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Monstera Siltepecana vs Monstera Peru – 13 Similarities and 4 Differences

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If you’re undecided regarding which plant is the best, pinpointing facts about monstera siltepecana vs monstera Peru can be helpful. You can learn how many similarities and differences are there. These can be detrimental to your final selection. These may also provide additional knowledge on the dos and don’ts.

Monstera plants have been a popular choice for many gardeners and homeowners. One obvious reason is due to its undeniable beauty, which features primarily big, green leaves.

Like other species and families, monsteras have various types. Of course, these include monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru. While some are different in features, most monsteras are the same in characteristics and care requirements.

Monstera Siltepecana vs Monstera Peru – The Similarities

1. Family

Both monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru plants are Araceae. This is a calla family, also known as the aroids or arum.

2. Origin

These plants are native to South America, most notably Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. They are perennial evergreen plants naturally found in the jungle of Latin countries.

3. Color

The leaves are the main features of both plants. They are usually dark green with distinctive patterns. We reveal the detailed differences between the leaves below. Moreover, both plants bloom with white calla-like flowers.

4. Flowers

The flowers of both plants are technically known as spadix. This grows inside from the folded leaves called a spathe. Generally, these are leafy plants so they blossom fewer flowers.

5. Foliage

Both monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru are climbing plants. The leaves are closed and compressed with each other. They are best to grow in hanging pots or trellis and anything with support.

6. Growth

The average size of both monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru is 6-8 feet tall. This is easily achieved if all the basic care and requirements are provided. The only difference is that monstera Peru grows much faster than monsera siltepecana.

They are considered climbing plants. Once they reach their maturity after 2 or 3 years, they start to climb. This is the best time to add support so its ability to climb is not hindered.

7. Toxicity

The toxicity level of both plants is high when ingested. It pertains danger if you have kids and pets. Make sure that you keep an eye on them so they don’t pick a portion of the leaves and start munching.

8. Care

There’s no monstera siltepecana vs monstera Peru debate when it comes to caring. Both are easy to grow and manage. They are among the practical houseplants. Not to mention, they are decorative that add extra charm to your garden or different parts of your home. You can grow them in pots, hanging baskets, trellis, or fences and walls.

9. Epiphyte

Monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru are epiphytic and non-parasitic. Epiphyte means they derive nutrients as well as moisture from the air. They grow best when placed near other plants, too.

10. Soil and Fertilizer

Both perennial leafy plants require well-drained soil. It should be slightly acidic or neutral. The pH levels can range between 5 and 5.7. It must be rich in organic matter that can contribute to providing macronutrients. These mainly refer to oxygen, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

It is recommended to fertilize either plant at least once a month. This is best applied in the spring and summer seasons. The soil can be blended with chunky bits, such as coco coir, orchid barks, peat moss, pumice, sphagnum moss, and other natural potting mixes. 

Overall, these facts help maintain the plant’s life.

11. Watering

Water requirement does not call for comparison in monstera siltepecana vs monstera Peru. Both need regular watering to keep the moisture they need. The recommended schedule is once or twice a week.

Be careful in watering as you don’t want the soil to become soggy or too wet. This can gradually cause a concern. Regardless, you may use a moisture indicator to see if the soil is receiving enough water.

12. Propagation

Like other monsteras, both siltepecana and Peru are good propagators. You can expand the life of your plant if you stem cut them on a regular basis. The trick is to cut a few inches of the stem behind a node with one leaf or more.

13. Common Problems

You can also refrain from comparing monstera siltepecana vs monstera Peru if it’s about issues. Both plants can be infected by pests and insects or die due to a lack of proper care.

Among the common problems to prevent is underwatering or overwatering. You make sure that the needed amount of water is provided. This should be easily figured out by its soil if it’s moist or dry.

Another issue to avoid is too much sunlight. The sun’s rays can potentially burn the leaves. This is indicated by its color turning brown, yellow, or faded green. There’s still a chance to save your plant from dying by removing these damaged leaves.

Not having enough fertilizers can also cause health problems to your plant. The more it dies if there’s no natural organic at all.

Monstera Siltepecana vs Monstera Peru: The Differences

1. Leaves

Mature monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru are easy to identify by their leaves. The leaf of monstera siltepecana is elongated and heart-shaped. The size is smaller, ranging only 5-7 centimeters (2-3 inches) long and 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. Round, lance-shaped is best to describe the leaf of monstera Peru. Its length is 4- 9 centimeters (1.5-3.5 inches) in length and 5-10 centimeters (2-4) inches wide.

The leaves are generally green, but monstera siltepecana’s leaf is lighter. It is variegated in silver-gray, which is more visible in the juvenile stage. Once it matures, smaller holes around the middle vein and splits on the edges begin to develop. On the other hand, the leaf of monstera Peru is deep green with zero fenestrations.

In terms of texture, monstera siltepecana is regular, not too thin or thick. Contrary, monstera Peru is thicker and leather-like but glossy and smoother.

2. Fruits

Monstera Peru is surprisingly a fruit-producing type. Its fruits are edible, liken to the flavor of a ripe pineapple or banana. Monstera siltepecana does not bear any fruit.

Remember, the leaves and other parts of both plants are toxic. Only the fruits of the monstera Peru can be safely eaten.

3. Lighting

There’s a difference between monstera siltepecana vs monstera Peru when it comes to lighting conditions they need. Basically, both should be placed in indirect sunlight.

Monstera siltepecana prefers bright light. It can do fine with low light but greatly impacts its growth. 

Monstera Peru tolerates low light conditions. This is perfect to keep indoors near the windows, in the bathroom, or around the corner of your living room. To ensure better foliage, place in direct sun for half an hour daily.

The general rule is to give them a bit of sunlight to enhance their development and speed up their growth. However, keep them both away from direct sunlight for more than 2 hours as the leaves may burn.

4. Temperature and Humidity

Both monstera siltepecana and monstera Peru appreciate some warmth and a regular level of humidity. After all, these are tropical plants that thrive well in warm, humid conditions. But there’s a slight difference in terms of the needed degree of temperature and humidity.

For monstera siltepecana, the average temperature should be 60-degree Fahrenheit (16°C) to 95-degree Fahrenheit (35°C). This is typically the same temperature in a home between summer and spring. Humidity must be at least 50% to 60% or higher.

Monstera Peru prefers the same humidity rate. However, the temperature should range from 50-degree Fahrenheit (10°C) to 80-degree Fahrenheit (27ºC).

There are a few methods you can follow to increase the humidity conditions for these plants.

  • First, place them in the perfect location where a good humidity level is present. The usual areas inside a house are the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. If outdoors, anywhere with a moderate humid condition is an ideal place.
  • A second option is to add other species of plants with your monsteras. These do not only help maintain good humidity but also make the plants grow much quicker.
  • It’s also a great idea if you use a natural humidifier. This can be displayed in the same area where the plant is located. Or it can be in form of a spray that you may apple all over the leaves of the monstera.
  • The significance of the correct temperature and humidity is that it prevents the leaves from turning yellow or brown. These are abnormal colors that indicate a health problem.

Monstera Siltepecana vs Monstera Peru – Conclusion

There may be a few differences between siltepecana and Peru, but their similarities should make your decision much easier. Both plants are a great choice to grow at home for beginners.

They are beautiful greens and a low-maintenance type of plant. Regardless of the differences, there’s no lengthy discussion as to what to pick or which one is better, don’t you concur?