Plant Profile
Monkey Mask Monstera
a.k.a. Monstera adansonii // Swiss Cheese Vine
The Monkey Mask Monstera, or Monstera adansonii, is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In the wild, the Monkey Mask Monstera grows as a vine, wrapping itself around trees and plants for support. It's often found growing in shady areas of the forest where the light is filtered through the overhead canopy. The plant's unique name comes from the shape and pattern of its leaves. The leaves are heart-shaped with large holes, similar to Swiss cheese, which gives it the common name Swiss Cheese Vine.
Top Tips
✔ The Monkey Mask Monstera likes bright, indirect sunlight and prefers to stay consistently moist but not waterlogged.
✔ Keep its humidity levels in check, but remember it can handle lower levels than the Dragon Scale Alocasia.
✔ Feed it regularly during the growing season and take stem cuttings to propagate.
Plant Care
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This plant likes bright, indirect sunlight - more than the Dragon Scale Alocasia. It can handle some direct sunlight but not too much, as it can scorch the leaves.
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The Monkey Mask Monstera likes to stay consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, but reduce watering in the winter months.
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This plant likes humidity, but can handle lower levels than the Dragon Scale Alocasia. You can mist it regularly, place it near a humidifier, or use a pebble tray to help increase humidity around it.
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Feed your Monkey Mask Monstera every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser. Reduce feeding in the winter months.
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This plant likes warm temperatures ranging from 65-80°F (18-27°C). It can handle cooler temperatures but not below 55°F (13°C).
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The Monkey Mask Monstera is easy to propagate - simply take a stem cutting with several leaves and place it in water or a well-draining soil mix. Make sure to keep it warm and humid to encourage root growth.
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When repotting, choose a pot with good drainage and a well-draining soil mix. Repot in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Quick plant check up
Yellowing Leaves
Is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. To fix this, make sure you are watering the plant enough and that it's in a well-draining pot with rich soil. If the plant is in direct sunlight, it might also be getting too much heat, causing the leaves to dry out. Move it to a shadier spot with indirect sunlight.
Wilting Leaves
Wilting leaves are a sign that your plant isn't getting enough water. However, if the soil is already wet, it could indicate root rot. To remedy this situation, make sure to check your watering habits and ensure that you are not overwatering or underwatering the plant. Check the soil moisture level regularly before watering
Brown Leaf Tips
If the tips of your plant's leaves are turning brown, it indicates a problem with the humidity levels around your plant. To help, you should increase the humidity levels, either through regular misting or by placing a humidity tray beside your plant. However, if the temperature around your plant is too cold or there's a blast of hot air from your heating, it could also cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown.
