Monstera Adansonii Care
Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese vine)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 2β3 cm is dry. Likes steady moisture. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Chunky and airy: our Chunky Monkey Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 18β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average to high; crisps in very dry air. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Easy Fast grower |
| π Grows to | Trails or climbs 1β2 m. |
Monstera adansonii is the smaller, vining cousin of Monstera deliciosa, with leaves full of holes from the start. It grows fast, trails beautifully from a shelf or climbs a pole, and is a little thirstier than its big relative.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light keeps the vines full and the holes big. In low light, leaves get smaller with fewer holes and the vines stretch. Avoid direct hot sun.
Watering
Water when the top 2β3 cm of soil is dry. It likes more even moisture than Monstera deliciosa, but don't let it sit soggy.
Soil + repotting
A chunky, airy mix like our Chunky Monkey Potting Mix. Repot every 1β2 years in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Trim long vines and root the cuttings to keep it full. On a pole, leaves grow larger.
Propagation
Cut below a node with a leaf and root it in water. See Propagation 101. For the big split-leaf monstera, see our Monstera Deliciosa Care guide.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy brown edges | Dry air or dried-out soil | Raise humidity; water a bit sooner. |
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let the top few cm dry. |
| Small leaves, few holes | Low light | Move to brighter indirect light; add a pole. |
| Leggy vines | Low light | Brighter spot; trim and replant cuttings. |
| Fine webbing | Spider mites | Shower and treat with Houseplant Spray. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for the classic and variegated forms. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monstera adansonii the same as Monstera deliciosa?
No. It's a smaller, vining species with holes instead of deep splits.
Is it safe for pets?
No. It's toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Should it climb or trail?
Either. Climbing on a pole gives bigger leaves.
Why are the leaf edges crispy?
Usually dry winter air. Raise humidity.
Monstera Adansonii care kit
- Chunky Monkey Potting Mix: Bark-rich and airy, for climbers and aroids.
- Coco Coir Support Pole: Something to climb, for bigger leaves.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Sundew Β· Venus Fly Trap Β· Alocasia Β· Tradescantia Β· Goldfish + Lipstick Plants Β· Air Plants Β· Pink Princess Β· Anthurium Β· All plant care β