Cultivar guide · Monstera karstenianum
Monstera Peru (Karstenianum)
Thick, leathery, deeply textured leaves with a corrugated or "puckered" surface. Unusual for a Monstera because it does NOT develop fenestrations or splits, even at maturity. Leaves are dark green with a slightly metallic sheen.
Family
Araceae
Classification
species
Mature size
3–6 ft long vining or climbing indoors; leaves 4–6 inches
Pet safety
toxic to cats and dogs
Care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Water when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry
- Humidity
- 50% or higher
- Temperature
- 65–85°F (18–29°C)
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Sometimes mislabeled as a Monstera siltepecana juvenile. Key difference: M. peru has thick, almost succulent leaves with deep puckering; M. siltepecana has thinner, silver-patterned juvenile leaves that change shape at maturity.
Pet safety: Monstera Peru (Karstenianum) is toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA.
Botanical reference: Kew Plants of the World Online — Monstera karstenianum
For full care of the parent species, see the Monstera care guide.