Monstera Adansonii

If you’re looking for a statement houseplant with eye-catching foliage, the Monstera Adansonii (sometimes called the Swiss Cheese plant) might be your perfect match. With its heart-shaped leaves boasting those iconic ‘holes,’ it’s sure to turn heads. Don’t be intimidated – this tropical beauty is remarkably easy to care for! Let’s dive in and ensure your Monstera thrives.

Monstera Adansonii: A Quick Profile

• Scientific Name: Monstera Adansonii
• Origin: Central and South America’s tropical rainforests
• Fun Fact: The holes in its leaves, called fenestrations, are thought to help it withstand heavy rain and wind in its natural habitat.

Key Care Requirements

• Light: This animal loves bright, indirect light. Think near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a sunnier window.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in to check! Overwatering is enemy #1, so err on the side of slightly underwatering.
• Soil: A well-draining mix is key. You can buy a pre-made aroid mix or create your own with potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
• Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity (50% +). If your air is dry, mist regularly, use a humidifier, or create a pebble tray.
• Temperature: Happiest in the 65-85°F range. Protect it from cold drafts.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.

Advanced Tips

• Climbing Support:  Monstera adansonii is a natural climber in its rainforest habitat. Providing a moss pole or trellis will encourage it to grow upwards, maximizing its potential for lush, cascading foliage. The aerial roots that help it climb in nature can also be directed towards the support structure. This will not only give your plant a more stunning, vertical form, but it will also produce larger leaves with more and bigger fenestrations – the very feature that makes the Swiss Cheese plant so coveted.
• Pruning:  Regular pruning is a great way to maintain a healthy, controlled Monstera Adansonii. Leggy vines can be trimmed back to encourage bushier growth and a fuller appearance. Don’t be afraid to prune! Monstera Adansonii responds well to pruning and will happily produce new growth at the cut points. Pruning is also a fantastic way to propagate new plants. Simply cut a vine with a node (the little bump where a leaf or aerial root emerges) and follow the propagation steps below.
• Propagation: Monstera Adansonii is easy to propagate in water. Remove the lower leaves with a vine cutting with a node or two. Place the stem in a jar or glass filled with fresh water, ensuring the node is submerged. Position the jar in bright, indirect light and wait patiently. Within a few weeks, you should see roots begin to form from the node. Once the roots reach an inch or two in length, you can transplant your new Monstera Adansonii into a pot with a well-draining potting mix.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Yellowing leaves:  This is the most frequent SOS signal from Monstera Adansonii. Here’s a breakdown of causes and solutions:
  • Overwatering: The #1 culprit. Check soil moisture before watering. If it’s soggy, repot it with fresh, well-draining soil. Let the plant dry out more between waterings.
  • Underwatering: Your plant is thirsty if the soil is bone dry and the leaves are yellowing and crispy! Give it a good soak and water more regularly.
  • Nutrient deficiency: If the yellowing is more uniform across the plant, consider a diluted fertilizer application during the next watering.
• Pests:  Unwelcome guests can wreak havoc! Here’s how to combat common pests:
  • Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony fluff on leaves and stems. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, being sure to get into all nooks and crannies.
  • Scale: Small, brown bumps on stems and leaves. Manually scrape them off or treat with insecticidal soap.
  • Spider mites: Fine webbing and tiny reddish dots. Increase humidity and treat with neem oil or a miticide spray. Isolate the plant to prevent spreading.
• Brown, crispy leaves:  Usually mean low humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray, or regular misting. Also, avoid placing your plant near heating vents or drafts.
• Lack of fenestrations:  Those signature holes are a sign of happy growth. If your new leaves are solid, likely causes are insufficient light or needing support to climb. Move the plant to a brighter location and provide structural support.
• Root rot: A severe problem arising from persistent overwatering. Signs include mushy stems, foul-smelling soil, and yellowing leaves that don’t improve despite reduced watering. Requires immediate repotting, removal of rotting roots, and fresh soil.