- Please plan delivery and receiving accordingly.
- Freezing temperatures can cause damage.
- Move the plant indoors during freezing weather to ensure continued blooming and thriving.
Description
Monstera adansonii, the Swiss Cheese Vine, is a popular, fast-growing tropical climber known for its heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes (fenestrations) that allow light to pass through. It thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and high humidity, making it a great trailing or climbing houseplant that can reach significant lengths indoors. Key care involves providing support (like a moss pole), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings, and protecting it from cold drafts to prevent issues like yellowing leaves or brown tips.
History
French botanist Michel Adanson learned about Monstera adansonii during his extensive travels in the Americas, likely in the mid-18th century, where he encountered this unique, holey-leaved plant in its native tropical habitat and introduced it to European botany, leading to its formal description and naming in his honor around 1763, though it wasn't classified within the Monstera genus until later.
Key Characteristics
- Leaves: Medium to dark green, heart-shaped with characteristic holes (fenestrations).
- Growth Habit: A vigorous climber or trailer, reaching 3-8 feet indoors and even taller outdoors.
- Varieties: Comes in different forms, like the narrow and wide leaf types, and variegated versions are popular collector's items.
- Origin: Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
Care Guide
- Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; never let it sit in soggy soil.
- Humidity: Prefers medium to high humidity (use misting, humidifier, or pebble tray).
- Soil: A regular, well-draining potting mix with added perlite works well.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring/fall).
- Support: Can trail in hanging baskets or climb moss poles/trellises.
Other Considerations
- Toxicity: All parts are toxic to humans and pets, so keep out of reach.
- Pests: Generally pest-resistant but watch for thrips or spider mites.
- Propagation: Easy to propagate from cuttings in water or soil.
Cold Zone Awareness
Plant care
Caring for plants involves providing the right amount of light and water, ensuring proper soil and drainage, and performing regular maintenance like pruning and fertilizing.
For more information go to Plant Care
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
For information on plant toxicity visit the the following website Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants at ASPCA
This guide provides an estimate of pot and plant sizes, but the actual size of the plant you receive may vary.
POT SIZE: 2"
- Plant size: 2-4"
- Pot top: ~2"
- Pot height: ~1.5 to 2.3"
POT SIZE: 3"
- Plant size: 2-6"
- Pot top: ~3"
- Pot height: ~2.5 to 3.15"
POT SIZE: 4"
- Plant size: 5-10"
- Pot top: ~4"
- Pot height: ~3.2 to 3.5"
POT SIZE: 6"
- Plant size: 8-16"
- Pot top: ~6"
- Pot height: ~4 to 5.5"
POT SIZE: 8"
- Plant size: 12-24"
- Pot top: ~8"
- Pot height: ~6 to 7.5"
POT SIZE: 10"
- Plant size: 16-36"
- Pot top: ~9.2-10"
- Pot height: ~6.9 to 8"
