The Monstera Adansonii likely caught your eye because of its textured leaves full of holes that make it look like “swiss cheese”. It is, after all, aptly named the Swiss Cheese Vine. The holes (also called fenestration) and it’s leathery texture give this aroid a unique look.
The Monstera Adansonii is the perfect houseplant for aroid beginners because it is easy to care for – as long you’re equipped with the right knowledge. Here’s everything you need to know to properly care for your Swiss Cheese Vine plant.
Quick Guide for Monstera Adansonii Care
Soil: well-draining soil consisting of peat moss, perlite, orchid bark, and worm castings
Potting: large drainage holes; repot to a larger pot every year
Light: bright, indirect
Watering: thorough watering when top 1 inch to 1.5 inches of soil is dry; usually once per week, but test soil moisture to know when to water
Humidity: 60% to 90%
Temperature: 65-85 degrees F (18 to 29 degrees C)
Fertilizer: N-P-K 20-20-20 at half strength during Spring and Summer only; follow package instructions for frequency
Soil
Monstera Adansonii requires well-draining soil in order to avoid root rot. The ideal composition for soil includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Add worm castings to give your plant nutrition.
The type of pot you choose also lends a hand in proper drainage of your soil. Be sure to use a pot that has a bottom with large drainage holes.
Light
Your Swiss Cheese Vine will thrive in bright, indirect light. Place it in a room that gets plenty of natural light. However, keep the plant a few feet away from any windows so that it won’t receive direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch and damage the leaves.
Watering Your Monstera Adansonii
Watering can be a tricky part in caring for your Swiss Cheese Vine. Remember that this plant is prone to root rot, so it’s important that you don’t overwater it.
A great way to know when to water your Monstera Adansonii is to use a plant soil moisture sensor. The moisture sensor will turn white when the soil is dry. Give your plant a thorough watering 2 days after the plant soil moisture sensor turns white.
Another method is to stick your finger into the soil. If the top 1 to 1.5 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch, then it is time to give your plant a thorough watering. If the you still feel moisture in the top 1 to 1.5 inches of soil, then wait a couple more days and re-check.
As the seasons change, your watering schedule will change too. Your Swiss Cheese Vine may require less frequent watering during the winter months. Your soil moisture sensor will help you determine the frequency.
Humidity
Monstera Adansonii grows best in high humidity (60% to 90%). Think tropical forest.
To achieve higher humidity inside a home, consider using a humidifier. If you prefer not to use a humidifier, place your plant pot on top of a pebble tray filled with water.
If you have a smaller plant, you can also achieve higher humidity with the use of a small greenhouse or humidity dome.
Higher humidity levels will result in larger leaves and faster growth.
Temperature
Your Swiss Cheese Vine does best at temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees F (18 to 29 degrees C).
Temperatures lower than 65 degrees F (18 degrees C) slow plant growth, resulting in wilting.
In temperatures higher than 85 degrees F (29 degrees C), you will have to water your plant much more often.
Fertilizer
It’s important to fertilize your plant to ensure healthy foliage. Not providing fertilizer to your Swiss Cheese Vine can result in yellowing leaves.
Use a fertilizer with N-P-K 20-20-20 at half strength. You can opt for liquid or slow-release formulation.
Fertilize only during the Spring and Summer months. Stop fertilizing your plant during the Fall and Winter.
Tips to Encourage Growth on your Monstera Adansonii
Growing your Swiss Cheese Vine on a wood pole, moss pole, stake or trellis will produce larger leaves. They are vines and will do very well when your provide them with a pole or trellis to grow on.
Repot your Monstera Adansonii every year to encourage growth. Increase the size of the pot by up to 2 inches in diameter. Jumping to a pot larger than 2 inches in diameter from the current pot size will result in a higher soil to plant ratio and this could lead to waterlogging.
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