Monstera Adansonii Care

The Complete Monstera Adansonii Plant Care Guide

The majority of Monstera Adansonii plant owners complain that their newly bought plant leaves start falling unexpectedly, leaves become brown at the edges, and look crumpled. The factors causing this issue include low-light issues, fungal infections, or inconsistent soil moisture.

This might be happening to your plant, too. If so, all you have to make sure is to place your plant in a well-lighted area, water it just the right amount, and remove the infected leaves in case of fungal infection.

Keep reading this guide to learn similar plant care tips to keep your plant away from problems like yellowing of leaves or root rot.

Part 1: How to Take Care of Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant?

Monstera Adansonii in black pot

It is really easy to take care of the Monstera Swiss Cheese plant. You just need to follow proper care guidelines for your plant and keep checking for any plant issues.

Below, we have shared some of the best care tips for this plant:

  • To encourage plant growth, keep it in a humid place.
  • Once it steps into the rapid growth phase, provide it with support to climb.
  • Place the plant in a bright, indirect light spot to get big and healthy leaves.
  • To get shiny leaves, gently wipe plants with a cloth and rotate the plant to get even light.

Characteristics

Details

Common Name

Swiss Cheese Plant, Adanson's Monstera, Five Holes Plant, Money Mask Plant

Botanical Name

Monstera adansonii

Family

Araceae (Aroid family) 

Plant Type

Hemi-epiphytic vine

Mature Size

Indoors: 3-5 feet; Outdoors: Up to 13 feet

Sun Exposure

Bright, indirect light

Soil Type

Well-draining potting mix

Soil Ph

Slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0-7.5)

Bloom Time

Rarely blooms indoors

Flower Color

White or cream

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zones 10-12

Native Area

Central and South America, West Indies

Care Tips for Monstera Adansonii:

1- Light

Place the plant in an area with bright indirect light, and avoid low-light spots. In case of unavoidable direct light, limit plant light exposure to 2-3 hours in the morning.

2- Watering

This plant needs watering mostly once a week in indoor settings. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry and check for over-watering signs. Reduce watering in winter but keep the soil moist.

3- Soil

Use a well-draining soil mix with moisture-retaining properties. Opt for a soil between ph 5.5 and 7 for strong plant growth.

4- Temperature and Humidity

A room temperature of 18°C and 27°C is ideal for Monstera Swiss Cheese plant optimal growth. Avoid sudden temperature changes by keeping it away from vents and the AC. Keep the humidity level between 60% and 80%. Use a humidifier to maintain humidity and place the plant in a well-ventilated area.

5- Fertilizer

Fertilize your plant during growth seasons (Spring/summer). Use a balanced fertilizer by mixing equal amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer as well by diluting it to avoid root burn. Choose the best fertilizers for your plant by reading our detailed fertilizers guide for indoor plants.

6- Staking and Support

To encourage climbing, wrap the plant stem around a support gently. You can use supports like wire or trellis, moss poles, or wooden and bamboo sticks. You may use plant ties or even fabric pieces to secure the plant.

Part 2: How to Propagate Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant?

swiss cheese plant

The Monstera Adansonii plant is easy to take care of, and propagating this plant is a good way to grow more plants without having to purchase them.

You just need to follow a few simple steps to propagate this plant. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

1- Identifying cuttings

  • Choose a healthy stem with nodes on it.
  • Ensure that the cutting has at least one node and two leaves for rooting.
  • Use sterilized pruning shears to cut 12 to 18cm of the stem just below the healthy leaf node.

2- Place the cutting in water

  • Submerge the cutting in glass of water with the stem in water and leaves above the water.
  • Place the glass with the cutting in a bright and airy spot and change the water after a few days.
  • Let the roots grow, which may take up to three weeks.

3- Transplant to soil

  • Once the first root is thick and 10cm long, it is time to place it in the soil.
  • Place it in the mother plant soil or use a 12cm pot with a drainage hole.
  • Fill the bottom quarter of the 12cm pot with soil mix and place the cutting on top of the soil while adding the rest of the soil to fill in gaps.
  • Keep the cutting in a bright spot and water it to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Potting and Repotting Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant

baby monstera adansonii root growth

The Monstera Cheese plant is easy to grow, as it keeps increasing in size, so you may need to repot it. A good indication to repot your plant is when the roots start growing out of the existing pot, once every two years.

Aspect

Potting

Repotting

When to Do It

When first bringing home a new plant or propagating a cutting.

Every 1-2 years or when roots outgrow the pot.

Pot Type

Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Slightly larger pot with good drainage. Avoid excessively large pots.

Soil Mix

Well-draining mix (potting soil + perlite/orchid bark + coco coir).

Fresh potting mix with good aeration to encourage root growth.

Steps

Fill pot with soil, place plant, and backfill while securing roots.

Remove the plant gently, shake off old soil, inspect roots, and place in new pot.

Watering

Water thoroughly after potting but ensure excess water drains out.

Water lightly after repotting to reduce stress on roots.

Signs It Needs It

Roots growing out of drainage holes, slowed growth, or compact soil.

Roots circling the pot, soil drying too quickly, or yellowing leaves.

Part 3: Types of Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant

swiss cheese plant in a white pot

The Monstera adansonii is a beloved houseplant, and its popularity has led to the development of several distinct varieties. Let's explore them!

Type 1- Monstera deliciosa (Classic Swiss Cheese)

The most well-known type features large, glossy green leaves with natural splits and holes. It thrives in warm, humid environments and grows rapidly indoors and outdoors.

Key Features:

  • Large, deeply fenestrated leaves
  • Can grow over 10 feet indoors with support
  • Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light

Type 2- Monstera deliciosa (Thai Constellation)

A highly sought-after variegated form of Monstera deliciosa with creamy-white marbling. The variegation is stable and evenly distributed, making each leaf unique.

Key Features:

  • Stunning white and cream variegation
  • Slower-growing than the standard deliciosa
  • Requires bright, indirect light to maintain variegation

Type 3- Monstera deliciosa (Borsigiana)

A smaller-growing variant of Monstera deliciosa, often mistaken for the standard version. It has a more compact growth habit and slightly smaller leaves.

Key Features:

  • More manageable size compared to regular deliciosa
  • Faster growing than deliciosa
  • Ideal for indoor plant lovers with limited space

Type 4- Monstera obliqua

Often confused with Monstera adansonii, but it has much thinner leaves with extreme perforations, sometimes leaving only thin strands of leaf tissue. It is very rare and difficult to grow.

Key Features:

  • Extremely thin leaves with oversized perforations
  • More delicate and high-maintenance than adansonii
  • Rare and expensive due to slow growth

Type 5- Monstera adansonii (Laniata)

A variety of Monstera adansonii with larger, shinier leaves and more pronounced perforations. It thrives in humid conditions and prefers climbing structures.

Key Features:

  • Larger and more symmetrical fenestrations
  • Glossier foliage compared to standard adansonii
  • Prefers moss poles for vertical growth

Monstera Adansonii: The Perfect Indoor Plant for Your Home:

Monstera Adansonii, with its unique and eye-catching split leaves, is a beautiful addition to any home. Easy to care for and perfect for bright indoor spaces, this plant will elevate your living area with its tropical charm.!

Shop Now

Part 4: What are the Common Problems of Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant?

Close-up of Monstera plant leaves

Monsteras, while generally easy-going, can sometimes encounter a few common problems. Understanding these issues and their solutions will help you keep your Swiss Cheese Plant healthy and thriving.

Issue 1: Yellowing Leaves

  • Causes: Overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies (especially nitrogen), insufficient light, temperature stress, or pest infestations.
  • Solutions: Assess your watering habits, ensure proper drainage, provide balanced fertilizer, relocate to a brighter spot (but avoid direct sunlight), maintain consistent temperatures, and inspect for pests.

Issue 2:  Brown Leaf Tips/Edges

  • Causes: Dry air, inconsistent watering, fertilizer burn, or low humidity.
  • Solutions: Increase humidity by misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid over-fertilizing.

Issue 3: Lack of Fenestrations (Holes)

  • Causes: Immature plant, insufficient light.
  • Solutions: As Monsteras mature, they naturally develop more fenestrations. Provide bright, indirect light to encourage this process.

Issue 4: Pests

  • Common Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids.
  • Solutions: Regularly inspect your plant for pests. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by manually removing pests.

Issue 5: Root Rot

  • Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage.
  • Solutions: Repot the plant in fresh soil, ensuring proper drainage. Trim away any rotted roots. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Issue 6: Leggy Growth

  • Causes: Insufficient light.
  • Solutions: Move the plant to a brighter location. Prune back leggy growth to encourage bushier growth.

Issue 7: Slow Growth

  • Causes: Insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or temperature stress.
  • Solutions: Address the underlying cause by providing adequate light, fertilizing during the growing season, and maintaining appropriate temperatures.

Issue 8: Drooping Leaves

  • Causes: Overwatering, underwatering, or sudden changes in environment.
  • Solutions: Check soil moisture to determine if the plant is being over or underwatered. Monsteras can also droop temporarily after repotting or being moved. Provide consistent care.

By understanding these common Monstera problems and their solutions, you can keep your plant looking its best and ensure its continued health. Regular observation and proactive care are key to preventing and addressing these issues.

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Conclusion:

No doubt, the Monstera Adansonii plant is easy to take care of. However, you must follow proper guidelines for factors like light, watering, and fertilisers that impact this plant’s growth and health. 

If you are also facing plant problems like root rot, yellowing of leaves, or droopy leaves, your plant might be facing underwatering or overwatering issues. To overcome these issues, water your plant when the soil feels dry and ensure proper water drainage.

Potting and repotting the plant ensures its long and healthy lifespan. In addition, if you are a plant lover and want to add more to your collection, you can propagate your Monstera Adansonii plant to encourage new growth.

If you are interested in exploring more plant options or pet-friendly plants, you might visit our site for healthy indoor plant options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Your Swiss Cheese Plant Bushy?

Take cuttings from long vines and replant them in the same pot; this will make your plant bushier.

Can a Yellow Leaf Turn Green Again?

A yellow leaf can’t turn green again. Once a plant loses its chlorophyll, it absorbs leftover leaf nutrients, making it yellow.

Should I Spray My Swiss Cheese Plant?

Monstera Swiss Cheese plants thrive in humid conditions. If your room feels less humid or dry, gently mist the plant with a spray bottle to increase humidity.

Do Monstera Adansonii Leaves Grow with Holes?

No, these plant leaves don’t grow with holes in early life stages. However, when the plant reaches its mature age, its leaves start to mature by increasing in size and producing holes.

Why Do My Monstera Leaves Have No Holes?

Your Monstera plant leaves have no holes because of improper light, temperature changes or lack of moisture. Resolve them with proper care.

 

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