Monstera Adansonii : Growing and Caring Guide

Hey there, welcome to our complete guide on Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese vine. We’re plant lovers too, and we get why this awesome houseplant is so appealing with its special leaves and climbing style. In this article, we’ll give you top-notch tips on taking care of Monstera Adansonii, including how to grow new plants, the various types you might come across, and how to fix common problems.

Understanding the Swiss Cheese Vine

All in the Family

Monsteras are part of the arum family (Araceae) and there are more than 40 different species. Two popular ones you might have heard of are Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, and Monstera adansonii, called the Swiss cheese vine. They originally come from Central and South America. The Swiss cheese plant, M. deliciosa, has big, thick leaves. On the other hand, the Swiss cheese vine, M. adansonii, has smaller leaves with smooth edges, making it a great pick if you’re short on space.

The Origin of the Name

The Swiss cheese vine got its name because its leaves look like holey cheese, thanks to the special little gaps in them. These gaps, called fenestrations, are important for the plant when it climbs in the wild and they make the plant look cool. In this guide, we’ll talk about taking care of M. adansonii, which is like the smaller cousin with its cute and irregular holes in the leaves.

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Different Forms of Monstera adansonii

Botanists classify M. adansonii into two forms:

1. Monstera adansonii wide form (Fat or Round Form): Features of wide form adansonii crinkly, bumpy leaves with a bubbled appearance.
2. Monstera Narrow Form: Exhibits smooth, flat leaves, more heart-shaped and elongated. This form is less common but equally captivating.

Regardless of the form, the care instructions outlined in this article remain applicable.

check out How to Care for Monstera Obliqua

Two Optimal Growth Habits

For the happiest Swiss cheese vine, consider growing it in one of two ways:

1. Hanging monstera plant

Ideal for limited spaces, letting the plant drape over a hanging pot or tall stand. Aerial roots will develop but won’t attach to anything.

2. Climbing Plant

Support its climbing nature with a moss pole, wooden stake, or other structure. We’ll delve into the details of both options, ensuring your Monstera adansonii thrives in its chosen environment. Read more.

Growing as a Hanging monstera plant

You can hang your plant from a pot or basket. This looks cool and nice. It is like a green curtain with holey leaves. Put your plant in a hanging pot and let the vines hang. Give it light and water and see it grow into a pretty, falling plant. Hanging plants can make your place more fun and natural!

Growing on a Moss Pole or Wooden Stake

You can make your plant climb on a moss pole or a wood stick. This can make your plant more beautiful! Put a moss pole or a wood stick in the pot with your plant. Tie the vines to the pole or stick as it grows. This is like how it grows in nature. Give it light and water and you will have a nice and happy plant!

Light Requirements for Monstera adansonii

Your plant likes light that is not too strong. It is like a sunny day with a curtain. Do not put it in strong sun, it can burn the leaves. Not enough light can make it grow slow.

Put your plant where it is bright but not sunny. Inside, near a window with a thin curtain is good. Look at your plant – if it grows long or the leaves have no holes, it wants more light.

Watering the Swiss Cheese Vine

Water is important. Your plant likes wet dirt that gets dry before you water again. This stops the roots from rotting. Here are three good ways to water:

1. Sink or Tub Method: Allow room temperature water to fully flush through the soil.
2. Bottom Watering: Place the pot in a water-filled bin, allowing the plant to absorb moisture through the drainage holes.
3. Top Watering: Slowly pour water into the pot, allowing it to run through and collect in the saucer.

Signs of Over- and Underwatering

Recognize signs to ensure proper watering:

Overwatering:

• Easily falling leaves
• Wilting despite wet soil
• Yellow and brown on the same leaf
• Black blotches on the stem near the soil

Underwatering:

• Brown and crispy new growth
• Yellow or stunted newer leaves.
• Light pot and soil pulled away from edges.
• Limp and soft vines

Temperature and Humidity

Your plant likes hot places and wet air. Do not put it in cold or hot places, only between 65°F to 90°F (18°C to 32°C).

Make the air wetter by using machines that make cool mist, putting water and rocks near it, or putting it with other plants. These things make it feel like its home in the hot place.

Also, make sure to shield it from drafts. Imagine if you were enjoying a warm day, and suddenly a chilly breeze comes along – not so fun, right? Your Swiss cheese vine feels the same way, so keep it cozy and draft-free for the best growth.

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Fertilizing Your Swiss Cheese Vine

Your Monstera adansonii likes some food sometimes. Give it natural or slow food every 6 weeks when it grows a lot. Or you can mix water food with water and do this every 4 week.

No food for your plant in winter – it is sleeping then. Look for signs it needs more or less food and change how often you give it food. It is like a small gift for your plant to make it happy and healthy!

Repotting Basics

You want to change the pot for your plant. You need a bigger pot with holes, wet soil with moss, and a stick if you want it up. Take the plant from the old pot and take off dirt. Put it in the new pot and add new dirt. Give it water and tie it to the stick if you want. If you want it down, use a small pot and let the roots out. Have fun with your plant!

Swiss Cheese Plant with Common Problems

The Swiss cheese plant is a plant with holey leaves. It is from far away and grows inside. It can get sick sometimes. Here are some sick things and how to help:

• Yellow or brown leaves: Your plant wants water, but not too much or too little. Give it water when the soil is not wet, but not all the time. Look at the soil and make sure it is okay.

• Gray mold spots: A fungus can make the leaves sick. You should cut off the sick parts and spray the plant with a spray that stops fungus. You should also give the plant less water and more air.

• Leaf spots: Plants can get sick or eaten by bugs. Look at your plant often and see if it is healthy. Use a safe spray or oil to keep bugs away. Cut off the parts that are bad and clean your tools.

• Stem rot: Too much water or bad soil can hurt the plant. Cut off the parts that are not good and change the pot and soil. Water less and do not wet the stem. Read more. Diseases and Remedies

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Propagation Made Easy

Propagating Monstera adansonii is straightforward:

1. Stem Cuttings: Cut 4 to 6-inch sections and root them in water before potting.
2. Layering: Pin vines to soil, encouraging roots at nodes. Once rooted, cut and pot the new plant.

Pests and Problems

Swiss cheese vines are strong plants, but sometimes they have problems with small bugs. You can use special oil, soap, or water less to stop the bugs.

Additional Care Tips

Embrace the tropical vibe with these extra care tips:

• Seasonal Outdoor Exposure: Move the plant outdoors in summer, bringing it in when temperatures drop below 60°F.
• Draft Avoidance: Shield the plant from cold and hot drafts.
• Pre-Purchase Inspection: Examine plants for pests, root health, and yellowing leaves before bringing them home.
• Dust Removal: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few months to maintain a clean appearance.
• Toxicity Awareness: Be cautious if you have pets, as Monstera adansonii is toxic to dogs and cats.

Nice pick on getting the cool Swiss cheese vine for your indoor plants! Follow the easy tips in this guide, and your Monstera adansonii will do awesome, making your room feel like a tropical paradise.

Check out our articles for more helpful info on taking care of your houseplants! Learn about growing the nerve plant, the Golden Goddess Philodendron, and other amazing additions to your plant family. Save this article to your Houseplants board for later reference.

Just a reminder: Take good care, and your Swiss cheese vine will be happy and thriving in your home!