Monstera obliqua 'Peru' (Swiss Cheese Vine, Monstera obliqua Peru Form)

Prepare to be captivated by the Monstera obliqua 'Peru', a rare and ethereal beauty that stands among the most coveted plants in the houseplant world. At Happy Houseplants, we’re incredibly proud to offer this extraordinary collector’s specimen—meticulously sourced and hand-selected for its delicate foliage and botanical perfection.

Unlike any other, the Monstera obliqua 'Peru' boasts ultra-fine, lace-like leaves adorned with dramatic fenestrations—so large and intricate, each leaf appears to be more hole than leaf. It’s a marvel of nature, a living artwork that feels almost too magical to be real. This is not your average houseplant—this is one for the true plant connoisseurs.

A quick note on names—there’s often confusion in the plant world around common names, and Monstera is no exception. Terms like “Monkey Mask”, “Swiss Cheese Plant”, or even “Monstera obliqua” are frequently used in the trade to describe a wide range of plants, most often referring to Monstera adansonii, which is beautiful in its own right, but far more common. In reality, the Monstera genus is incredibly diverse, with over 40 recognised species and many naturally occurring variants and subspecies found throughout Central and South America. 

This is not the more commonly sold Monstera adansonii or Monstera Obliqua 'Monkey Mask'. Monstera obliqua 'Peru' is an extremely rare variant with tissue-thin leaves and an otherworldly appearance. Its foliage is far more delicate and fenestrated than adansonii, and it grows much slower, making it a true collector's dream, you’ll see the difference the moment it arrives. 

Unless you're a botanist, have access to DNA testing, or are able to observe the plant in flower or growing in its native habitat, telling the difference between Monstera species can be incredibly difficult. Many forms look strikingly similar when young, and even on the same plant, leaf shape can vary over time depending on age and growing conditions. At Happy Houseplants, we use common trade names that are widely recognised in the UK plant community to help make identification easier. 

Want to know more, check out our blog here on monstera peru and other variants here

Native to the humid, shaded rainforests of Peru, this elusive beauty thrives in the gentle embrace of filtered light and moisture-rich air. In the wild, it grows as a compact vine in the forest understory, clinging gracefully to trees. Its slow-growing, compact nature makes it especially suited to life in a controlled indoor environment—whether in a glass terrarium, a display case, or nestled into your prized collection.

Caring for this rare gem requires a little extra love, but the rewards are more than worth it:

Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light is perfect. Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Filtered light near an east- or north-facing window works wonders.

Temperature and Humidity: Keep it cosy—between 18°C and 26°C is ideal. This plant loves high humidity, so think terrariums, humidity trays, or a grow cabinet. Mist regularly or keep it somewhere naturally humid like a kitchen or bathroom.

Watering: Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to upset this sensitive soul—keep things lightly moist but never soggy.

Soil and Potting: This Monstera craves a light, airy mix. We recommend a combination of coco coir, orchid bark, perlite, worm castings, and a dash of magic. Okay, maybe not magic—but it feels like it.

Fertilising: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed with a gentle, diluted fertiliser every few weeks. For best results, use our exclusive Organic Tropical Plant Food—it’s packed with everything your plant needs, made from seaweed and nothing synthetic.

Size: W12cm x H30cm (Beautiful, healthy plants with a stunning start to their growth journey!)

Our top Tip: To give your Monstera obliqua 'Peru' the best chance to truly flourish, it’s essential to provide a moss pole or some kind of vertical support. In its natural habitat, this plant climbs trees in the humid rainforest understory, and it’s genetically programmed to grow upwards. While it’s undeniably a slow grower, offering it something to climb—along with a bit of patience—will make all the difference. A moss pole encourages larger, more mature foliage and healthier overall growth. Giving it space and structure to grow into will reward you in time with the most spectacular leaf development this rare beauty has to offer.

Styling-wise, Monstera obliqua 'Peru' is a conversation piece. It’s not just a plant—it’s a statement. Display it in a glass dome, a sleek modern planter, or let it gently trail from a shelf in a warm, bright room. Its unusual foliage adds a delicate, textural element that few other plants can offer.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this plant will quickly become one of your most treasured companions.

Discover more plant care advice, styling inspiration, and the stories behind our plants over on our Houseplant Blog. You’ll find a warm community of like-minded plant lovers and expert tips to help your plants thrive.

All our plants are supplied in a plastic nursery pot.