Monstera adansonii aka Swiss Cheese Plant

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Swiss Cheese Plant

Difficulty

Swiss Cheese Plant demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.

Water

Swiss Cheese Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

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.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

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.

Humidity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Region of origin

Swiss Cheese Plant’s native range is Central America.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Swiss Cheese Plant with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia