What is Monstera adansonii?
Monstera adansonii — the Swiss cheese vine — is the smaller, more nimble sibling of the iconic Monstera deliciosa. Where deliciosa makes floor-filling leaves with deep edge cuts, adansonii trails and climbs with oval leaves punched full of oval holes (fenestrations). The effect is dramatic out of all proportion to the plant’s modest size: a single vine cascading from a shelf or climbing a moss pole can stop a room.
It’s native to Central and South American rainforests, where it scrambles up tree trunks toward the canopy — the holes in its leaves are thought to let wind and dappled light pass through without tearing the leaf.
Why does my Monstera adansonii have no holes — or very small ones?
Fenestration on adansonii is driven by two things: maturity and light. Young plants produce solid or lightly perforated leaves; as the plant matures and receives more bright indirect light, the holes multiply and enlarge on each successive leaf.
The collector shortcut: give it something to climb. When adansonii is allowed to climb upward (as it does in nature), it triggers larger, more fenestrated leaves — far more so than when it just trails downward. A moss pole, coco coir pole, or even a rough wooden dowel makes a measurable difference within a few new leaves.
How much light does Monstera adansonii need?
Bright indirect light is ideal — within a few feet of an east or north-facing window, or further back from a bright south or west exposure. In bright light, adansonii grows quickly and produces its most perforated leaves. It tolerates medium light, but fenestration decreases, vines become leggier, and growth slows noticeably.
Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves.
How often should you water Monstera adansonii?
Water about every 1–2 weeks, letting the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out first. Adansonii is somewhat more sensitive to overwatering than its larger cousin — soggy roots turn yellow leaves quickly. Use a chunky aroid mix (bark, perlite, potting mix) and a pot that drains well. In lower light, water less frequently; in bright light or during active summer growth, it may need water weekly.
How do you make Monstera adansonii bushy?
Three tactics:
- Pinch or prune long trailing vines — cut just above a node to encourage the plant to branch from lower on the stem.
- Train it upward — climbing triggers larger leaves and a denser look than trailing.
- Bright light — more light means shorter internodal spacing and a fuller-looking plant overall.
Is Monstera adansonii toxic to pets?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Monstera as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing any part of the plant causes oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Keep trailing vines — which can grow long quickly — out of pets’ reach.