The Monstera adansonii plant, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a unique addition to any space. But do you know what steps go into Monstera adansonii care?
Keep reading to learn more about the Monstera adansonii plant and find out how much work needs to go into taking care of it.
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What is a Monstera Adansonii Plant?
The Monstera adansonii is a plant that intrigues everyone who looks at it, but not many people know much about it.
Also known as the Swiss cheese plant – or the Swiss cheese vine plant – it is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves. These leaves soon see holes and slits on them as the plant ages, hence its name. These holes are when you know that your Monstera adansonii plant has matured. Monstera adansonii plants can grow quickly but still remain at a reasonable size for a house plant – they can grow up to five feet, or an impressive 13 feet as a vine.
You may have heard the term Swiss cheese plant used for other plants. In fact, there are several other Monstera plants that are colloquially called Swiss cheese plants, including:
- Monstera deliciosa
- Monstera borsigiana
- Monstera obliqua
The Monstera adansonii plant is native to Central and South America, so it is used to tropical environments. Nonetheless, the Swiss cheese plant makes a great house plant if it’s properly taken care of.
Let’s talk about what Monstera adansonii care involves.
Monstera Adansonii Care Tips
Despite how complicated it may look, the Monstera plant is relatively simple to take care of.
You want to mimic the plant’s natural conditions as well as possible, but depending on where you live, this might not be possible. However, there are a few adjustments you can make to ensure that your Monstera adansonii feels right at home.
Here are some tips on Monstera adansonii care to ensure that your favorite plant thrives.
Light
Monstera adansonii plants prefer bright, indirect light, since they’re used to growing beneath larger tropical trees. However, they still do well in low-light conditions.
Try to keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves if the plant is given too much exposure. For the best plant growth, place your Swiss cheese plant near a north-facing window.
Water
The part of Monstera adansonii care that you should really pay attention to is watering.
The Swiss cheese plant loves water but doesn’t like to be too soaked. You want to keep its soil consistently moist without having it get too soggy. In general, you want to water your Monstera adansonii plant until water comes out of its drainage holes.
Always check your Monstera adansonii’s soil before you water it. To do that, stick two fingers about an inch deep into the soil to determine the moisture level. If the soil is still moist throughout, then your plant is good. However, if the soil is dry, it’s time to replenish your Swiss cheese plant.
Considering their native climate, these plants also love humidity. If you live in a dry climate, or you’re keeping your Swiss cheese plant indoors, it might not get enough humidity from the air. If possible, consider getting a humidifier. At the very least, you should lightly mist your plant from time to time to keep it moist.
If you have a bathroom with a window, this is a great location to put your Monstera adansonii plant to receive indirect sunlight and adequate humidity.
Soil
You must check your Monstera adansonii plant’s soil every time you water it, but that’s not where the importance of soil ends. The type you use is a key factor in your Monstera adansonii care.
For the best growth results, you should use soil that traps moisture without becoming waterlogged. A peat-based potting mix works well for Monstera adansonii plants. Make sure that the pot you use has drainage holes.
Furthermore, try to keep the soil at a pH level between 5.5 and 7, and you should choose a potting mix with fertilizer for extra nutrients.
Food
A few months after potting your Monstera adansonii, you should consider fertilizing your plant. The best choice for a Swiss cheese plant is all-purpose liquid fertilizer.
Be careful not to over fertilize your plant. Dilute your fertilizer, if necessary.
Pruning
The Monstera adansonii plant loves to climb, meaning you’ll have to do some maintenance to ensure that your plant doesn’t outgrow your space and that it remains healthy.
The best time to prune your Swiss cheese plant is in the spring, using sterile pruning shears. Be careful not to cut too much – you should cut no more than 25% of each stem and cut just before the leaf node.
Issues to Watch Out For With Monstera Adansonii Care
Even though proper care should ensure that your Monstera adansonii plant grows healthily, there are still a few things you should watch out for when it comes to caring for your plant.
- The Monstera adansonii plant is toxic to pets, so be sure to put this plant somewhere your pet can’t access it.
- Make sure that your Swiss cheese plant doesn’t become too crowded in its pot. As it continues to grow, you should plan to repot your Monstera Adansonii every two years.
- If your Monstera Adansonii plant’s leaves turn yellow, this could be a sign that you’re overwatering it. Make sure that it’s never sitting in water and allow the soil to slightly dry between waterings.
- If you find that your Monstera Andansonii’s leaves turn black, it could be receiving too much direct sunlight. Make sure you monitor the amount of sunlight your plant gets throughout the day and move it if necessary.
Summary
In all, Monstera Adansonii care mainly involves three elements:
- Warmth
- Water
- Humidity
As long as it is getting enough of these three elements, your Swiss cheese plant should stay happy and continue to thrive.