The Monstera adansonii is truly impressive with its unique fenestrated leaves and impressive growth performance. It is healthy and versatile and shares many similar traits with its “big brother,” the Monstera deliciosa.
Both plants belong to the arum family and love to climb using their aerial roots. In their natural habitat, you can find them clinging to tree trunks, the ground, or rock faces in the jungle.
At home, the Monstera adansonii is happy with a small trellis or can climb down if desired. Overall, these plants are a great addition to any plant collection.
| Growth Type: Climbing plant shrub | Growth Height: From 1.5 to 10 feet |
| Growth Characteristics: Hanging, Climbing | Flower Color: White |
| Flower Shape: Piston, Spathe | Flower Properties: Hermaphrodite |
| Leaf Color: Green | Leaf Shape: Pedunculated, Heart Shaped |
| Leaf characteristics: Evergreen | Fruit Color: Brown |
| Fruit Shape: Berry | Light: Sunny to semi-shady |
| Soil Type: Sandy to loamy | Soil Moisture: Moderately dry to moist |
| Soil pH: Neutral | Cold Tolerance: Sensitive to Frost |
Contents
Origin of Monstera adansonii
Monstera adansonii is a climbing plant that grows in the tropical areas of Central and South America. It is most often found at lower elevations near river valleys.
Did you know that Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese plant or five holes plant, was first described by French naturalist Michel Adanson in 1763? He named it after himself.
One of the most distinctive features of Monstera adansonii is its perforated leaves, which have holes or fenestrations that give the plant its nickname of “Swiss cheese plant.”
These holes are thought to help the plant capture more light in its native environment, where it grows in the understory of the rainforest.
However, it usually lives in natural places in the West Indies. Monstera adansonii is becoming more and more popular because Monstera is becoming increasingly popular as a trending plant for apartments and homes.
Unlike most Monstera species, their leaf edges remain closed throughout their lives, giving them a perforated appearance.
Where to Place Monstera adansonii
When placing Monstera adansonii indoors, the most critical factor to consider is the amount of light the plant will receive.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions, but it will grow best if it gets bright, indirect light.
One good location for Monstera adansonii is near a north- or east-facing window. These windows provide bright, indirect light that is ideal for the plant.
You can also place the plant near a south- or west-facing window, but be sure to provide it with some protection from the direct afternoon sun, which can be too intense for the plant.
| Age or Height of Monstera adansonii | Light Intensity Required Indoors |
|---|---|
| Seedling or small plant (under 1 foot) | Low to medium |
| Medium plant (1-3 feet) | Medium to bright |
| Large plant (over 3 feet) | Bright |
It is generally best to keep Monstera adansonii at least a few feet away from the window to prevent the leaves from being scorched or damaged by the sun.
You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse the light and provide the plant with the right amount of indirect light.
In terms of proximity to heat or air conditioning sources, it is best to keep Monstera adansonii safe from radiators, vents, and other sources of direct heat or airflow.
These can cause the leaves to dry or damage the plant’s health.
The Monstera adansonii flower
Indoor flowering of Monstera adansonii is less common, but it is still possible. When this happens, a large, white bract surrounds a spadix-like inflorescence.
The spathe is a large, leaf-like structure that encloses the spadix, a long, slender stem with small flowers arranged along its length.
The spadix is typically green or yellow in color, surrounded by the spathe, typically white or cream-colored.
Watering Monstera adansonii
Water Monstera adansonii once the top inch or so of soil has dried. You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water the plant. If it’s still moist, wait a few more days before watering.
During the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, you may need to water it more frequently, about once or twice a week.
However, when the plant is dormant in the fall and winter, you can water it less often, about once every two weeks.
Also, consider the pot’s size and soil type when watering your Monstera adansonii. Plants in larger pots with good drainage need to be watered less often than those in smaller pots with poor drainage.
And plants in soil with high levels of organic matter will retain moisture longer than those in soil with less organic matter.
The humidity of the air and the amount of light the plant receives can also affect its watering needs. In dry, low-humidity environments, you may need to water the plant more frequently to keep the soil moist.
And plants exposed to more sunlight may need to be watered more often than those grown in low-light conditions.
It’s tough to provide a general watering schedule for Monstera adansonii, as the plant’s needs can vary depending on its growing conditions. But by paying attention to the plant’s watering needs and adjusting your schedule accordingly, you can help keep it healthy and thriving.
Fertilizer Application
Adansonii’s nutrient requirements are high compared to other monstera species. Because of its rapid growth, it necessitates regular fertilization. I recommend a special fertilizer for houseplants and half the dosage.
A balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 is a good choice for this plant. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost or compost tea, which are made from natural materials and release nutrients more slowly.
Chemical fertilizers, made from synthetic materials, can also be used but may be more expensive and potentially harmful to the environment if not used correctly.
It’s best to fertilize your Monstera adansonii during the active growing season (spring and summer).
You can apply the fertilizer as a top dressing by spreading it over the soil and watering it in or as a foliar spray by mixing the fertilizer with water and spraying it directly onto the leaves.
Here is a table with recommended fertilizer amounts and frequencies for Monstera adansonii based on plant height:
| Plant Height | Fertilizer Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 feet | 1/4 teaspoon | Every 2-4 weeks |
| 2-4 feet | 1/2 teaspoon | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Over 4 feet | 1 teaspoon | Every 2-4 weeks |
Note: These amounts are based on using a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. If using a different type of fertilizer, be sure to follow the instructions on the label for proper application rates and frequencies.
Repotting
You can accommodate Monstera adansonii’s strong growth habit by repotting it annually in the Spring.
If you do not want your plant to grow any larger, replace the top few inches of soil in the pot with the fresh substrate at the start of growth each year.
Trimming and Pruning
If the Monstera adansonii spreads too much, you can use a good pair of garden shears to cut its stems to the length you want.
Monstera’s aerial roots, on the other hand, should never be trimmed but instead redirected into the soil if the need arises.
Other Care Measures
Monstera adansonii appreciates it when humidity is increased by regular spraying or a humidifier, particularly during the heating season.
Additionally, refreshing the tropical plant is as simple as regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. To keep the plant growing straight, you must cut back the extra growth every so often.
Propagating Monstera adansonii
The two most promising ways of propagating Monstera Adansonii are mossing or cuttings.
Monstera Adansonii Cuttings
Cuttings can quickly propagate Adansonii. Therefore, ensure you always have at least one leaf and one aerial root on the cutting.
You should have enough roots to plant after 4-8 weeks at a minimum of 68 °F.
Propagation By Wet Sticks
Wet sticks, i.e., only one piece of stem or even one with aerial roots, have very little chance of survival. Therefore, I recommend leaving at least one leaf per cutting.
Monstera adansonii Propagating in Moss
In my experience, moss is the best medium for adansonii propagation.
Because of this, I use moss climbing aids for Adansonii, which I want to propagate. Maintaining a constant moisture level is necessary for the adansonii to send aerial roots into the moss.
After a few weeks, the climbing aid will have strong enough roots to cut off pieces and plant them right in the soil. Different from traditional cuttings, there is no growth stop with this method.