Plant DetailShow Menu

Monstera adansonii is often confused with:
Monstera deliciosa Potted form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Monstera siltepecana Climber with shiny, silvery, veiny leaves
Philodendron Leaves with white pinstripes; decorative container
Philodendron hastatum
Monstera adansonii has some common insect problems:
Fern Scale Insect

Swiss Cheese Plant Monstera adansonii

Other plants called Swiss Cheese Plant:

Phonetic Spelling
mon-STER-ah ah-dan-SOHN-ee-eye
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

The Swiss Cheese Plant is a tender, evergreen, herbaceous perennial climber that hails from the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and South America. In its native habitat, it uses aerial roots to attach itself to a large tree so it can climb upwards to have access to more sunlight. It is a popular houseplant and has large, medium to dark green, heart-shaped leaves that have unique oval holes. The holes in the leaves help sunlight to filter down the plant. Using a trellis or moss pole, an Indoors plant can reach up to 3 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. It can grow 10 to 13 feet when grown outdoors.

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, warm, and humid conditions. Direct sun can cause scorched leaves. Moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH is preferable. Avoid cold drafts as well as temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant loves high humidity, and it may be wise to consider misting the leaves regularly or use a humidifier. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.  Besure to provide a stake, trellis, or moss pole in the middle of a container to give the plant a structure to climb upon.

The Swiss Cheese Plant is member of the Arum or Araceae family that also includes Calla Lily and Elephant Ear. Don't be confused by another plant that is sometimes called the "Swiss Cheese Plant," known as Monstera deliciosa. It  is a larger plant and has bigger leaves than Monstera adansonii. Monstera adansonii is a smaller plant and has fast growth rate.

This plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Exercise caution when children or pets are nearby.  It is also recommended to use gloves when handling this plant due to the risk of contact dermatitis. The Swiss Cheese Plant is a very popular indoor plant and is used primarily used as a tropical ornamental.

Quick ID Hints:

  • herbaceous perennial, evergreen, climber, vining habit
  • large, medium to dark green, glossy, heart-shaped, perforated leaves resembling swiss cheese
  • leaves can reach up to 18 inches wide in the wild, usually smaller when grown as a houseplant
  • creamy white flowers can appear in the spring when grown outdoors

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and scales insects. Overwatering can result in root rot. Avoid splashing water on the foliage and provide good air circulation to prevent leaf spots. Rust, powdery mildew, and blight can occur.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Archipelago'
    variegated leaves
'Archipelago'
Tags:
#houseplant#interesting leaves#fast growing#warm climates#acidic soils tolerant#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#container plant#poisonous if ingested#climber#trellis
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Archipelago'
    variegated leaves
'Archipelago'
Tags:
#houseplant#interesting leaves#fast growing#warm climates#acidic soils tolerant#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#container plant#poisonous if ingested#climber#trellis
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Monstera
    Species:
    adansonii
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Mexico to Tropical America
    Distribution:
    Native: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico Southwest, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, and Windward Islands. Introduced: Puerto Rico
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 13 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Vine
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Spike
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    In the wild the flowers will appear in the spring as a creamy white spathe surrounded by a yellowish spike. Houseplants typically do not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested, inflammation of the mouth, throat, eyes, and digestive tract, vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite. The sap causes skin irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium oxalate crystals
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems