Monstera Adansonii, is also known as the Swiss cheese plant due to the holes in its leaves. This unique plant originates from Central and South America. In the wild it grows climbing up trees. When climbing, it grows massive leaves as it climbs, making it an excellent option for a moss pole. In homes, it is more commonly grown in hanging baskets as a trailing plant. Either way, this guide will give you all you need to know on how to care for your Monstera Adansonii.
Monstera Adansonii Care: Lighting Requirements
Monstera Adansonii will thrive in bright indirect light. This plant doesn’t want any more than a few hours of direct sunlight everyday. If it gets too much sunlight, the leaves may start to burn.
This plant will do great in an east facing window. An east facing window will allow it to get a few hours of direct sun in the morning when the rays aren’t as harsh. Then for the rest of the day it will get indirect light. It can also do great in a west or south facing window. If you are growing a Monstera Adansonii in a south facing window, be sure to hang a sheer curtain on the window to diffuse the light. You can also, keep it a few feet back from the window. Monstera Adansonii can also do well in a north facing window, but due to the limited light, it will grow slower.
Monstera Adansonii Care: Water
This plant is more particular about its watering than a lot of people realize. If you are late on watering, Monstera Adansonii will likely drop a leaf or two. Try not to let this plant get too dry between waterings. It is best to wait until the pot is about 50-60% dry. If you stick a finger into the soil, it should be dry about two inches down.
If you forget to water your Monstera Adansonii from time to time, it likely won’t be a big issue. A dropped leaf here and there on a full pot with lots of vines won’t be noticed. However, if this plant is consistently being underwatered, you can end up with long naked vines. Also remember to adjust your watering based on growing conditions. Watering needs will change based on conditions like available light, humidity, and temperature.
Monstera Adansonii Care: Soil & Potting
Soil
For the Monstera Adansonii, you want to make sure your soil has plenty of drainage, and aeration. I recommend growing this plant in a chunky aroid mix. Making your own mix, is much cheaper than buying a premade mix for aroids so, I recommend making your mix at home. I have all the ingredients listed in my recipe that I linked above, so check that out if you’d like to make your own.
Potting
Monstera Adansonii is fairly relaxed when it comes to potting. It will do great in terracotta, plastic, and ceramic. It is best to repot this plant about once a year. Monsteras tend to be prolific rooters, so be sure to keep up on repotting, so that it doesn’t get too rootbound. When you are repotting your Monstera Adansonii, be sure to go up about 2-3 inches in pot size. This will give the plant enough room to grow, without giving it too much soil, which will cause it to stay wet for longer.
Monstera Adansonii Care: Humidity & Temperature
Monstera Adansonii should do fine in standard household conditions. However, if you want to provide the best care possible, keep the humidity levels between 50% to 60% to create a comfortable environment for your plant. If your indoor space tends to be dry, especially during the colder months or if you live in an arid climate, consider using a humidifier or placing it close together with other plants. Plants bunched close together will create a microclimate, and increase humidity in their immediate area. Additionally, strive to maintain stable temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) to support optimal growth on your Monstera Adansonii.
If you’d like to grow your Monstera Adansonii outside for the summer, move it outside in mid to late spring, when temperatures are mild, not dropping too low at night, and not getting very hot during the day. This will give your plant the best chance to acclimate before summer arrives. Also be sure to put it in a spot that doesn’t get too much light, as sunlight is much more intense outside than it is shining through a window.
Monstera Adansonii Propagation
Monstera Adansonii are very easy to propagate. Start by selecting a healthy stem cutting with at least one node and, ideally, a few aerial roots. Trim the cutting just below a node using sharp scissors or pruners, and remove any lower leaves that would end up submerged in water. Place the cutting in a container filled with water, ensuring the node is fully submerged while keeping the leaves above the waterline.
Position the container in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight, and remember to change the water regularly to prevent algae buildup. Keep checking on your propagation until the roots are about two inches long, and have secondary roots coming off the main roots. Once the roots are well-established, transfer the cutting to soil , and give it a good watering. With that, the cutting has successfully become its own plant!
Thank you so much for reading this far. I hope I answered all your questions about how to care for your Monstera Adansonii. If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment. I wish you the best of luck on your plant care journey, and Happy Growing!