Monstera adansonii

Common Names

Swiss Cheese Plant, Five Holes Plant, Monkey Mask, Swiss Cheese Vine, Adanson’s Monstera, Cheese Plant, Monkey Mask Plant, Adanson’s Monster

Summary

Swiss Cheese Vine is a tropical climbing plant native to Central and South America. It features heart-shaped leaves with fenestrations (holes) that become larger and more perforated as the plant climbs; juvenile leaves have no holes, and aerial roots support vertical growth, with common training on a moss pole or display in hanging baskets, reaching indoors about 3–8 ft tall.

It prefers bright indirect light but tolerates lower light, thrives at 60–80°F and 60–80% humidity, and grows best in a well-draining chunky aroid mix. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry and avoid soggy conditions; fertilize at half-strength every two weeks in spring and summer and monthly in autumn/winter. Propagation is via stem cuttings with at least one node, rooting in water or soil, and climbing support like a moss pole encourages larger leaves; pests such as thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can occur; it is toxic if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-8 feet

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10a-12b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, chunky, airy aroid mix rich in bark, perlite, and charcoal, with peat moss or coco coir, and a pH of 5.5–7

Soil Drainage

Well-draining, airy, chunky soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral.

Bloom Color

Creamy-white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, with new leaves bright green and mature leaves dark green.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Growth is light-dependent; generally fast with adequate light and slow with insufficient light; typical range 1–2 ft/year, fastest in spring–early autumn.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division