Monstera adansonii also known as Monstera friedrichsthalii [Mon-STER-uh, Free-dreech-sta-lia-na] is a tropical plant, evergreen, glossy vine native to various regions of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, South America and Central America.
This houseplant is part of the Araceae family which includes:
- Spathiphyllum plant (Peace Lily)
- Zee Zee Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Philodendron varieties
- Pothos plant
- Alocasia plant (African mask plant)
- along with many others
… and the Monstera is very easy to grow.
The Swiss cheese vine is the type of plant species which changes the shapes of their larger leaves as they mature.
This unique ability of Monstera plants makes it difficult for botanists to categorize these species.
Its common name is the Swiss cheese plant or five holes plant because of its big heart-shaped leaves which are covered with holes.
These holes make the plant look like Swiss cheese.
Other Monstera plants look similar to this one, such as the Monstera obliqua but are much rarer than the swiss cheese vine.
But here’s more on Monstera Obliqua Care.
Monstera Adansonii Care
Size & Growth
M. adansonii has two leaf forms, like many aroids – juvenile and adult.
This vine has show-stopper foliage; every split leaf gets covered with oval-shaped holes (fenestration).
If given a trellis to grow on you’ll get larger leaves.
It might grow as far as 13′ feet.
When the leaves are mature, they grow as big as 20″ – 30″ inches.
According to botanists, these holes assist the plant in standing up and resisting high winds and allows light to pass through.
It’s great for smaller spaces since it doesn’t grow as big as the Monstera deliciosa.
Flowering and Fragrance
Flowering is not very common if it’s an indoor plant.
The flowers are typically tiny and are situated near the spadix.
The spathe isn’t exactly a flower, but it’s the modified version of a leaf.
Light & Temperature
Swiss cheese plant monstera prefers bright indirect light.
It’s best to avoid direct sunlight.
However, if the easy to grow plant doesn’t receive sufficient light, the leaves will be smaller.
Monstera friedrichsthalii’s ideal temperature is between 55° – 75° degrees Fahrenheit (13° C – 24° C).
During winters, the minimum temperature should be 50° degrees Fahrenheit (10° C).
Watering and Feeding
It’s best to thoroughly water this plant during the summers, ensuring the soil surface is dried out between waterings.
During winters, it doesn’t need much water, just occasionally mist.
For properly establishing your Monstera Friedrichsthalii, it’s best to sparingly fertilize about 6″ inches from the base, three times per year.
Cheese plant monstera adansonii responds well to regular liquid fertilizing.
If they’re not fertilized, it will affect their growth.
Keep in mind a high quantity of salts, included in cheap fertilizers, can result in damaging the roots of the plant and might end up destroying it.
Soil & Transplanting
Adansonii prefers an organic-rich, moist but well-drained mix.
It’s ideal to avoid sandy, dry or murky, wet soil.
Go for a peat-based potting soil with large drainage holes.
The peat assists in trapping moisture in the soul without any waterlogging.
To attain stronger growth, opt for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Best grown in a greenhouse where humidity, temperature, and light are all maximized.
Grooming and Maintenance
The trickiest part of grooming and maintaining this plant is the watering.
This plant prefers to have consistently moist soil, but it shouldn’t be soggy.
It’s best to place them in high humidity, which can prove to be a challenge during the winter season.
Utilize a humidifier.
The common issue is yellow leaves if you notice the plant sprouting yellow leaves it’s an indication there’s something wrong with your watering schedule.
Whenever you are watering, you should always use your finger to test the soil first.
If the top inch of the soil is dry, only then you should water the plant.
Make sure you are not overwatering.
If you notice the upper layer of the soil is continuously wet for a few days, then it’s an indication you are overwatering.
It’s best to water once every week but experiment a bit as per the humidity and temperature of your environment.
How To Propagate Swiss Cheese Vine
To propagate this plant, it’s best to utilize a root hormone powder with stem cuttings.
- Cut off a vine section with two nodes.
- Place the vine in a glass filled with water till roots emerge.
- Make sure the cutting stays protected and warm until new growth begins to emerge.
Keep in mind it takes some time for the root to emerge from the new cuttings.
Therefore, you should be patient and continuously keep them in a warm and moist area.
Bag the cutting so the moisture is sealed in.
This will enhance their survival chances.
Once the root starts forming, transfer the cutting into the soil and soon you’ll have new plants.
Swiss Cheese Plant Pest or Disease Problems
There aren’t any primary disease or pest issues with Monstera Adansonii swiss cheese plant.
However, this plant is vulnerable to attacks from fungal spots, leaf spots, bacterial soft rot, spider mites, and scale insects.
Learn More:
Monstera species are toxic to animals, especially cats and dogs, as per the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
If you get this plant, ensure you place it in a location your pets can’t consume its leaves.
It will result in swallowing problems, vomiting, excessive drooling, mouth swelling, and irritation.
Suggested Uses for Monstera Swiss Cheese Vines
This plant is a perfect house plant for both experts and beginners.
It’s not just easy to look after but also looks extremely exotic.
It looks great both indoors and outdoors.
Most growers plant Monstera adansonii swiss cheese plant as trailers or in hanging baskets, which allows for less frequent repotting.