Monstera Adansonii Swiss Cheese Plant

Fast-Growing Swiss Cheese Vine with Fenestrated Leaves

The Monstera adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Vine or Swiss Cheese Plant, is a tropical houseplant loved for its naturally perforated green leaves and fast-growing vines. Its distinctive foliage gives it the dramatic look of a larger Monstera while remaining easier to fit on shelves, plant stands, and hanging displays.

Monstera adansonii can be allowed to trail from a hanging planter or trained to climb a moss pole, trellis, or stake. When given bright indirect light, consistent care, and support to climb, it can develop fuller growth and larger leaves.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Monstera adansonii
• Common names: Swiss Cheese Vine, Swiss Cheese Plant, Adanson’s Monstera
• Plant family: Araceae
• Native range: Tropical regions of Central and South America
• Growth habit: Climbing or trailing vine
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Allow the upper portion of the soil to dry before watering
• Pet safety: Toxic if chewed or ingested
• Experience level: Beginner to intermediate

Monstera Adansonii Care

Light

Monstera adansonii grows best in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a position near a filtered south- or west-facing window is often ideal.

The plant can tolerate medium light, but growth may become slower and more widely spaced. Very low light may lead to smaller leaves, fewer fenestrations, and leggy vines.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, especially intense afternoon sun, which can bleach or scorch the foliage.

Water

Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Water thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot, then empty any standing water from the saucer or decorative planter.

Monstera adansonii prefers lightly moist conditions but should not remain constantly wet. Yellow leaves, soft stems, or soil that stays damp for an extended period may indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

Soil and Drainage

Use a loose, airy potting mix that drains well while retaining some moisture. A blend containing indoor potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite or pumice works well.

Always use a pot with drainage holes whenever possible. Dense soil and oversized containers can hold excess moisture and increase the risk of root rot.

Humidity and Temperature

Monstera adansonii appreciates moderate humidity but can adapt to many household environments. A humidifier may help in very dry homes, although proper watering and light are more important than regular misting.

Keep the plant in a stable indoor temperature range of approximately 65–85°F. Protect it from cold drafts, radiators, heating vents, and air-conditioning vents.

Fertilizer

Feed during periods of active growth, generally in spring and summer, using a balanced houseplant fertilizer according to the product instructions.

Avoid overfertilizing, which may cause brown leaf tips, salt buildup, or root damage. Reduce feeding when growth slows.

Pruning

Trim long, sparse, or uneven vines just above a node using clean scissors. Regular pruning can help encourage a fuller appearance and provides healthy stem cuttings for propagation.

Trailing or Climbing Growth

Monstera adansonii can be grown as either a trailing or climbing plant.

For trailing growth: Place it in a hanging basket or elevated planter and allow the vines to cascade naturally.

For climbing growth: Attach the vines loosely to a moss pole, trellis, plank, or plant stake. The aerial roots may begin attaching to the support as the plant matures.

Climbing plants often develop larger, more mature leaves than vines left unsupported.

Why Does Monstera Adansonii Have Holes?

The natural holes in Monstera leaves are called fenestrations. These openings develop as the foliage matures and are a normal characteristic of a healthy plant.

Young leaves may have few or no holes at first. Brighter indirect light, maturity, consistent care, and climbing support can help encourage larger leaves with more pronounced fenestrations.

Common Monstera Adansonii Problems

• Yellow leaves: Often caused by overwatering, poor drainage, dense soil, or insufficient light
• Brown or crispy edges: May result from inconsistent watering, dry soil, fertilizer buildup, or environmental stress
• Leggy growth: Usually indicates insufficient light
• Small leaves without holes: Common on young plants, but may also result from low light or a lack of climbing support
• Drooping foliage: Check the soil, since both dryness and root stress can cause wilting
• Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, or scale: Inspect the undersides of leaves and along the stems regularly

Propagation

Monstera adansonii is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Each cutting must include at least one node, since roots and new growth develop from the node.

1. Select a healthy section of vine.
2. Cut just below a node using clean scissors.
3. Remove any leaf that would sit below the water or soil line.
4. Place the cutting in water, lightly moist potting mix, or another suitable propagation medium.
5. Keep it in warm, bright indirect light while roots develop.

Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, transfer it into a small pot with loose, well-draining soil.

Is Monstera Adansonii Pet-Friendly?

No. Monstera adansonii contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from cats, dogs, and young children. Chewing the plant may cause irritation of the mouth, lips, and digestive system.

Place it on a high shelf or in a hanging planter if pets are likely to investigate the foliage.

Monstera Adansonii vs. Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera adansonii has smaller, thinner leaves with enclosed interior holes and a vining growth habit. Monstera deliciosa develops much larger leaves that may split along the edges as the plant matures.

For smaller spaces or hanging displays, Monstera adansonii is often the easier choice. For a dramatic floor plant with very large foliage, Monstera deliciosa may be more suitable.

Learn More About Monstera Care

For more advice about watering, soil, lighting, climbing support, and common problems, read our complete Monstera Care Guide.

Shipping and Local NYC Delivery

Each plant is carefully packaged to help protect its foliage, vines, and root system during transit. Nationwide shipping is available, along with local plant delivery in eligible areas of New York City.

Please note: Each plant is naturally unique. Height, fullness, vine length, leaf shape, and number of fenestrations may vary from the photos shown. Younger leaves may have fewer holes than mature foliage.