Everything you need to know about the monstera adansonii

If you are a recurring user of networks like Instagram or Pinterest, you will have noticed their presence. The monstera Adansonii has colonized social networks, disorienting many due to the unique and familiar shape of its leaves. It’s a monstera, isn’t it? The question is perfectly logical. Identifying a monstera deliciosa is easy for almost any plant lover. However, the unique shape of the leaves of the monstera adansonii is misleading. That’s why we want to discover her a little more thoroughly so that the same thing happens to you as anyone else: that you fall madly in love with her.

Until recently, the care of the Chinese money plant or Pilea Peperomioides was the obscure cult object of decoration lovers. Its humble and spectacular green beauty made it a must for any interior design. A reign that now coexists with the exotic appeal of the monstera Adansonii. A plant that, despite the similarities with its first cousin, also has its peculiarities. Characteristics that not only affect its shape but also, although to a lesser extent, its cultivation.

Let’s find out what makes the Monstera Adansonii a particular and irresistible plant!

7 TIPS TO KNOW BETTER THE MONSTERA ADANSONII

Although the monstera Adansonii may seem like an incredible novelty, it really is not. It is little known, but the monstera family includes more than 40 different species. All of them largely share their care and their origin, yes. But, curiously, there are substantial differences between them in some of their characteristics.

While this is true, Monstera Adansonii is perhaps the most unique of this entire botanical genus. An originality that apparently lies in its leaves, but that goes further.

1. The leaves, the main difference from the monstera Adansonii

The leaves of Monstera Adansonii are undoubtedly its most visible feature. And, in fact, it is what makes the difference with respect to its older sister, the delicious monstera. The monstera we know has a drawing similar to a rib on the edge of its leaves. A natural design that makes it look like a serrated blade. This drawing is sometimes accompanied by longitudinal holes along its leaves.

In the case of the monstera Adansonii, these holes are its main feature. Unlike the delicious one, the leaves of the monstera Adansonii are regular in shape. Also in the shape of a heart, they are more rounded and elongated than those of their older sister. The real peculiarity lies in the surface. Its leaves are naturally perforated and this is actually what makes it such an attractive rarity.

In some areas, it is called the «Swiss cheese plant» because of this pattern on its leaves. And it is precisely they who tell us if the plant is being cared for as it needs. If the characteristic holes do not appear on your leaves, it may be due to three factors. Or lack of light, water or excess cold. Nothing like debugging, one by one, the errors to enjoy their beauty.

2. Smaller in size than monstera deliciosa

The image we have of the delicious monstera is that of a plant that, with the right conditions, has a spectacular growth. Very common in interior decoration, it decorates any space in the house with its mere presence. With the care it demands, we are talking about a plant that can reach three meters in height. An important size for an indoor plant!

Monstera Adansonii is substantially smaller in size. It is true that it can reach a significant size, but make no mistake: it will never be able to emulate its older sister in size. It is also not a plant for impatient gardeners. Its growth is constant but slow.

3. It is also a climbing plant

All monsteras, regardless of their type, are climbing plants. This not only forces us to guide it in the space we have but also to monitor an important aspect. In order to climb, the monstera develops aerial roots. Some that, given their tropical origins, demand certain environmental humidity in order to be healthy. For this reason and if we live in a dry climate, the ideal is that we spray these roots from time to time.

Due to this characteristic, the substrate of the monstera Adansonii must be light and contain a lot of perlite. It will not only facilitate the growth and scaling of the roots. It will also help manage irrigation water.

4. It demands even more moisture than delicious

The tropical origins of the Monstera Adansonii imprint character in its care. Keep in mind that this plant comes from the deep jungles of Central America. This makes it accustomed to a very high degree of humidity, both in the environment and in the substrate. For this reason, it is not suitable for gardeners who are forgetful about watering.

And beware. It is true that when it comes to the substrate, it needs to be always moist. But make no mistake: Monstera Adansonii demands excellent drainage. Despite being a great lover of water, its roots suffer from waterlogging.

5. Does not tolerate cold

That origin that we have just mentioned directly marks this aspect. Monstera Adansonii is not a friend of low temperatures. In fact, his concept of cold is as tropical as it suffers below 18 degrees. If this temperature is only momentary, the plant will suffer in its growth but will not die. If it is continued, he is in danger of dying of cold. The ideal is to have it at a comfort temperature of at least 21 degrees. The ideal to be in your sauce.

It is also important to keep it safe from drafts, especially if it is cold.

6. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms

Due to its humidity needs, it adds to the list of indoor plants to have in the bathroom. But not only that: we can also enjoy it in the kitchen. Thanks to the type of atmosphere of these two rooms and as long as we have good light, it will grow vigorously.

7. It is just as rustic as its botanical sisters

If there is something that does not worry you at all in the care of the delicious monstera, it is the issue of pests. Its hardiness means that neither the cottony mealybug nor the red spider mite nor the almost omnipresent aphid attack it. An aspect that is also shared by the monstera Adansonii, which will see insects pass by without them deciding to settle on it.

And, now that you know the particularities of the monstera Adansonii, all that remains is for you to enjoy it. Never before have leaves with holes been so attractive!

About the author

> Written by: Tomas Gonzalez Store: Verdecora Aravaca I started at Verdecora Arroyo M50 3 years ago, combining work in the store with the online store. For 6 months, I have been responsible for the garden section in the new Verdecora Aravaca store. I like to observe nature, whether doing a route or taking a walk in a park in Madrid, especially the birds. I enjoy staying with my friends, and rediscovering the city.