things in common, which is why gardeners may confuse the two plant species for one another.
Wondering what makes these two plant species so similar? Read on to discover some features that make distinguishing between Monstera Peru and Monstera Siltepecana difficult.
The Root System
Regarding the root system of Monstera Karstenianum (Peru) and Siltepecana, both share a few similarities in terms of aerial roots that allow excess water and nutrients to reach the root.
Being an evergreen trailing plant or (partially) epiphytic vine, both mature Monstera Peru and Monstera Siltepecana search for a tree trunk or an anchor to support their climb.
Therefore, if you restrict this Monstera variety 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
Did you know the leaves of any plant show a lot about its nature? Yes, just by observing the leaf structure clearly, you can identify several factors, including the plant’s overall health, nutrient deficiency, water requirement, root condition, and the growing atmosphere.
Surprisingly, when it comes to the similarities between Monstera Peru and Monstera Siltepecana, both share similar leaf structures in terms of dark green leaves.
However, note that the patterns of fenestrations on the darker green leaves of mature Monstera Peru and Siltepecana may have a few differences. (More on that later!)
The Growing Habits
When it comes to the growing habits of Monstera Peru and Siltepecana, both Monstera types have interesting behaviors to portray due to the absence of a root-bound system. To initiate growth, it is essential to have a humid environment. As both plants are found in tropical regions, tropical rainforests are considered ideal for a constant growth cycle.
As both Peru and Siltepecana are classified as epiphytes (air plants), they grow upon objects or secondary plants merely for physical support and have no attachment to the ground.
Temperature Limitations
Temperature is one of the many vital factors for the growth of every plant, including Peru and Siltepecana; however, keeping them at controlled temperatures may facilitate their growth.
The ideal temperature range for Monstera Siltepecana is 60-95°F, while the Monstera Peru temperature requirements are between 65-80°F—making them quite similar to each other.
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 Siltepecana vs. Monstera Peru — Key Differences
Finally, we discussed the core similarities between Monstera Siltepecana 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 Siltepecana and Peru are quite major and matter for individuals who are adamant about keeping one Monstera type over the other.
The Root System
- Here’s a quick fact: Did you know that when differentiating between various Monstera variations, botanists and horticulturists use the root systems for clear identification?
Despite no major visible differences, the roots of the Monstera Peru cause this plant to grow slowly. On the flip side, Monstera Siltepecana has relatively faster growth.
Compared to other vigorous growers like Monstera Pinnatipartita, Monstera Adansonii, and Monstera Standleyana, you may have to wait longer for Peru to grow to its full potential.
The Leaf Structure    Â
Siltepecana has the form of a lance; nevertheless, some individuals say that it resembles a teardrop. Meanwhile, Monstera Peru’s thick leaves have more or less the same form.
At certain points in its development, Siltepecana exhibits a silvery-grayish hue and a variegated appearance due to black veins. On the other hand, Peru has a dark, forest green hue.
When it comes to the texture, Siltepecan’s leaves have an ordinary texture with fenestrations near the midrib, while the leaves of Peru are glossy and bubbly, giving an appearance of plastic.
During the Juvenile stage, the black veins on the silvery sheen of Siltepecana leaves show exquisite variegation, but when the leaf is mature, it has deeper and lighter hues of green, with the darker colors being more evident on the underside of the leaf than on the top.
On the other hand, Peru has a solid dark green hue with very minimal variegation on thicker leaves; nevertheless, depending on how the light hits, it may seem to have a variegated pattern.
The Growing Habits
The Siltepecana plant does well in either partial or total shade in its native environment but can also grow in an indoor jungle when placed next to a window with bright indirect light.
Monstera peru grows well in bright light; it can tolerate more indirect light than Siltepecana. Consequently, the two varieties have a mutual aversion to being exposed to direct sunlight.
Monstera Siltepecana’s potting mix must be rich in oxygen with moderate proportions of orchid bark, coco coir, and rooting powder; otherwise, the plant will rot from the roots.
On the other hand, the requirements for preparing the soil for Monstera Peru are not quite complicated. Simply put, the soil must be able to drain well and have an acidic ph level of 5-7.5.
Temperature Limitations
Monstera Karstenianum is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of South America; therefore, it does well in a humid atmosphere. If required, the humidity should be raised artificially.
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.
When it comes to temperature limitations, don’t put Monstera Peru under freezing temperatures. On the other hand, Siltepecana has wide temperature tolerance. Knowing these differences and similarities can help you prepare for your Monstera peru care, so it’s wise to take note.
Monstera Siltepecana vs. Monstera Peru — Things to Know
Finally, we have covered the similar and contrasting features of Monstera Peru and Siltepecana Monstera; it is now time to unveil some of the interesting facts about the two.
- Every Siltepecana and Peru has two different forms: juvenile and mature plant phases.
- Siltepecana does not produce fruit, but some Monstera Peru varieties do.
- The blossoms seen in Siltepecana and Peru are not flowers but spathes.
- According to ASPCA, both Silver Monstera and Monstera Peru are toxic to pets.
- Stem cutting is ideal for propagating Monstera Peru and Siltepecana Monstera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re looking for a Monstera to fine-tune your houseplant collection or 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 two of the most burning questions about Monstera Siltepecana and Monstera Peru. Hop in.
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How Does Monstera Peru Flower Look?
With prominent venation and puckered leaves (sensitive to direct sunlight) in a dark green color, the Monstera Peru flower appears slightly like a vine version of a Crocodile Fern.
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Is Monstera Peru Rare?
Monstera Peru is an extremely rare, fast-growing plant with thick, exceptionally thick leaves and shallow roots, among other drought-tolerant species. It doesn’t have those classic monster fenestrations, but these plants are still gorgeous. You can find Monstera Peru plants on Etsy if you want an easy way to get them.
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Is Monstera Peru Leaves Curling Normal?
Curling leaves are one of the most prevalent symptoms of underwatering. If you see the leaves of your Peru plant curling, it is time to give it some more water and spread wet soil.
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.
