The “Monkey Plant,” also known as Swiss Cheese Plant or Monkey Mask, is a popular indoor plant. This tropical vining plant is recognized for its distinctive foliage, featuring natural holes, or fenestrations, that add intricate texture to its vibrant green leaves.
Identifying Your Monkey Plant
The “Monkey Plant” is Monstera adansonii. This species has heart-shaped leaves with prominent, natural holes, giving it a “Swiss cheese” appearance. Monstera adansonii is a vining plant that can trail from hanging baskets or climb with support.
It is important to distinguish Monstera adansonii from the significantly rarer Monstera obliqua. While both plants have fenestrated leaves, M. obliqua leaves are typically much thinner with larger, more numerous holes. In contrast, M. adansonii leaves are thicker with narrower, more longitudinal holes, and it is the species most widely available.
Essential Care for Monkey Plants
Light
Monstera adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. An east or west-facing window with filtered sunlight is ideal. Direct sun can scorch leaves, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth and fewer fenestrations. Adequate light is crucial for developing the plant’s characteristic leaf perforations.
Watering
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings before rehydrating thoroughly. This prevents overwatering, which causes root rot, and underwatering, which can brown leaves. Watering frequency varies with light, temperature, and humidity, but weekly is a good starting point.
Humidity
Monstera adansonii prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally above 60%, to mimic its native jungle environment. Low humidity can cause brown, crispy leaf edges or tips. Increase moisture by placing the plant in a humid room, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is essential for Monstera adansonii. A suitable blend includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark for drainage and moisture retention. The pot must have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize Monstera adansonii regularly. Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy. Over-fertilization can harm the plant by causing salt buildup.
Repotting
Repot Monstera adansonii every one to two years, or when it becomes root-bound (roots growing from drainage holes or circling the pot). Choose a pot one or two inches larger than the current one. Repotting provides fresh nutrients and allows the root system to expand. The best time to repot is during spring, its active growth phase.
Propagating Your Monkey Plant
Propagate Monstera adansonii using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node, cutting about half an inch below it for best root development. Cuttings can root in water or moist potting mix.
For water propagation, submerge the node in water and change it regularly. For soil rooting, plant the cutting directly into a well-draining mix, burying the node. High humidity, such as covering with a plastic bag, encourages faster rooting. Once roots establish, water-rooted cuttings can be transplanted into soil.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or insufficient light. Consistently wet soil suggests root rot from overwatering. Lack of indirect light can cause older leaves to yellow and shed.
Brown, crispy leaf edges or tips indicate low humidity or underwatering; adjust humidity or watering. Stunted or leggy growth suggests inadequate light or nutrient deficiency, requiring reassessment of light or fertilizer. Common pests like spider mites and mealybugs can cause mottled foliage; inspect leaves and treat with insecticidal soap.
Safety Considerations
Monstera adansonii contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested. Symptoms include oral irritation, burning sensations, swelling, and excessive drooling. While not fatal, ingestion can lead to significant discomfort. Keep Monstera adansonii out of reach of small children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.