Monstera adansonii aka Swiss Cheese Plant
Taxonomy ID: 206
Monstera adansonii, also known as Adanson's monstera, Swiss cheese plant or five holes plant, is a species of flowering plant from Araceae family found in South America, Central America and the West Indies, typically near river valleys at lower elevations. It has a more delicate and tiny look compared to the closely related Monstera deliciosa, and is characterized by large holes in its leaves, a process called fenestration. It's a decorative plant, popular among plant lovers, and can grow up to 5ft (1,5m) tall at home. Native to tropical jungles of Central and South America, its holes in the leaves help absorb the scattered beams of sunlight that make it down through the forest canopy. Because of these unique characteristics resembling swiss cheese, it is given the name of Swiss Cheese Plant.
Common names
Swiss Cheese Plant, Monkey Mask, Tarovine, Adanson's MonsteraMore information about Swiss Cheese Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.
What is the region of origin of Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant’s native range is Central America.
What are the water needs for Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Swiss Cheese Plant
To ensure optimal growth, the Swiss Cheese Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Swiss Cheese Plant
No extra humidity is necessary for the Swiss Cheese Plant. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Swiss Cheese Plant
Repotting the Swiss Cheese Plant should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Swiss Cheese Plant toxic to humans/pets?
Swiss Cheese Plant is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
What seasonal care does Swiss Cheese Plant need?
During the cold period, it is common for Swiss Cheese Plant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Is Swiss Cheese Plant flowering?
Yes, if you provide your Swiss Cheese Plant with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Monstera Genus
Monstera epipremnoides Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera adansonii Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera pinnatipartita Monstera
Monstera spruceana
Monstera aureopinnata Aureopinnata
Monstera oreophila
Monstera lechleriana Split Leaf
Monstera acuminata
Monstera standleyana Philodendron Cobra
