Monkey Plant wouldn’t be complete without Monstera! These hardy indoor favourites feature small leaves that form a lovely pattern of holes, or fenestrations! Is there a better approach to encouraging children to embrace life fully?
Monkey plants are gorgeous tropical plants with stunning foliage. We’ve assembled a complete grower’s guide with all the growing guidance you need!
Monkey Plant Overview
| Common Name | Swiss cheese plant, Monstera adansonii |
| Botanical Name | Monstera adansonii |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 3–8 ft. tall (indoors) |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 10–12 (USDA) |
Monkey Plant Care
- Make sure the soil around your cheese plant drains properly.
- Water your cheese plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out and become completely hydrated.
- Give your Swiss cheese plant something to climb on by placing a stick or moss pole in the middle of the pot.
- Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer to your cheese plant once it has taken root.
- Lightly trim your cheese plant regularly as needed.
Light & Temperature
Monstera adansonii is indigenous to rainforests and other similar habitats. That’s why it works best in illumination that replicates that setting. It is best to have partial sun or indirect, bright light. Shadow doesn’t always stop it from growing, but it can grow in it nonetheless.
In general, it should be warm outside. Although temperatures as low as the 50s (about 10 degrees Celsius) will not significantly affect this plant’s growth, it will thrive best in the 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius).
It is preferable to bring your plant inside to provide it with more warmth after the temperature regularly descends into the 40s (around 4 degrees Celsius). This plant is not at all freeze- or frost-hardy. Plants will suffer significant damage, if not outright death, from such low temperatures.
Water & Humidity
For Adansonii Swiss cheese plants, the “soak and dry” approach works well. Hold off on testing the top inch until dry soil shows up. If the soil seems dry to the touch, add a small amount of water, let it settle for a few minutes, and then continue adding water until the excess escapes through the pot’s bottom drainage holes.
For this plant, humidity levels should ideally be higher than 50%. It works well in moist, forested areas, even at 40% relative humidity.
Placing a humidifier close by is an excellent way to increase the amount of moisture in the air. Fill the rocks with enough water to raise the level halfway up. Your plant’s relative humidity will rise as it evaporates.
Soil
Your Monstera adansonii Swiss cheese plant needs well-draining soil. A high-peat potting mix is an excellent choice, though, as the plant does need some moisture retention. After the peat moss absorbs the water, it gradually releases its weight onto the plants, letting any surplus water drain off.
An orchid is a useful addition to help with drainage. The pH range of soil is mildly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for your plant’s performance.
Fertilizer
While monstera plants are generally low to moderate feeders, a lot depends on how big the plant is. Just because they need it, larger plants may need a lot more light.
Your monstera should be very happy if you give it this meal in place of one of your regular watering sessions. You should only feed once a month in the late autumn or winter months because that is when your plants won’t be actively developing.
If you added fertilizer to your potting mix at first, wait a few months before starting a regular fertilization schedule. This makes it possible for the monstera to absorb the nutrients that were previously in its soil.
Pruning
Swiss cheese plants are climbing plants; therefore, if they get too big, they might need to be cut. For Swiss cheese plants, springtime trimming is the most beneficial.
Removing stems using sterile pruning shears should not exceed a 25% cut. To keep a leaf node in place, cut the stem slightly above it. As necessary, remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Propagating Monkey Plant
Using stem cuttings is the most straightforward way to multiply a Swiss cheese plant. This is not only a cheap method of getting new plants, but it also lets you make full use of any stems you cut off during pruning. Spring is the ideal season for propagation. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove a 4- to 6-inch segment of stem immediately following a leaf node. Take off any leaves that are covering the bottom third to half of the piece.
- Take a cutting end and apply a rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a small pot with holes for drainage after wetting the soilless potting mix. The ideal setting for it would be warm, have indirect lighting, and have good ventilation.
- Keep the growing medium’s moisture content modest. After a few months, you should have well-formed roots, at which point you can move the cutting to a bigger pot.
Potting and Repotting Monkey Plant
Best Kind of Pot
Any container with drainage holes will work for a Swiss cheese plant. These plants in hanging baskets are very pretty.
When selecting a container for nursery plants, make sure it is only slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Use a peat-based potting mix and plant it at the same depth as it did in its nursery container.
When to Repot
Every two years, you should consider repotting your Swiss cheese plant in a slightly bigger container with brand-new potting mix. The plant has to be replanted if roots start to peek over the soil line or the drainage holes.
Additionally, it could need to be replanted if the soil dries up quickly. For repotting and potting, spring is the best season.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The common houseplant pests that the Swiss cheese plant may have to deal with are mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies.
Thankfully, neem oil or a safe insecticide can be used to control these pests, which seldom endanger human health. Additionally, be on the lookout for common diseases, including blight, powdery mildew, rust, and root rot.
Common Problems with Monkey Plant
Growing in its preferred circumstances, the Swiss cheese plant usually presents no significant issues. However, if its environmental requirements are not satisfied indoors, it is susceptible to several common issues.
Leaves Drooping
This may indicate over- or Underwatering. Water the soil completely until it is moist and water starts to flow out of the container’s drainage holes, or when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Overwatering is usually the cause of leaf yellowing. Make sure the soil around your plant is never too wet, and let it dry out a little bit in between watering.
Leaves Falling Off or Not Putting on Size
If the leaves on your Swiss cheese plant begin to wither away or do not grow at a typical pace, there may be insufficient light exposure.
Bright, indirect sunshine is preferred by this plant. If indirect illumination is not an option, bright early sunlight is preferable to bright afternoon sunlight.
Leaves Wrinkled or Curling
If the leaves on your Swiss cheese plant are curled or wrinkled, it could be experiencing Underwatering or extremely dry soil. Make sure your potting soil drains properly as soon as the top two inches of soil begins to dry out. Water the soil until water starts to come out of the drainage holes.
Leaves Not Splitting
Monstera’s fenestration habit is what gives it the unique appearance that growers adore. The leaves of your Monstera plant aren’t separating since there isn’t enough light. To avoid damaging the plant with too much intense light at once, try increasing the light exposure gradually.
Leaves Turning Black
If leaves have black marks on them, it could mean that sunlight scorches them. Throughout the day, keep an eye on your plant to make sure it doesn’t spend too much time in the sun. Take extra care to shield it from the intense afternoon sun.
Monkey Plant vs. Monstera: Is There a Difference?
The popular name “monstera” refers to the enormous, big-leafed monstera deliciosa, whereas the common name “Swiss cheese plant” refers to the little, oblong-leafed monstera adansonii.
One frequent name for the monstrosa deliciosa that confuses is “Swiss cheese plant.” Since many plants can have the same common name, it’s a good idea to find out the botanic name by asking questions or looking up the name on a plant tag.
FAQ
How does the monkey plant differ from Monstera obliqua?
M. obliqua is extremely rare, with more holes than leaves due to the size of the perforations. A Monstera obliqua leaf almost looks more like lace than a leaf! In comparison, Monstera adansonii has a lot of holes in its leaves, but they are essentially half-holes and half-leaves.
Monkey plant grows how quickly?
Monstera adansonii grows quickly from spring into early October. To keep it under control, you might need to prune it frequently. If you teach it to climb, it will do so until it runs out of room.
However, it goes dormant when the chilly weather of late autumn and winter arrives. During the warm months, you will see many feet of growth, but very little during the cool months.