Keeping houseplants has been a popular pastime for years now (even before we were all encouraged to stay home for most of 2020). So it’s no surprise that more and more people are taking an interest in unique species like Monstera adansonii.
If you have any experience taking care of plants, then you know that many species are nowhere near as easy to keep as they seem.
When it comes to Monstera adansonii, though, looks can be deceiving in another way.
Despite hailing from a tropical climate, this green beauty is remarkably hardy. It’s an excellent investment for all houseplant enthusiasts — even beginners!
Interested in adding this unique Monstera variety to your collection? We have everything you need to know about growing this plant right here:
Everything You Need To Know About Monstera Adansonii
Monstera adansonii is more commonly known by names like Adanson’s Monstera, Swiss Cheese Plant, and Five Holes Plant.
If you’re not sure what differentiates this species from other Monstera, you’re definitely not alone!
It shares a similar appearance to several other houseplants both in and outside of the Monstera genus. Even experienced gardeners may have trouble identifying this species without taking a closer look at its growth habit, leaf shape, and size.
Where does Monstera adansonii come from?
This Monstera species is native to parts of Central and South America.
It thrives in tropical climates and typically grows in rainforests.
This environment offers warmth, humidity, and partial shade — all things you’ll want to replicate when growing Adanson’s Monstera yourself.
How long does Monstera adansonii live?
This Monstera should live at least five years as a houseplant. However, proper care can extend this plant’s lifespan to up to 40 years.
How big does Monstera adansonii get?
The potential size of a Monstera adansonii depends on how it’s grown.
As we mentioned, this Monstera species can climb or trail. When allowed to climb indoors, it can reach up to 12 feet tall. On the other hand, trailing plants only reach six to eight feet on average.
Is Monstera adansonii safe for pets and children?
All Monstera species, including adansonii, are toxic to animals. Care should be taken when growing these plants in a home with dogs or cats — place plants out-of-reach of animals who may eat the leaves.
While the toxic effects of Monstera generally aren’t fatal, they are uncomfortable. Common symptoms include vomiting, drooling, and oral irritation.
This plant is also toxic to humans. Potential symptoms are similar to those seen in pets and typically include mouth and stomach irritation.
Keep all Monstera away from children until they are old enough to know not to touch or eat the leaves.
Is Monstera adansonii expensive?
Have you ever discovered a beautiful-yet-unextraordinary houseplant only to learn that it costs hundreds of dollars? Don’t worry, Monstera adansonii is not one of those species!
The price of this plant varies with factors like age and size. But even large Monstera adansonii rarely cost more than $50.
Typically, cuttings will be cheaper than established plants. Plants with unique coloration or leaf shapes may cost more than “normal” ones because of their rarity.
How To Care for Your Monstera adansonii
Like most Monstera species, Monstera adansonii is incredibly resilient. However, proper care is still key to ensuring your new houseplant stays happy, healthy, and looks its best.
Light
The best light for this houseplant is partial shade or bright, indirect light.
Monstera adansonii does need several hours of sunlight to thrive. However, exposure to direct sunlight is likely to burn the leaves.
Keep in mind that variegated cultivars are more likely to burn than Monstera with entirely green leaves.
The ideal place for this plant is within a few feet of a bright window. You can always supplement with a grow light if you fear your Monstera isn’t getting enough high-quality light.
Soil
Nearly any peat-based potting soil will do the trick.
Monstera adansonii also prefers slightly acidic soil. But don’t stress yourself out by overcomplicating things.
Water
The best watering method is to completely soak the soil until water pours out of the pot’s drainage holes. You can water your Monstera in the shower or kitchen sink to make this process a bit easier (and less messy).
Overwatering can be disastrous for any houseplant. Most Monstera thrives with weekly waterings when kept indoors, but you should always keep an eye on the soil’s moisture level.
Try to go as long as possible between waterings without letting the soil completely dry up.
Container
The correct container size for your Monstera adansonii will ultimately depend on its size.
Ideally, your Monstera should just barely fit in its pot — there should be minimal “wiggle room.” A pot that is too large may hold too much soil, leading to compaction and waterlogging.
Monstera adansonii loves moisture. But letting this plant sit in wet soil for too long will quickly lead to ailments like root rot.
No matter what style of container you choose for your new Monstera, drainage holes is an absolute must. Choose a pot with several large holes to prevent blockages.
And since Monstera adansonii grows rapidly, you’ll want to plan for routine repotting.
You should repot your Monstera every two years. However, some gardeners prefer yearly repotting to give the plant plenty of room to continue growing.
Pruning
These plants grow extremely quickly, so don’t be surprised if your Monstera adansonii needs frequent pruning.
Cut back your Monstera at the start or end of its growing season (typically early spring or fall). Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears to prevent trauma and infection. Make your cuts as close to the main stem as possible.
Fertilizer
Left to its own devices, Monstera adansonii will quickly drain its potting soil of all nutrients.
Often, the first sign that a Monstera adansonii needs fertilizer is yellowing of the leaves. Otherwise, monthly fertilizing should suffice.
Choose a balanced fertilizer formulated for houseplants.
Avoid fertilizing immediately after repotting your Monstera. You should also stop fertilizing during your plant’s dormant period (more on that below).
Humidity
Despite coming from the tropical rainforest, this Monstera species does quite well in the average household. Yet, it doesn’t hurt to provide as much humidity as you possibly can.
If possible, keep your Monstera in a small, moist room like the bathroom. Alternatively, use a handheld mister to keep the leaves hydrated.
Another great option is to position your Monstera near a humidifier.
Support
If you want your Adanson’s Monstera to climb, you’ll need to offer it some kind of support.
While some homeowners choose to train their climbing plants up a wall, the roots will eventually damage the paint or drywall underneath.
Instead, invest in specialized supports or design your own with a small trellis. This will ensure your Monstera has the structural support it needs for long-term growth without damaging nearby surfaces.
Do You Need This Monstera in Your Own Plant Collection?
There’s no such thing as too many houseplants! But if you’re short on space, resources, or time, then adding a plant you already have near-duplicates of might not be a top priority.
Monstera adansonii looks very similar to some other popular houseplants.
You’ll often see this plant mistaken for Monstera deliciosa. So much so that both species go by the common name “Swiss Cheese Plant!”
Monstera deliciosa has larger leaves and a different growth pattern. Its leaves also have a distinct hole pattern when compared to Monstera adansonii.
Another species commonly mistaken for Monstera adansonii is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
As the scientific name implies, this plant isn’t actually a Monstera. Yet many plant collectors know it by the colloquial name “Mini Monstera.”
If you already own a Monstera deliciosa or Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (or both), throwing a Monstera adansonii into the mix might not be necessary. Ultimately, though, it’s entirely up to you.
More Tips and Tricks To Get the Most From Your Adanson’s Monstera
Have your heart set on raising a Monstera adansonii from a seedling or cutting? Here’s what else you need to know about owning that plant outside of basic care.
What are those things growing out of my Monstera?
Don’t be alarmed. While your Monstera will shoot out new leaves as it grows, you might also notice some tougher tissue growing out of the stem. These are aerial roots.
These roots help support the Monstera as it climbs in its native habitat.
Aerial roots are completely normal (so don’t cut them off!). The best thing to do is to let the aerial roots be.
As they grow longer, you can gently train the roots toward the potting soil. Identifying aerial root tissue is also incredibly useful for propagation.
Can Monstera adansonii be propagated?
Yes!
While your Monstera adansonii would primarily spread through seed in the wild, this isn’t the most efficient way to propagate the species at home.
Instead, Monstera adansonii is an example of a houseplant that grows extremely well from stem cuttings.
Mature Monstera adansonii can be split up to create “clones” of the original plant. As long as each cutting includes some root tissue, it should have no problem growing into a new specimen.
Propagating cuttings is a great way to grow your houseplant collection. You can also gift cuttings to other plant collectors to include in their own collections!
Which pests and diseases target Monstera adansonii?
The good news is that Monstera is an incredibly hardy plant. Most won’t attract pests or disease unless they are already damaged or kept in less-than-ideal conditions.
Common houseplant pests may spread to your Monstera adansonii from outside or other plants in your collection. Keep an eye out for insects like aphids, gnats, and spider mites.
Root rot and leaf spot are two of the most common diseases in houseplants — Monstera adansonii is no exception.
Again, you can prevent disease by monitoring the soil and air for excess moisture or fungal spores.
Can you transplant Monstera adansonii outdoors?
Monstera adansonii can survive outside. It does so all the time in the wild. Just keep in mind that growing this and other houseplants outdoors comes with a host of unique challenges.
All Monstera are tropical plants. While it will thrive in warm climates, it won’t make it through even somewhat chilly winters.
If you live somewhere warm year-round, it may be possible to grow a Monstera adansonii in the ground. But you’ll still need to watch for things like poor-draining soil and sunburn.
Because of these challenges, many gardeners instead place their Monstera in an outdoor container and bring it inside when temperatures grow too hot or cold.
Do Monstera adansonii go dormant?
Yes, it does have a dormancy period. If your Monstera seems to have stopped growing, there’s a good chance it has entered dormancy.
Your Monstera’s dormant period is a necessary part of its growth cycle.
During this time, the plant’s water and fertilization needs will drop dramatically. Once dormancy starts, cease fertilizing and adjust your watering schedule to as little as once per month.
This dormancy typically occurs in winter. Plants kept indoors may have a hard time differentiating seasons.
If you live in a colder climate, placing your Monstera near a window can help encourage dormancy as it senses the cooler temperatures and shorter days.
You can also manually trigger dormancy by moving the plant into a cool, dim room.
Test Your Green Thumb With This Showy Monstera
Is Monstera adansonii incredibly rare? No.
Does it require expert care and attention to keep alive? Also no.
Monstera adansonii is a perfect example of how interesting houseplants don’t need to be expensive or a chore to care for. Rather, this Monstera species is the perfect plant for anyone looking for a bit more variety in their collection.
So whether you’re a beginner to the world of potted plants or have years of gardening experience under your belt, you really can’t go wrong with Adanson’s Monstera!
Which Monstera species is your favorite? Do you have any personal tricks for growing Adanson’s Monstera you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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