Monstera adansonii

Monstera adansonii

Also known as: Swiss cheese vine, Adanson's monstera, five hole plant, Monstera pertusa

Monstera adansonii is a fast-growing climbing aroid from southern Mexico to tropical America, with heart-shaped leaves cut by oval holes between the main veins. It is smaller than Monstera deliciosa: NC State Extension gives 0.9–2.4 m (3–8 ft) indoors on a trellis or moss pole, and the RHS notes it will climb with support or trail. Both recommend bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity, and the RHS advises watering freely in the growing season and sparingly in winter. It is toxic to cats and dogs.

Reference

Monstera adansonii quick facts

Botanical name: Monstera adansonii
Family: Araceae (arum family)
Native to: Southern Mexico to tropical America
Light: Bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the leaves.
Water: Keep moist but well drained. Water freely in the growing season and sparingly in winter.
Temperature and humidity: High humidity. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F).
Support: Give it a stake, trellis or moss pole to climb, or let it trail.
Size: 0.9–2.4 m (3–8 ft) tall and 30–90 cm (1–3 ft) wide indoors with support.
Propagation: Stem cuttings.
Cats and dogs: Toxic. The ASPCA has no entry for Monstera adansonii. NC State Extension lists it as a problem for cats and dogs if eaten (calcium oxalate crystals), causing inflammation of the mouth and throat, vomiting and drooling; the sap can irritate skin. Source: NC State Extension

Sources: NC State Extension: Monstera adansonii; RHS: Monstera adansonii

Care Essentials

Get to Know Your Monstera Adansonii

The #1 killer? Overwatering. Let the soil dry between waterings and your Monstera Adansonii will thrive.

Light

bright indirect

Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching.

💡 Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.

Watering

every 7-10 days

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.

Humidity & Temperature

Loves higher humidity (60%+). If your air is dry, group it with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby.

Standard room temperature (60-80°F / 15-27°C) is perfect. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.

Soil

Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.

⚠️ The ASPCA has no entry for Monstera adansonii. NC State Extension lists it as a problem for cats and dogs if eaten (calcium oxalate crystals), causing inflammation of the mouth and throat, vomiting and drooling; the sap can irritate skin.

Difficulty moderate

Common problems

Common Monstera adansonii problems, answered

Monstera Adansonii Yellow Leaves: Water, Roots or Light?

Yellow leaves on Monstera adansonii most often follow a root-zone problem: mix kept too wet, or left dry too long. Too little light, cold, and normal shedding of old leaves can also turn leaves yellow. Which leaves changed, and how wet the mix is, separate the causes.

Monstera Adansonii Propagation: Node Cuttings in Water or Mix

Monstera adansonii propagates from stem cuttings. A cutting needs at least one node, the bump where a leaf and aerial root grow from the vine. A leaf without a node will not grow into a new plant.

Monstera Adansonii Care: Light, Water, Humidity, Support

Monstera adansonii is a fast-growing climbing vine. It does best in bright, indirect light, moist but well-drained mix, warmth, high humidity, and something to climb. It is toxic to people and pets if eaten, and its sap can irritate skin.

Monstera Adansonii Thrips: Find Them on the Vine and Treat

Thrips on Monstera adansonii leave silvery or pale-streaked patches, tiny dark droppings and crinkled new leaves. On this fast vine they hide on leaf undersides, inside unfurling leaves, at the many leaf-stalk joints along the stems and in the potting mix.

Monstera Adansonii Root Rot: Trim, Repot or Restart

Monstera adansonii root rot follows mix that stays wet, often from water left in the saucer or a pot that is too big. The vine wilts or yellows while the mix is damp, and the roots in the pot turn brown to black and soft. Aerial roots along the stems are normal climbing roots, not a sign of rot.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked About Monstera adansonii

Is Monstera adansonii toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA has no entry for Monstera adansonii. NC State Extension lists it as a problem for cats and dogs if eaten (calcium oxalate crystals), causing inflammation of the mouth and throat, vomiting and drooling; the sap can irritate skin.

Can Monstera adansonii grow in water?

Yes. We have 1 documented protocol for water-based Monstera adansonii care, including propagation and long-term hydroponic transition.

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