How much light does Monstera adansonii need?

It prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.

What kind of soil is best?

A well-draining potting mix, such as an aroid mix or a blend with perlite and bark, works well.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Avoid letting it sit in water.

Does it need high humidity?

Yes, Monstera adansonii thrives in high humidity, so misting, using a humidifier, or placing it in a bathroom can be beneficial.

Can it be propagated easily?

Yes, it can be easily propagated from stem cuttings placed in water or soil.

Plant guide

Monstera.

Monstera adansonii

Pronounced mon-STAIR-uh ad-an-SO-nee-eye

Also known as Adanson's Monstera, Monkey-Mask, Mountain Ears, Swiss cheese-plant, Swiss-cheese-plant, five holes plant, tarovine

This charming vining plant is famous for the unique holes, or fenestrations, that develop in its leaves as it matures. It loves to climb, so providing a moss pole will encourage larger, more dramatic foliage. It is a fantastic choice for adding a tropical feel to your home.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Tropical vine
Light: Bright indirect light is best.
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 10 days
Mature size: Up to 2 meters indoors.
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely blooms indoors.

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them free of dust so they can photosynthesize efficiently.

Watering: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to maintain a bushy shape and encourage new growth.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of the pot.
Soil: Well draining aroid mix.
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%

Safety

People: Monstera adansonii can cause oral irritation, swelling, and upset stomach if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Children: Ingestion of leaves or stems can cause gastrointestinal upset and mouth irritation in children due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Contact allergens: Sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: No significant respiratory allergens are typically associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Heart shaped leaves
Distinctive oval leaf holes
Trailing or climbing growth habit
Deep green leaf color
Thin papery leaf texture

Height: 0.6 to 2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, 5 to 10cm

Common problems

Yellowing leaves — Often caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Brown leaf tips — Can be a sign of low humidity, inconsistent watering, or fertilizer burn.
Pests — Can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale, especially in dry conditions.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, summer

Group plants with similar humidity and light needs to simplify care routines and create a cohesive display.

Grows well with

Pothos — They share similar care requirements for light, water, and humidity, making them easy to group together.
Philodendron — Many philodendrons have comparable needs and aesthetic qualities, complementing the Monstera.
Ferns — Ferns often appreciate the high humidity that Monstera adansonii also prefers, creating a lush understory effect.

Similar species

Monstera deliciosa — While larger, M. deliciosa shares the characteristic fenestrated leaves and similar vining growth habit, differing mainly in leaf size and hole pattern.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma — This plant, often called 'Mini Monstera,' has deeply lobed leaves that resemble fenestrations and a similar climbing habit, though it belongs to a different genus.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Monstera
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central and South America (e.g. Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador).
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

In the wild, it's a climbing epiphyte that grows up tree trunks, seeking dappled light in humid tropical forests.

Uses: Houseplant, Ornamental

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much light does Monstera adansonii need?: It prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
What kind of soil is best?: A well-draining potting mix, such as an aroid mix or a blend with perlite and bark, works well.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Avoid letting it sit in water.
Does it need high humidity?: Yes, Monstera adansonii thrives in high humidity, so misting, using a humidifier, or placing it in a bathroom can be beneficial.
Can it be propagated easily?: Yes, it can be easily propagated from stem cuttings placed in water or soil.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Monstera' comes from the Latin word for 'monster,' likely referring to the plant's large, unusual leaves. 'Adansonii' honors the Scottish botanist Michel Adanson.

Good to know

It's a hemi-epiphyte in its natural habitat, starting life on the ground and then climbing trees.
The holes in the leaves help the plant catch more sunlight as it grows upwards.
This plant is native to Central and South America.
New leaves unfurl from a protective sheath called a cataphyll.

Is your monstera looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.