About Monstera Adansonii
A fast-growing tropical vine with heart-shaped leaves perforated with large oval holes (fenestrations) — more delicate and vine-like than its larger cousin Monstera deliciosa. Perfect for trailing from shelves or climbing up moss poles. Monstera Adansonii belongs to the Araceae family and originates from Central and South America; widely cultivated as a tropical houseplant..
Monstera adansonii was one of the hottest collector plants during the 2020-2021 Philippine plant boom — prices soared then crashed as supply caught up with demand. Now widely available and affordable. The Philippine climate is ideal — warm and humid conditions produce rapid growth and impressive fenestrations. Grows like a weed outdoors in Manila if given something to climb. The rare variegated forms still command premium prices among collectors.
Also known as: Swiss Cheese Plant, Five Holes Plant, Monkey Mask, Monstera adansonii.
Popular Varieties
- Standard Monstera adansonii (narrow form)
- Wide form / Indonesian form (broader leaves, larger holes)
- 'Archipelago' (variegated — extremely rare and expensive)
- Monstera obliqua (paper-thin leaves, mostly holes — very rare)
How to Plant Monstera Adansonii in the Philippines
Monstera Adansonii can be propagated through stem cuttings, water propagation. The recommended method is single-node cuttings in water.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut below a node (the bump where aerial roots emerge) — each cutting needs at least one node and one leaf.
- Step 2: Place in a clear jar of water with the node submerged and leaf above water.
- Step 3: Keep in bright indirect light. Change water weekly.
- Step 4: Roots appear in 1-3 weeks. Transfer to soil when roots are 5-8 cm long.
- Step 5: Alternatively, root directly in moist sphagnum moss for faster transition to soil.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light (more light = more fenestrations). Position your monstera adansonii where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water when top 3-5 cm of soil dries. Likes consistent moisture but not soggy. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-32°C (thrives in Philippine warmth). 60-80% — ideal in Philippine conditions. Higher humidity = larger leaves. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing monstera adansonii outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season.
Pruning
Trim to control length. Provide a moss pole for vertical growth — produces larger, more fenestrated leaves when climbing.
Toxicity & Safety
Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Toxic if chewed by pets (causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting). Keep away from cats and dogs.
Common Problems & Solutions
Small leaves without holes
Cause: Insufficient light, too young, or no climbing support
Solution: Increase light. Provide a moss pole — climbing triggers larger, more fenestrated leaves. Young leaves are naturally smaller.
Yellow leaves
Cause: Overwatering (most common), underwatering, or root bound
Solution: Check soil moisture and drainage. Repot if roots are circling. Yellow lower leaves (1-2) are natural aging.
Brown edges or tips
Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer burn
Solution: Increase humidity. Water more consistently. Reduce fertilizer concentration.
Leggy vine with sparse leaves
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to brighter spot. Chop and propagate — the vine will branch below each cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Monstera Adansonii in the Philippines?
Monstera Adansonii needs bright indirect light (more light = more fenestrations). Water when top 3-5 cm of soil dries. likes consistent moisture but not soggy.. Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-32°C (thrives in Philippine warmth) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Monstera Adansonii?
The recommended method is single-node cuttings in water. Cut below a node (the bump where aerial roots emerge) — each cutting needs at least one node and one leaf. Place in a clear jar of water with the node submerged and leaf above water.
Is Monstera Adansonii toxic to pets or children?
Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Toxic if chewed by pets (causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting). Keep away from cats and dogs.
Can Monstera Adansonii grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Monstera Adansonii grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Monstera Adansonii?
Common issues include: Small leaves without holes (caused by insufficient light, too young, or no climbing support — increase light. provide a moss pole — climbing triggers larger, more fenestrated leaves. young leaves are naturally smaller); Yellow leaves (caused by overwatering (most common), underwatering, or root bound — check soil moisture and drainage. repot if roots are circling. yellow lower leaves (1-2) are natural aging); Brown edges or tips (caused by low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer burn — increase humidity. water more consistently. reduce fertilizer concentration).
Growing monstera adansonii in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!