Monstera “Monkey Leaf” (Monstera adansonii) gets its name from its large, heart-shaped leaves, which develop holes as the plant ages. The tropical climbing plant, native to Central and South America, is usually grown indoors. Their unusual but elegant appearance adds personality to any room and requires little attention. As you'll see in this article, caring for Monstera adansonii couldn't be easier!
Monstera adansonii – What you should know
Monstera adansonii belongs to the Araceae plant family. These climbing plants look very similar to their cousin Monstera deliciosa, but do not grow as tall. In addition, unlike most other window leaf species, the edges of the leaves of Monstera deliciosa remain closed throughout their life, so they retain their holey appearance.
Notice: The popularity of Monstera as a houseplant is growing and Monstera adansonii is becoming increasingly popular. However, keep in mind that all parts of the Monstera plants are poisonous to pets. So be careful when growing them at your home.
Overview of the types of Monstera “Monkey Leaf”:
- Monstera Delicious: The leaves of this species are larger than those of Monstera adansonii.
- Monstera borsigiana: This is a smaller and faster growing form of Monstera deliciosa.
- Monstera oblique: This is a rare species that looks similar to Monstera adansonii, but its leaves are thinner and have more holes.
Caring for Monstera adansonii – Take care of these conditions
Regular water and nutrient intake is the most important taskwhen caring for Monsteraadansonii. You may also want to carry out maintenance pruning to get the climbing plant to the desired size.
Indirect sunlight and enough water
Licht: Since the climbing plant comes from the tropics, Monstera adansonii needs sunlight, but preferably bright and indirect. It is used to thriving under the shelter of large trees in the jungle, and the foliage can easily burn if exposed to too much direct sun. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, limit it to two or three hours of morning sun.
Water: These plants like it evenly moist, but not soggy. Before watering your Monstera adansonii, insert your finger into the soil about 3 cm deep. When the soil feels almost dry, it's time to water the plant. Water until a little water runs out of the container's drainage holes.
Care for Monstera adansonii – soil and fertilizer
Boden: Monstera “Monkey Leaf” grows best in potting soil containing peat, which helps retain moisture in the soil without causing waterlogging. For vigorous growth, you should aim for a pH value between 5.5 and 7.
How to measure soil pH yourselffind out here!
fertilizer: After potting (or repotting) the plant, wait at least four to six months to fertilize it, as the potting mix usually already contains slow-release fertilizer. Then fertilize your Swiss cheese plant monthly with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
High temperatures and humidity
These plants thrive in very high humidity and high temperatures. The closer you can mimic the plant's natural conditions, the better. Always keep your plant in a place that is above 5 degrees Celsius and protect it from drafts. A humidity of over 50 percent is ideal. A warm, well-lit bathroom is a good place for Monstera “Monkey Leaf”. If you want to increase the humidity, mist the climbing plant or use a humidifier.
How should you cut the crooked window leaf?
Window leaf is a climbing plant that may need pruning if it gets too big for you. If you should cut the Monstera, it is best to do so in spring. Cut the stems back by no more than 25 percent using sterile pruning shears. Also remove any damaged leaves.
Common problems with Monstera adansonii
If the climbing plant grows in the conditions it likes, it usually doesn't have any serious problems. However, if you cannot meet the plant's needs at home, it is susceptible to some common problems.
- Monstera “Monkey Leaf” – Yellow Leaves:The yellowing of the leavesis usually the result of overwatering. Make sure your plant is never in wet soil and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Monstera “Monkey Leaf” – Black Leaves:Black spots on the leaves can be a sign of leaf burns from direct sunlight. Monitor your plant throughout the day to make sure it is not exposed to direct sun for too long.
How do you know if your plant is happy?: It shows deep green, waxy leaves and no discoloration.
Conclusion on the topic of care for Monstera adansonii: As long as you can provide warm, moist conditions, these climbing plants are relatively easy to care for.
