Monsteras are fun and easy-care houseplants with unique foliage, and the Monstera adansonii is a stunner. This vining, trailing plant goes by the nickname Swiss Cheese Vine due to the fenestrations or holes in mature foliage. Members of the Araceae family, this plant hails from Central and South America, where it is often found growing on trees at low elevations.

Types of Monstera adansonii

There are two types of Monstera adansonii — narrow-form and wide-form. The only difference between these two varieties is the size and shape of the leaves and fenestrations. Care for both the wide-form adansonii and narrow-form adansonii is generally the same. 

Monstera adansonii Light Needs

Both varieties require bright indirect sunlight, although wide-form Monstera adansonii plants can tolerate slightly brighter environments. Narrow-form Monstera adansonii are prone to sunburn if exposed to too much sunlight.

How Often to Water adansonii

Water adansonii plants when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. This tropical plant likes damp conditions, but it also likes to dry out between watering sessions. Thoroughly drench the soil when it is time to water to ensure the root ball is evenly wet.

Yellow tips on the leaves indicate the plant is overwatered. Treat an overwatered plant by letting the soil dry out. Extremely overwatered plants will form root rot, and the stems will become mushy. By the time the stems become soft, the only way to save the plant is to take cuttings to propagate.

Temperature for adansonii

As tropical natives, it’s no surprise that adansonii plants like to be warm. Temperatures between 65° to 75° F are preferred. This plant makes a lovely, leafy addition to a screened-in porch or patio during the summer. Make sure the temperatures are consistently warm before moving your adansonii outside.

Humidity for adansonii

Above-average or high humidity is essential for all Monstera plants, including the adansonii. Increased dampness in the air keeps the leaves lush and healthy. Humidity above 60% is necessary. The leaves will curl or turn brown along the edges if the air is too dry. You can always help your adansonii feel at home by increasing the moisture with a pebble tray or humidifier.

Monstera adansonii Fertilizer

Fertilizing houseplants gives them the nutrients they need to push out new leaves and long vines. Adansonii plants do not require a lot of fertilizing, but they certainly appreciate regular applications of plant food. 

The best fertilizer for adansonii is one high in nitrogen, with a ratio of 9-3-6 or something similar. Increased nitrogen supports foliage growth, and Monsteras are all about foliage. Although, a balanced fertilizer is also a good option for adansonii. A balanced fertilizer will do the trick if you have several houseplants and want to keep things simple by using the same plant food for all of them.

When to Repot Monstera adansonii 

You’ll know it’s time to repot your adansonii when the roots grow through the drainage holes in the container or if overall growth slows down. Plan to repot your adansonii every other year unless you notice the plant needs an upgrade sooner.

Monstera adansonii Propagation

All Monstera plants are easy to propagate, including the adansonii. Cut a stem section with at least a leaf or two and a couple of nodes. The nodes are tiny bumps that appear on the stem, and this is where new roots will develop. Place the cutting in soil or water. Soil-propagated Monstera adansonii cuttings need damp conditions for a few weeks until roots form. Test if the cutting has roots by gently tugging on the stem. If you feel resistance, you know the plant has roots, and you can scale back watering to when the top couple of inches of soil are dry.

Water-propagated cuttings need fresh water at least weekly. Roots should emerge in a few weeks, and the cuttings can be moved to soil when the roots are at least one inch long. Keep the soil damp for the first week or two before transitioning to a watering routine typical of an established plant. 

Are Monstera adansonii Pet Safe?

All Monstera plants, including the adansonii, are not pet friendly. Eating any part of an adansonii can cause swelling and discomfort in the mouth or gastrointestinal distress. The trailing vines may entice a playful feline, so be aware before bringing this plant into your home, especially if you have pets.

Monstera adansonii Styling Tips

Styling Monstera adansonii is fun, mainly because these plants provide options. Let the stems cascade from a hanging planter, or give the adansonii a moss pole so the vines can climb. This plant introduces a laid-back tropical vibe and introduces subtle style.

Adansonii Care Tips

If you want an easy-care houseplant that delivers a stunning visual impact, consider the Monstera adansonii. This vining beauty is not very demanding and has fenestrated foliage in a lovely medium green for a distinctive and attractive appearance.