The Monstera Obliqua Peru is... different. It’s the kind of plant that makes people stop and ask, “Wait, is that thing supposed to look like that?” With leaves that are more hole than substance, it’s often the butt of a good-natured joke — but that quirky look is exactly what makes it a hit.
In this interview with owner Ruben Mostert, you will for sure become more and more excited about this 'holey' plant.
More Holes Than Leaf — And That’s the W(hole) Point
Tucked away in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, a village near Rotterdam, you’ll find Kwekerij Mostert — a true family-run nursery with roots that reach back four generations. What started with Ruben’s great-grandfather growing vegetables eventually turned into a full-on houseplant operation. Originally focused on Schefflera, the nursery has since broadened its range in response to shifting market demands. One plant in particular is taking center stage these days: the Monstera Obliqua Peru.
Ruben Mostert says:
"The Monstera Obliqua Peru is a real eye-catcher in our nursery. What makes this plant so special is the extreme perforations in the leaf — there are literally more holes than leaves. Sometimes people joke about it, as if snails have gnawed on it. But this unique appearance is precisely what makes it so popular. Despite its fragile appearance, it is a strong plant that also does well in spaces with less light."
Growing With Intention
The Obliqua Peru isn’t the type of plant you can grow on autopilot. Its growing behavior requires a hands-on approach. “Sometimes it throws out long 'runners' — fun at home, but we want compact, bushy plants with some body to them. That means constant fine-tuning in the greenhouse,” says Ruben.
Every Monstera in their lineup requires its own recipe when it comes to light, watering, and feeding. The Obliqua Peru was no exception — it took time to get it right.
A Smart, Stylish Mix
Kwekerij Mostert also grows Monstera Mint and Monstera Adansonii Variegata — and they’ve bundled the trio into one smart-looking mix tray. These varieties complement each other well in both form and color, making the tray a strong pick for smaller retailers and garden centers who want variety without overstocking.
“We launched the mix during the height of the pandemic,” Ruben explains. “The hype around these types of Monstera was huge. Prices were climbing like crazy. We caught that wave at just the right time.”
Available in pot size P12 — and even P6 for those tiny-space retailers — the mix tray continues to be a strong seller.
Quality Is in Mostert's DNA
At Kwekerij Mostert, it’s all about craft, consistency, and a real love for plants, with a solid dose of down-to-earthness. The Monstera Obliqua Peru is a perfect example of that approach: bold, a little strange, and totally worth it. Ruben Mostert takes quality seriously. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a built-in part of how he and his team operate. Protocols are tight, communication is clear, and everyone — from the growers to the logistics team — works with the same goal in mind: sending out healthy, good-looking plants that people will love.
There’s always something cooking behind the scenes at Mostert. While Ruben didn’t spill too many details, he hints that new varieties and projects are in the works. “We’re always developing. Keep an eye on our Instagram to see what’s coming.”
Caring for Your Beloved Monstera Obliqua Peru
So, now you have fallen in love with this out-of-this-world plant, and you went out to get one. That's a good start, but you want to keep your plant happy around every hole. Good news for you: despite the exotic appearance, the care isn’t complicated. In fact, it all comes down to a few things. For both retailers and end customers, Ruben keeps the care advice simple:
"The short care tips version is to give this Monstera plant indirect sunlight, don’t overwater, and give a little plant food once a month."
The longer version goes like this:
- Light: Go for bright, indirect light. No harsh midday sun — think dappled, not direct.
- Watering: Keep it balanced. Let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. No soggy roots.
- Feeding: Once a month with a light houseplant fertilizer will do just fine.
- Humidity: Average room humidity is okay, but it won’t say no to a little extra mist now and then.
- The plant may look high-maintenance, but it’s really not. As long as you avoid extremes and keep things steady, the Obliqua Peru will thrive.
That’s the sweet spot. Enjoy your 'holey' Monstera Obliqua Peru!
Header image by @laura_boubou, feature image by @plantiplant.
