Monstera Adansonii

🌿 Monstera adansonii Overview

Scientific name: Monstera adansonii
Common names: Swiss Cheese Vine, Five Holes Plant, Monkey Mask Monstera
Family: Araceae
Origin: Central and South America — native to humid tropical forests
Type: Climbing or trailing evergreen vine

🌱 Description

Monstera adansonii is a smaller relative of the Monstera deliciosa, prized for its unique perforated (“holey”) leaves that give it a delicate, lace-like appearance.

• Leaves are oval, glossy green, and full of irregular holes (fenestrations).

• It has a vining growth habit, perfect for hanging baskets, trellises, or moss poles.

• Indoors, vines can reach 3–10 feet long with proper support and care.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, indirect light to thrive.

• Can adapt to medium light, but growth will be slower and leaves smaller with fewer holes.

• Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch.

💡 Tip: Place it near an east- or north-facing window, or filter southern light with a sheer curtain.

💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, allowing the top 1–2 inches to dry out between waterings.

• Likes consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot.

• In winter, reduce watering frequency.

💧 Rule of thumb: Water less often than you think — it’s easier to recover from dryness than rot.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

• Humidity: Loves high humidity (60%+), but tolerates average indoor levels.

  • Increase humidity with a humidifier or by placing the plant on a pebble tray.

🌿 Soil

• Prefers a well-draining, chunky mix that retains some moisture.

  • Ideal mix: potting soil + orchid bark + perlite + coco coir.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0).

🌸 Growth & Maintenance

• Fast-growing under the right conditions.

• Will climb if given a moss pole or trellis, or trail beautifully from a hanging pot.

• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer.

• Prune leggy vines to encourage fuller growth.

🪴 Propagation

• Easy to propagate via stem cuttings:

  1. Cut below a node with at least one aerial root.

  2. Place in water or moist soil until roots form (2–4 weeks).

  3. Transfer to a well-draining pot once established.

⚠️ Common Issues

☠️ Toxicity

• Toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.

• Can cause irritation or swelling of the mouth and throat.

• Keep out of reach of children and animals.

🌺 Quick Care Summary