Monstera Adansonii

Overview

Monstera Adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Vine or Monkey Mask Plant, is a stunning tropical houseplant prized for its unique, deeply fenestrated leaves. Native to Central and South America, this climbing aroid belongs to the same genus as the popular Monstera Deliciosa but features smaller, more delicate leaves with more numerous perforations.

Unlike its larger cousin, Monstera Adansonii has a naturally vining growth habit, making it perfect for hanging baskets, climbing up moss poles, or trailing along shelves. In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphyte, climbing up trees using its aerial roots to attach to surfaces while reaching toward filtered sunlight through the forest canopy.

The plant's distinctive holes (fenestrations) are an evolutionary adaptation that allows the leaves to withstand heavy rainfall and permit light to reach lower leaves in its native rainforest environment. These unique perforations have made Monstera Adansonii one of the most recognizable and sought-after houseplants in recent years, frequently featured in interior design magazines and social media.

With its fast growth rate, striking foliage, and adaptability to indoor conditions, Monstera Adansonii has become a favorite among both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Its more compact size compared to Monstera Deliciosa makes it suitable for smaller spaces while still providing the dramatic tropical aesthetic that has made the Monstera genus so popular.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Monstera Adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to medium light conditions:

• Bright Indirect Light: Ideal for optimal growth, fenestration development, and vibrant foliage
• Medium Light: Will grow but at a slower rate with potentially smaller leaves and less fenestration
• Low Light: Can survive but growth will be significantly stunted with minimal fenestration
• Direct Sunlight: Avoid as it can scorch the delicate leaves

For best results, place your Monstera Adansonii near an east or north-facing window where it will receive bright, filtered light throughout the day. If placed near a south or west-facing window, ensure the plant is protected by a sheer curtain or positioned a few feet away from the window to prevent direct sun exposure.

The development of fenestrations (holes) in the leaves is directly related to light exposure - plants in lower light conditions will produce smaller leaves with fewer holes. Rotating the plant quarterly ensures even growth and prevents it from leaning too much toward the light source.

Watering

Monstera Adansonii prefers consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered:

Watering Schedule:

• Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
• Typically water every 7-10 days, depending on light, temperature, and humidity
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
• Increase frequency during active growth in spring and summer

Watering Technique:

• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant sitting in water
• Use room temperature water
• Consider using filtered water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains high levels of fluoride

Signs of underwatering include curling leaves, dry leaf edges, and drooping. Overwatering symptoms include yellowing leaves, black or brown spots, and soft, mushy stems near the soil line.

Monstera Adansonii is more sensitive to overwatering than underwatering, so when in doubt, it's better to wait an extra day before watering.

Soil

Monstera Adansonii requires well-draining, airy soil that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• Commercial aroid mix
• DIY mix: 1 part potting soil, 1 part orchid bark, 1 part perlite, and a handful of charcoal
• Alternative DIY mix: 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, 1 part coconut coir

The soil should be chunky and airy to mimic the plant's natural epiphytic growing conditions. This allows the aerial roots to breathe while still providing adequate moisture and nutrients. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0) is preferred.

Adding orchid bark or coco chips helps create air pockets in the soil, preventing compaction and promoting healthy root development. The addition of charcoal helps keep the soil fresh and reduces the risk of bacterial growth in the consistently moist environment that Monstera Adansonii prefers.

Temperature & Humidity

As a tropical plant, Monstera Adansonii prefers warm temperatures and high humidity:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Minimum temperature: 60°F (15°C)
• Avoid cold drafts, sudden temperature fluctuations, and proximity to heating vents or air conditioners

Humidity:

• Prefers humidity levels of 60% or higher
• Will tolerate average household humidity (40-50%) but may not thrive
• Increase humidity by:
  • Grouping with other plants
  • Using a humidifier
  • Placing on a pebble tray with water
  • Misting occasionally (though this provides only temporary humidity)

Monstera Adansonii is more humidity-sensitive than some other houseplants. In low humidity environments, the leaf edges may turn brown and crispy, and new leaves may have difficulty unfurling properly. Consistent humidity is particularly important for new growth and maintaining the plant's overall health and appearance.

Fertilizing

Monstera Adansonii benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer (NPK 20-20-20) diluted to half strength
• Feed once a month during spring and summer (growing season)
• Reduce to once every 8-10 weeks in fall
• No fertilizer needed during winter when growth slows

Fertilizer Types:

• Liquid fertilizers are ideal as they provide immediate nutrients and are easy to control
• Slow-release fertilizers can be used as a supplement to liquid feeding
• Organic options like worm castings or fish emulsion work well but may need more frequent application

Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and burn the roots, resulting in brown leaf edges and stunted growth. If you notice these symptoms, flush the soil thoroughly with water to remove excess salts.

For particularly vibrant growth and larger leaves, consider using a fertilizer with slightly higher nitrogen content during the active growing season.

Propagation

Monstera Adansonii is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, making it perfect for expanding your collection or sharing with friends:

Stem Cutting Propagation:

1. Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the bumpy part where leaves emerge) and preferably 1-2 leaves
2. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut just below a node
3. Ensure your cutting has at least one node, as this is where new roots will form
4. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water or soil

Water Propagation:

1. Place the cutting in a container of water, ensuring the node is submerged but leaves are above water
2. Position in bright, indirect light
3. Change the water every 3-5 days to prevent bacteria growth
4. Roots should appear within 1-3 weeks
5. Once roots are 1-2 inches long (usually after 3-4 weeks), plant in soil

Soil Propagation:

1. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
2. Plant the cutting in moist, well-draining soil, ensuring the node is buried
3. Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity
4. Place in bright, indirect light
5. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
6. New growth indicates successful rooting (usually within 3-6 weeks)

Air Layering:

1. Identify a stem with at least one aerial root
2. Wrap damp sphagnum moss around the stem and aerial root
3. Cover with plastic wrap and secure with twine
4. Keep moss moist until roots develop (3-4 weeks)
5. Cut below the new roots and pot up the new plant

Spring and summer are the best times to propagate Monstera Adansonii when the plant is actively growing. Propagation success rates are extremely high with this plant, making it a rewarding experience even for beginners.

Common Problems

Despite being relatively hardy, Monstera Adansonii can face several issues:

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies
• Solution: Check soil moisture and adjust watering schedule accordingly. If yellowing persists, consider fertilizing with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips:

• Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer burn
• Solution: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and ensure proper fertilizing. If using tap water, try switching to filtered or distilled water as fluoride and chlorine can cause brown tips.

Small Leaves with Few Holes:

• Cause: Insufficient light, young plant age, or poor nutrition
• Solution: Move to brighter location, be patient with young plants, and ensure proper fertilization.

Leggy Growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch
• Solution: Move to a brighter location and consider pruning to encourage bushier growth.

Pests:

• Common pests: Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, scale
• Signs: Webbing, stippled leaves, sticky residue, visible insects
• Treatment: Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol. Repeat treatments weekly until pests are gone. Preventatively, regular leaf cleaning can help deter pests.

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
• Signs: Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, foul smell
• Solution: Remove from pot, trim away rotted roots, repot in fresh soil with better drainage, and adjust watering habits.

Leaf Not Unfurling:

• Cause: Low humidity or underwatering
• Solution: Increase humidity around the new leaf by misting or using a humidifier, and ensure consistent watering.

Curling Leaves:

• Cause: Underwatering, low humidity, or pest infestation
• Solution: Check for pests, increase watering frequency, and boost humidity levels.

Popular Varieties

While Monstera Adansonii is often treated as a single species, there are several forms and closely related species worth noting:

Monstera Adansonii 'Narrow Form'

• Narrower, more elongated leaves
• Typically more numerous holes that are smaller in size
• Often more densely fenestrated
• Common in the houseplant trade

Monstera Adansonii 'Wide Form'

• Broader, more rounded leaves
• Larger holes that are less numerous
• More space between fenestrations
• Sometimes labeled as Monstera Adansonii 'Round Form'

Monstera Adansonii 'Variegata'

• Extremely rare variegated form
• White or cream marbling on leaves
• Highly sought after by collectors
• Requires more light than the standard form
• Slower growing due to reduced chlorophyll

Monstera Obliqua

• Often confused with Monstera Adansonii
• Extremely rare in cultivation
• More hole than leaf (up to 90% fenestration)
• Paper-thin leaf texture
• Requires very high humidity
• Extremely expensive and almost never found in regular plant shops

Monstera Siltepecana

• Related species with similar care requirements
• Juvenile form has silvery leaves with dark green veining
• Mature form develops fenestrations similar to Adansonii
• Popular "silver" monstera variety

Monstera Esqueleto (Karstenianum)

• Larger leaves than Adansonii
• More dramatic fenestration pattern
• Thicker, more textured leaves
• Sometimes called "skeleton monstera"

Monstera Adansonii has gained tremendous popularity in recent years due to its striking foliage, relatively compact size, and ease of care. Whether displayed as a hanging plant, trained up a moss pole, or allowed to trail along a shelf, this versatile houseplant adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space. Its fast growth rate and easy propagation make it particularly rewarding for plant enthusiasts of all experience levels.