Adanson's monstera
Monstera adansonii · Araceae
📷 Jacob Rehage · CC0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant adanson's monstera: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Blooming
- Spring-summer (cream spathes)
- Adult size
- Up to 2–3 m in cultivation
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Tender (12–15 °C min.)
- Origin
- Tropical forests of Central and South America
- Soil type
- Light, well-draining potting mix, rich in organic matter
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez quand les 2-3 cm supérieurs du substrat sont secs, pas avant : cette plante meurt plus souvent d'excès d'eau que de sécheresse, surtout en hiver. Un pot avec trous de drainage et un terreau aéré (mélange terre + écorce + perlite) sont non-négociables pour éviter l'asphyxie racinaire.
The common mistake
Arroser trop régulièrement par peur qu'elle manque d'eau, ce qui provoque un pourrissement des racines et des tiges noires et molles irréversibles.
The pro's trick
Installez-la près d'une source de lumière indirecte et laissez-la grimper ou retomber sur un support (tuteur, mouche de seau) : elle se développe bien plus vite et régulièrement que maintenue en suspension, et les trous dans les feuilles (fenestrations) apparaissent plus vite et plus nombreux.
Seasonal watch
En automne et hiver, réduisez drastiquement l'arrosage et cessez l'engrais : la plante entre en ralentissement végétatif. Continuer à arroser comme en été provoque immanquablement la pourriture racinaire, surtout si la température descend en dessous de 15°C.
Care
Watering
Water when the substrate starts to dry at the surface, without leaving it soggy. In winter, space out your waterings. Always check the moisture with your finger before watering: this plant hates excess water and root rot. Rainwater or distilled water is ideal.
Light
Place it in bright light, away from direct sun which would scorch its leaves. It tolerates partial shade, but growth will slow down. A spot near an east or north-facing window works perfectly.
Pruning and support
Guide the stems onto a stake, trellis, or let them cascade in suspension. Remove misshapen or overly long stems by cutting just above a node. It attaches naturally via its aerial roots, which makes staking easy. Pinch out the tips regularly to promote a bushier habit.
Fertilizing
Feed from March to October, once a month, with a diluted all-purpose fertilizer. Reduce or stop in winter when growth slows. Moderate feeding is enough: you don't need high doses.
Soil and repotting
Prefers a well-draining mix: potting soil + pine bark + perlite (1:1:1). Repot in spring every 2–3 years. It likes being slightly root-bound, so avoid a pot that's too large: increase gradually by 2 cm in diameter.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Ventilate regularly and inspect leaf undersides. If infested, rinse the leaves or spray with mild soap. Powdery mildew can occur in stagnant humidity: improve air circulation.
Did you know?
Monstera adansonii is nicknamed the 'Swiss cheese plant' because of the characteristic holes in its leaves, though their exact purpose remains debated. Some botanists suggest they reduce wind resistance in tropical forests, while others think they optimize light penetration. These holes fascinate so much that it has become one of the trendiest plants among urban collectors.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.