With a real climbing habit, and very attractive leaves with trademark holes Monstera adansonii is sometimes called the Monkey Mask Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant or Swiss Cheese Vine.
It is very different to in terms of care, and should not to be confused with its larger relative M. deliciosa that goes by the same common name.
This is a plant that is grown for the foliage and as it likes climb you will notice that when it does not have support the leaves at the end of the stems tend to be smaller.
We suggest growing this wonderful plant in a container with a a support such as a coir pole that the aerial roots can attach themselves to. These aerial roots can also be allowed to grow downwards backing the soil to provide extra support.
How to Grow and Care for Monstera adansonii
Temperature is important, this is a plant that will not handle frosts and freezes, it is best grown at 55-85°F (13-27°C) and this is easily attainable in most indoor situations. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) put the plant at risk of damage and anything below 40°F can be terminal.
If you can’t avoid a cold period than hold back on water, wet and cold together mean death of the plant
With a proper watering and fertilisation cycle its not a difficult plant to grow,
- Position
Indoors is the most likely position and make sure the plant is away from heating and cooling ducts as both of these are drying. All keep the plant away from drafts. - Light
Ideally a position out of any direct sun to prevent leaf burn, yet in good light. If it’s light enough to read a book, then that position should do. Some very early morning sun is also OK - Soil/Potting mix
This is naturally an epiphytic plant, so it will need a free draining potting mix or soil. Wet and soggy soil will cause rot and fungal problems.
Try for a soil pH between 5.5 – 7 - Watering
The main trick with watering is not to over water. Water well and then allow the soil to dry, endnote just the top the soil, push your finger well down int the soil to see how dry it really is.
One trick is to feel the pot for weight when the soil is dry, The pot will be light.
Give the plant a deep watering and feel the wight of the pot again, it will be heavier.
So water when the pot becomes light.
Regular deep waterings are better than a little every day. - Fertiliser
A slow release fertilizer once year will be adequate in good soil. A liquid fertilizer for indoor plants once every 6 – 8 weeks can help boost growth rate.
We are asked
- Can you prune M, adansonii?
Yes you can and this can help give the plant a more bushy growth habit as well as maintain a smaller size.
Prune in spring or early summer.
Prune back to just above a leaf node.
Use clean sterile secateurs. - Why are the leaves turning black?
Usually from exposure to direct sun, - Why are the leaves turning yellow
Usually from over watering - Can you grow M.adansonii outdoors?
Yes but only in USDA Zones 10-11 - How do you propagate M.adansonii?
Easy from stem cuttings, watch the video
