Monstera adansonii
Monstera adansonii
Swiss cheese vine
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Description
Monstera adansonii is a charming, fast-growing climber with naturally holey leaves. It loves to trail or scale a moss pole, bringing a lush, tropical vibe to any bright room.
Common Names
Swiss cheese vineAdanson's monsteraMonkey mask
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical Central and South America rainforest understories.
usdaZones
10–12 outdoors; commonly grown indoors elsewhere.
companionPlants
Philodendron hederaceum, Epipremnum aureum (pothos), Scindapsus pictus, Syngonium podophyllum, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
culturalUses
Popular ornamental for indoor jungles, trellises, and living walls; valued for dramatic fenestrated foliage.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light; tolerates medium light but avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch leaves.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; keep evenly moist but never soggy. Reduce slightly in winter.
SoilAiry, well-draining aroid mix (bark/perlite/coir or peat). Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerFeed every 4 weeks in spring–summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength; pause in winter.
HumidityPrefers 50–70%+; tolerates average indoor humidity but benefits from extra moisture.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect from drafts and temps below 55°F (13°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitVining, hemiepiphytic climber or trailer with fenestrated leaves.
Mature SizeIndoors 6–10 ft+ with support; leaves 2–10 in. Larger in tropical climates outdoors.
Growth RateFast in warm, bright conditions.
BloomingRare indoors; mature plants may produce small spadix and spathe inflorescences outdoors.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler, lower-light months.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings with a node (water or soil), Air layering, Single-node cuttings
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningTrim vines to control length and encourage branching; cut above a node with clean tools.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years or when rootbound; move up 1–2 in pot size and add a moss pole or trellis.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and scale; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and leaf spot.
ToxicityMildly to moderately toxic if ingested (insoluble calcium oxalates); keep away from pets and children.