Monstera adansonii, also known as “Swiss cheese plant”/”Adanson’s Monstera”/”Five holes plant”, is a flowering plant from the Araceae family found in South and Central America. Monstera adansonii is a vining plant with glossy green leaves and looks great in hanging containers. Overall, Monstera adansonii propagation and care is fairly easy, making it a great plant for beginner gardeners.
These are tips and tricks specific to Monstera adansonii care. For other plant specific care guides, check here.
Learn about Monstera deliciosa here
| Name | Monstera adansonii Adanson’s monstera, Swiss cheese plant, or Five holes plant |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect light. Does not like direct sunlight |
| Water | Once every 1 to 2 weeks Check that the soil is dry before watering |
| Temperature | 65 – 85 °F (18 – 30 °C). Do not keep in temperatures below 60 °F (15 °C). |
| Humidity | Thrives in humid conditions |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
| Toxicity | Toxic to dogs, cats and humans |
Monstera Adansonii Care Indoors:
Monstera Adansonii Size & Growth
Adansonii is great for smaller spaces because it does not grow as large as Monstera deliciosa.
This fast-growing vine has beautiful leaves with fenestrations (holes), which help the plant stand up and resist high winds. It can grow as long as 14 feet (4.2 meters), with leaves as big as 2 to 2.5 feet (0.6 to 0.8 meters).
As the plant matures, the shape of the leaves change.
Flowering is uncommon if the plant is kept indoors.
Monstera Adansonii Light Needs
The Swiss cheese plant prefers bright, indirect light. An East or West facing window is best because it provides enough light without burning the plant.
While Monstera adansonii can tolerate shade, it grows more slowly and remains a smaller size in low light levels.
On the other hand, extended direct light can cause leaf burn. If you notice brown sunburn spots appearing on the leaves, move the Monstera further away from the window. Unfortunately, once sunburned, the brown spots do not fade away and you have to wait for the leaves to grow out.
Rotate the plant every few days so each side receives equal sunlight and grows evenly.
Dust the leaves frequently so the plant can absorb enough sunlight.
Monstera Adansonii Soil
Monstera adansonii thrive in an organic, well-draining potting soil. Mix perlite and orchid bark in an organic houseplant potting soil to create a good blend for your Monstera.
Repotting Monstera Adansonii
Since Monstera adansonii is a trailing vine, it does not need to be repotted often. If you do need to repot, do so during the spring.
Best Type of Pot
Choose a pot with a drainage hole to help remove excess water. If there is a saucer under the pot, empty out the water from that as well to prevent root rot.
Since Monstera adansonii is a vine plant, you can train them to climb using hooks or garden ties. They also look great in hanging pots with the vines trailing downwards.
How to Repot
Choose a pot that is a one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. You do not want a pot that is too large because the excess soil can retain too much water and drown the roots.
Gently remove the plant and loosen the soil from the roots. Prune any rotten or damaged roots you see. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil and secure the Monstera in place. Wait a week after repotting before watering again.
Monstera Adansonii Watering
The main thing to remember when watering your Swiss cheese plant is that they like moist, but not soaking wet soil. Before watering, check that the top layer of soil is dry.
When watering, water the soil at the base of the plant. Make sure that water does not sit on the leaves for too long because that can lead to rot. If you do get some water on these areas, wipe it off with a tissue.
Monstera plants in a hotter and drier environment require more frequent watering.
In general, water your Monstera about once a week and adjust the frequency as needed based on your environment. If you notice the soil remains very wet for days, decrease your watering frequency and add more perlite to the soil to increase drainage.
Check out this Monstera watering guide for more information.
Monstera Adansonii Propagation
Monstera adansonii propagation is fairly easy, especially if you have a long vine that needs trimming.
- Cut a vine section that has at least two nodes. Use a pair of sharp garden shears or scissors.
- Fill a vase with room temperature water. Keep the cutting in the vase and let it sit for a few weeks. Place the cutting somewhere warm, with indirect light.
- Optional- place a plastic bag with holes poked in it over the cutting. This replicates greenhouse conditions and create a warm atmosphere that promotes growth.
- Once roots appear, transfer your cutting to a small pot and care for the plant as normal.
Monstera Adansonii Temperature
Monstera adansonii are happy in temperatures between 65 and 75 °F (18 to 24 °C). Avoid keeping the plant in temperatures lower than 50 °F (10 °C).
As a tropical plant, Monstera adansonii enjoys high humidity. Use a humidifier if the air in your room is dry, especially during the winter.
Keep Monstera away from air-conditioning vents or heaters as they can dry up the air.
Fertilizing Monstera Adansonii
Fertilize your Monstera adansonii once a month during it’s growing season from spring to fall.
A diluted liquid fertilizer is best and helps prevent stunted growth that is often a sign of inadequate nutrients.
However, take care to avoid over fertilization, which causes salt build-up and burns the plant’s roots. If this occurs, do not fertilize for a few months and properly water your plant to flush out the fertilizer.
Monstera Adansonii Toxicity
Unfortunately, Monstera adansonii is toxic to animals and humans. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if eaten.
Keep the plant out of reach of animals and children.
Monstera Adansonii Pests
If you notice any of the following, it could indicate signs of infestation:
- Misshapen leaves
- Yellow spots
- Cottony-white webbing
- Black spots or mold like substance
When you notice your Monstera has pests, immediately quarantine it so the infestation does not spread to other plants.
Wash your plant in the sink under a strong stream of water with an insecticidal soap. Then spray the plant with 70% rubbing alcohol or diluted neem oil.
Repeat once every 3 to 4 days until all signs of the infestation are gone, which may take a few weeks.
Common Monstera Adansonii Care Problems
Why are my Monstera Adansonii’s leaves turning pale?
Pale, light green leaves are most often due to too much direct light. Move the plant further away from the window, or cover the window with a sheer curtain.
Another cause of pale green leaves is inadequate fertilization. Fertilize your plant if it has been a while since you last did so.
Why is my Monstera Adansonii turning yellow?
Common causes of Monstera leaves turning yellow include:
- Age: If only one or two bottom leaves are yellow, it is most likely due to age. Nothing has to be done about this since it’s a natural process.
- Over watering: If the leaves or stems are limp, mushy, or have black spots, you may have watered your Monstera too much. Remove the plant from it’s soil and remove any rotten parts (they appear black and slimy). If the rot has progressed into the stem, cut off the stem until you have clean tissue without any signs of rot that feels firm. Plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
- Insufficient light: Monstera thrive in bright, indirect light. Take note of how much light your Monstera is receiving and adjust it’s position accordingly.
- Improper fertilization: Fertilize once a month in the spring to summer months.
- Transplant shock: If you recently repotted your Monstera or brought it home from the nursery, give it time to adjust to it’s new environment.
- Pests: Check closely or signs of pests, then follow the above steps to remove them.
Check here for a complete guide to yellow Monstera leaves.
Why are the leaves on my Monstera adansonii limp and drooping?
Common cause of limp and drooping Monstera adansonii leaves include:
- Under watering: Monstera prefer moist soil. If it has been a while since you last watered your plant and the top inch of soil is dry, give it a deep watering and the plant should perk up within a day or two.
- Over watering: Too much water also causes leaf droop. If the soil is soaking to touch, allow the Monstera to dry out completely. Ensure it is planted in well-draining soil.
- Not enough humidity: As tropical plants, Monstera appreciate humid environments. Place a humidifier nearby or place a tray of water with pebbles nearby to increase humidity.
What is the difference between Monstera Adansonii and Obliqua?
Monstera obliqua is much rarer than Monstera adansonii. They are often confused for each other because they are similar in appearance, and look especially alike while the leaves are young.
The obliqua is close in appearance to Monstera adansonii. The obliqua has paper-thin leaves and is more hole than leaf. On the other hand, the adansonii is usually more leaf than hole and has a subtle texture.
In summary for Monstera Adansonii propagation & care…
Monstera adansonii are a great addition to any plant collection because they are easy to care for. The glossy green leaves and long vines make this plant pop.
Have any more questions about Monstera adansonii propagation and care? Let me know in the comments below!
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