Monstera Adansonii is a highly sought-after houseplant, celebrated for its unique foliage featuring natural holes, known as fenestrations. This characteristic Swiss cheese-like appearance makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of tropical beauty to their indoor spaces. While its appeal is universal, many discover that this charming plant comes in different forms, which can sometimes lead to questions about their distinctions.
Understanding Monstera Adansonii Forms
Monstera Adansonii is recognized as a single species, yet it naturally exhibits variations in its leaf structure, which has led to common informal designations like “wide form” and “narrow form.” These distinctions are not indicative of different species or cultivars but rather represent natural phenotypic variations within the same plant type. These variations can occur due to slight genetic differences or environmental influences during their development.
The wide form of Monstera Adansonii typically presents with broader, more rounded leaves, often giving them a heart-shaped or oval appearance. These leaves tend to be robust and can feature larger and more numerous fenestrations relative to the overall leaf size. This form often conveys a lush and full aesthetic, contributing to a dense growth habit.
In contrast, the narrow form of Monstera Adansonii is characterized by its more elongated and narrower leaves, which frequently taper to a pointed tip. The fenestrations on these leaves can be smaller or fewer in number, and they are generally more elongated and narrower in shape. Despite these visual differences, both forms share the same fundamental genetic makeup as Monstera Adansonii.
Distinguishing Features of Wide and Narrow Forms
The primary distinctions between the wide and narrow forms of Monstera Adansonii are evident in their leaf shape, size, and fenestration patterns. Wide form leaves are generally broader, with a width that can be almost half their length, and they often have a more rounded, almost heart-shaped outline. These leaves can grow larger overall, contributing to a denser foliage display.
Conversely, the narrow form’s leaves are noticeably more elongated, with their length extending up to twice their width, and they typically possess a more slender, lance-like shape. The tips of these leaves are often pointed. Even mature narrow form plants tend to maintain a thin, vine-like stem structure.
Regarding fenestrations, the wide form usually displays larger, more symmetrical, and often more numerous holes that can sometimes reach the leaf margins. These fenestrations tend to be rounder. The narrow form, however, typically features smaller, more elongated, and often fewer fenestrations, which usually do not extend to the leaf edges.
While both are vining plants, subtle differences exist in their growth habit. The wide form might appear more bushy due to its broader leaves and can sometimes have thicker stems. The narrow form, with its more slender leaves and thinner stems, might present a more airy or gracefully trailing appearance. Environmental factors, such as light exposure, can also influence how pronounced these features become.
Care Considerations for Both Forms
Despite their distinct visual characteristics, the care requirements for both the wide and narrow forms of Monstera Adansonii are identical. Both are tropical plants that thrive under similar environmental conditions, mimicking their native rainforest habitats. Consistent care ensures healthy growth and vibrant foliage for either variation.
Optimal lighting involves bright, indirect light. Place the plant near an east or west-facing window for filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch delicate leaves. While they tolerate lower light, this may result in slower growth and less pronounced fenestrations.
Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot bottom, but avoid leaving the plant in standing water to prevent root rot. Watering frequency varies, but typically once a week is sufficient during the growing season.
These plants prefer moderate to high humidity, ideally between 60% and 80%. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray, or group plants. Misting offers a temporary boost. Both forms thrive in average room temperatures, generally between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
A well-draining, airy potting mix is important for both forms, often composed of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. Given their vining nature, providing a moss pole or trellis allows both forms to climb, encouraging larger leaf development and stronger aerial roots.
Identifying Your Monstera Adansonii and Making a Choice
Identifying your Monstera Adansonii form involves observing specific leaf characteristics. Examine several mature leaves, as newly unfurled leaves may not fully display their typical shape and fenestration patterns. Look closely at the overall width-to-length ratio of the leaves; wide forms will appear more rounded and broader, while narrow forms will be distinctly elongated and slender.
Pay attention to the fenestrations. Wide forms tend to have larger, more circular holes, which can be more numerous and sometimes reach the leaf margins. In contrast, narrow forms typically feature smaller, more oval or elongated holes, which are usually fewer and located further from the leaf margins. Observing the thickness of the stems can also provide a clue, as wide forms often have thicker stems compared to the more delicate, vine-like stems of the narrow form.
When deciding which form to acquire, personal aesthetic preference is a primary consideration. Some individuals prefer the fuller, more robust appearance of the wide form with its broader leaves and prominent fenestrations. Others may be drawn to the elegant, elongated silhouette and potentially more delicate fenestrations of the narrow form. Both forms offer a unique visual appeal and can complement various indoor aesthetics.
Consider the available space and how the plant’s overall growth habit will fit into your home. While both are vining plants that benefit from support, the visual density created by the wider leaves of one form versus the airier feel of the other might influence your choice. Availability can also be a factor, as certain forms might be more common or readily accessible in specific nurseries or regions. Ultimately, both the wide and narrow forms of Monstera Adansonii are beautiful and rewarding plants that bring unique character to any collection.