Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera adansonii, or Swiss cheese plant, is a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for houseplant that can add a tropical touch to any indoor space. It is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Though it is related to the more common Monstera Deliciosa, it is much smaller in size and has much smaller leaves. This plant is known for its ability to produce large, round leaves that are covered in holes or fenestrations, giving it its “Swiss cheese” nickname.

The Monstera adansonii is a fast-growing plant and can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) in the wild. However, when grown as a houseplant, it is typically much smaller, reaching only 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters) in height. This plant is capable of growing vertically up a post or can trail downward. This plant prefers moist, humid conditions and thrives in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Monstera Adansonii Care Tips

If you’re looking for a tropical plant that is easy to care for and grow, then Monstera adansonii is a great choice! Here are some tips on how to care for your swiss cheese plant:

• Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
• Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and be sure to drain any excess water.
• Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
• Repot every two to three years or as needed.

Water

Watering is an important part of caring for your Monstera adansonii. This plant prefers to have moist soil, so be sure to water when the top inch of soil is dry. However, it’s important not to overwater this plant as too much water can lead to root rot. Be sure to drain any excess water from the saucer after watering. During the winter months, you can reduce watering slightly as the plant will be dormant. Water every one to two weeks, or when the top inch of soil is dry.

Light

This plant prefers bright, indirect light but it can tolerate low light conditions. If you live in a particularly dark home, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting such as grow lights. The Monstera adansonii can also tolerate some direct sun, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. This plant prefers to be facing north or east-facing window requiring no more than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Humidity

This plant prefers moist, humid conditions and thrives in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is particularly dry, you may need to provide additional humidity for your plant. This can be done by placing a pebble tray under the pot or using a humidifier.

Feeding

Feeding is an important part of caring for your Monstera adansonii. This plant should be fertilized monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Make sure to dilute your fertilizer and not allow it to touch the leaves as this can burn them. You can reduce fertilizer to once every two months during the fall and winter as the plant will be dormant.

Temperature

This plant prefers to be kept in warm, humid conditions and thrives in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this plant is a tropical plant, it does not tolerate cold temperatures well. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, this plant will start to experience stress and may suffer from leaf loss. If your home is particularly cold, you may need to provide additional heat for your plant. This can be done by placing a heat mat under the pot or using a space heater.

Repotting

Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. Repotting this plant every two to three years will help ensure that it stays healthy and doesn’t become rootbound. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. This plant doesn’t like to be disturbed, so be careful not to damage the roots when repotting. After repotting, water well and place in a bright, indirect light location.

Propagating

Monstera adansonii can be propagated by stem cuttings, water propagation or by air layering.

Stem Cutting Method

To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting that includes at least two leaves and a few inches of stem. Remove the bottom leaf and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Stick the cutting in a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, humid location and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.

Water Propagation

You can also propagate your plant in water. To do this you will need to take a cutting that includes at least two leaves and a few inches of stem. Remove the bottom leaf and place the cutting in a jar or glass of water. Change the water every few days and wait for roots to form. Once roots have formed, you can transplant the cutting into a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix.

Air Layering Method

To propagate by air layering, choose a stem that is at least six inches long and has some leaves. Using a sharp knife, make a cut halfway through the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the cut and wrap the area tightly with moist sphagnum moss. Wrap the whole thing in plastic, making sure that the moss stays moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks. Once it has rooted, you can cut it off from the main plant and pot it up.

Toxicity

Monstera adansonii contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling if ingested. This plant is toxic to pets and children, so be sure to keep it out of reach. If ingested, seek medical attention immediately.

Common Pests and Diseases

This plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot. Mealybugs can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or using a miticide. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the pot has drainage holes and that the plant is not sitting in water. If the plant does develop root rot, it will need to be repotted in fresh, sterile potting mix.

Some common diseases that can affect this plant include leaf spots and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can be controlled by removing affected leaves and applying a fungicide. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and can be controlled by removing affected leaves, increasing air circulation, and applying a fungicide.

Common Problems

One of the most common problems with Monstera adansonii is leaf loss. This can be caused by several factors, including too much direct light, low humidity, or cold temperatures. If you notice that your plant is losing leaves, try to adjust the conditions and see if that helps. If not, you may need to repot the plant or provide additional support.

Another common problem with this plant is stem rot. This can be caused by too much water or too little light. If you notice that the stems of your plant are starting to rot, try to adjust the watering and lighting conditions. If the problem persists, you may need to repot the plant.

If your plant starts to produce yellow leaves, it could be due to a nutrient deficiency. Try fertilizing the plant and see if that helps. If the problem persists, you may need to repot the plant with fresh potting mix.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Monstera adansonii is a tropical plant that is native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It is known for its large, green leaves with distinctive holes or slits. It can be grown as a houseplant or in outdoor gardens in warm climates. When growing your Monstera, it is important to provide bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil. It can tolerate some direct sun, but in hot climates, it should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Additionally, this plant is toxic to pets and children, so be sure to keep it out of reach. Monstera adansonii is a fairly easy to care for plant, but be sure to keep an eye out for common pests and diseases. With proper care, your plant can grow up to 2 feet per year. If you have any further questions about your Monstera adansonii, please don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below. Thank you for reading!