Monstera adansonii
$26.99
6” Hanging Basket
The "Swiss Cheese Plant" is a popular tropical houseplant recognized for the large, natural holes (fenestrations) in its leaves, which evolved to allow light to reach lower leaves in dense jungles
. While often referred to in nurseries as a "philodendron," these plants actually belong to the genus Monstera.
Key Varieties
- Monstera adansonii: Often called the "Swiss Cheese Vine" or "Monkey Mask," this is a smaller, vining, or trailing plant with smaller, more delicate leaves.
- Monstera deliciosa: Often called the "Split-Leaf Philodendron," this variety grows much larger leaves, sometimes over 18 inches across.
Care Tips
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Requires watering when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry.
- Humidity: Prefers warm and humid environments, typical of its native Central and South American rainforest habitats.
- Growth: Fast-growing and often used as a climbing plant with a moss pole, or allowed to trail in a hanging basket.
- Toxicity: Considered moderately toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA.
Note: The highly coveted and rare variegated form, Monstera deliciosa Albo Variegata, can be quite expensive due to high demand and slow growth.