Monstera Adansonii
The trailing Swiss Cheese plant — fenestrated, fast-growing, and endlessly rewarding.
Ready to bring one home? Shop Monstera adansonii.
BASICS FOR YOUR HOME
Kid-Friendly: No — keep out of reach
Pet-Friendly: No — toxic to cats and dogs
Indoors: Yes — bright indirect light
Container Outdoors: Yes (warm months only)
In-Ground: Not recommended
Light: Bright indirect light
Temperature: Above 50°F — no cold drafts
Water: Moderate
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
LIGHT: Monstera adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light — think a few feet back from a sunny window rather than directly in it. Direct sun will scorch the leaves. If your space doesn't have a reliably bright window, a grow light works beautifully and this plant responds well to one. Aim for 10–12 hours of light per day if supplementing artificially.
WATER: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant doesn't like to sit in soggy soil — good drainage is essential. In lower light conditions, it will need less water, so always check the soil before watering rather than following a fixed schedule.
HUMIDITY: Monstera adansonii loves humidity. If your home is dry, especially in winter, a pebble tray with water, a small humidifier nearby, or a spot in the bathroom can make a noticeable difference. Misting is helpful but not a substitute for ambient humidity.
SOIL & POT: Use a well-draining indoor potting mix. A hanging pot with drainage holes is ideal — this plant's trailing habit looks stunning when given room to spill. Repot when roots begin to circle the bottom or emerge from drainage holes, typically every 1–2 years.
FEEDING: Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. No feeding is needed in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
TEMPERATURE & DRAFTS: Keep above 50°F and away from cold windows, air conditioning vents, and exterior doors in winter. Sudden temperature drops will stress the plant and slow growth.
HOW THIS PLANT GROWS
Monstera adansonii grows as a trailing or climbing vine with distinctively fenestrated — hole-filled — leaves that become more pronounced as the plant matures. It grows quickly once settled and will trail gracefully from a hanging pot or climb a moss pole or trellis if given support. New leaves emerge solid and develop their fenestrations as they unfurl.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Yellowing leaves: Usually overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry out a little more between waterings.
Brown crispy edges: Low humidity or too much direct sun. Move it back from the window and increase humidity.
Small leaves with few or no holes: Not enough light. Move closer to a bright window or add a grow light.
Leggy, sparse growth: Also a light issue — this plant reaches toward light when it isn't getting enough.
A NOTE ON TOXICITY
Monstera adansonii is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children. It's perfectly safe to touch and handle — just don't eat it.
GROW JOYFULLY
This is one of the most rewarding houseplants you can own. Get the light right, water with intention, and it will grow faster than you expect — putting out new fenestrated leaves that never get old to watch unfurl.
Monstera adansonii is available in our store while supplies last. Shop now.