Spring is here, and with it comes a new Plant of the month at Planteka! For March, we’ve chosen a plant that perfectly represents the season of renewal and growth: Monstera adansonii. With its distinctive holey leaves, fast-growing vines, and tropical charm, this plant is an absolute favourite for indoor gardeners.

Before we dive in, have you seen our February’s plant of the month? Hoya Kerrii – the charming heart-shaped succulent – steals our hearts every Valentine’s day.

Where does Monstera adansonii come from?

Monstera adansonii is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean. It can be found in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, as well as some Caribbean islands.

It belongs to the Araceae family, the same family as Monstera deliciosa, pothos, and philodendrons. In the wild, it starts as a terrestrial plant but quickly develops aerial roots that allow it to climb tree trunks and reach better light conditions. The holes (fenestrations) in its leaves are believed to help the plant withstand strong winds and allow light to pass through to lower leaves.

The species was first described in 1830 by Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, but its name honours Michel Adanson, a French naturalist from the 18th century known for his work in plant classification.

Characteristics of Monstera adansonii

🌿 Distinctive fenestrations – The leaves develop holes as they mature, which help the plant adapt to its environment.

🏡 Perfect for indoor spaces – It can be grown as a hanging plant or trained to climb a moss pole for bigger leaves.

⚡ Fast grower – In the right conditions, it grows rapidly, especially in spring and summer.

🐌 Fenestrations take time to appear – If your young plant has solid leaves, don’t worry – the holes develop as it matures!

🌱 Prefers humidity – As a tropical plant, it thrives in higher humidity levels but adapts well to household conditions.

🚫 Toxic to pets – Like many aroids, its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating if ingested.

How to care for Monstera adansonii 🪴

To keep your Swiss cheese vine thriving, it’s essential to recreate its tropical environment as much as possible. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Light: Bright, indirect light is best

✔ Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium light.
✔ Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.
✔ If growing in low light, expect slower growth and smaller leaves.

💡 Tip: If you notice your Monstera adansonii getting leggy (long stems with small leaves), move it to a brighter location.

2️⃣ Watering: Keep it evenly moist but not soggy

✔ Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch.
✔ Loves consistent moisture, but overwatering can cause root rot.
✔ In winter, reduce watering since the plant’s growth slows down.

⚠ Warning: If the leaves start to curl, your plant is probably thirsty. If they turn yellow, you might be overwatering.

3️⃣ Humidity: Loves a tropical environment

✔ Ideal humidity: 60-80% (but tolerates lower levels).
✔ If the air is too dry, the leaf edges may turn crispy.
✔ Increase humidity by:

• Using a humidifier.
• Placing the plant on a pebble tray with water.
• Grouping it with other tropical plants to create a microclimate.

💡 Tip: Bathrooms and kitchens with good light are great spots for this plant due to higher humidity levels.

4️⃣ Soil: Well-draining and rich in nutrients

✔ Use a light, airy mix to prevent compacted roots. A good mix includes:

• Peat moss or coco coir (moisture retention).
• Perlite or orchid bark (drainage and aeration).
• Compost or worm castings (extra nutrients).

5️⃣ Fertilizer: Feed it during the growing season

✔ During spring and summer, apply liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
✔ Use a balanced formula (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
✔ Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much can burn the roots.

6️⃣ Training and propagation

✔ If you want larger leaves, provide a moss pole – climbing encourages bigger, more mature foliage. Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth.

Propagation is easy via stem cuttings:

1️⃣ Cut below a node and place the cutting in water or soil.
2️⃣ Roots develop within 2-4 weeks.
3️⃣ Once rooted, transfer to a pot with fresh soil.

Common problems & how to fix them

Even though Monstera adansonii is easy to care for, it can still run into a few common plant problems. Here’s how to fix them:

Yellow leaves

🔹 Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or too much direct sun.
🔹 Solution: Let the soil dry out before watering again and check for root rot.

Brown, crispy leaf edges

🔹 Cause: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
🔹 Solution: Increase humidity and water consistently when the topsoil feels dry.

Leggy growth

🔹 Cause: Not enough light.
🔹 Solution: Move your plant to a brighter spot with indirect light.

Holes in the leaves aren’t developing

🔹 Cause: Lack of light or nutrients.
🔹 Solution: Provide brighter light and fertilize regularly.

Drooping leaves

🔹 Cause: Underwatering, root rot, or extreme temperature changes.
🔹 Solution: Check the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.

How to style Monstera adansonii in your home?

One of the best things about Monstera adansonii is its versatility. You can train it to climb, let it trail, or use it as a statement piece.

🌿 Hanging beauty

Place it in a hanging basket so the vines cascade naturally. Let it spill over bookshelves for a jungle vibe.

🪴 Climbing statement

Use a moss pole or trellis to encourage large, mature leaves. This setup mimics its natural climbing habit in the wild.

🏡 Green decor piece

✔ Put it on a plant stand for a bold, tropical touch.
✔ Add it to bathrooms or kitchens, where it loves the humidity.

💡 Tip: Pair it with other tropical plants like Philodendron brasil or Calathea orbifolia for a lush, layered look.

Fun facts about Monstera adansonii

🔹 Also called the “Monkey Mask” plant due to its leaf shape.
🔹 Unlike Monstera deliciosa, its holes don’t split to the edges.
🔹 In nature, it can grow up to 6 meters tall!
🔹 NASA has listed Monsteras as air-purifying plants.

Looking for expert help? 🌿

If you’re unsure about your Monstera adansonii’s care, Planteka’s Plant Doctor service is here for you! Schedule a call with our plant experts to get personalized advice and keep your indoor jungle thriving.

🌱 Did you enjoy this Plant of the month? Stay tuned for next month’s feature! 😍✨