What *Monstera adansonii* Do You Have? A Guide to Identifying Your Swiss Cheese Vine

Decoding the Delight: A Guide to Identifying Your Monstera adansonii

So, you snagged a gorgeous, hole-y vine at the market for a steal? Congratulations! You’ve likely joined the ranks of Monstera adansonii enthusiasts. These captivating plants, often called the Swiss Cheese Vine due to their distinctive fenestrations (the holes in their leaves), are a popular choice for their easy-going nature and striking appearance. But with several varieties and the occasional imposter, identifying your exact adansonii can be a fun, yet sometimes perplexing, adventure. Let’s delve into the world of Monstera adansonii and learn how to tell the different types apart.

The Classic Monstera adansonii (Often Misidentified)

This is the OG, the original Swiss Cheese Vine. This adansonii is a vining plant, producing long stems that can trail beautifully from a hanging basket or climb a moss pole. Here’s what to look for:

• Leaf Shape: The leaves are typically heart-shaped, though this can vary depending on the maturity of the plant. Immature leaves might be more oval. This classic has abundant holes (fenestrations) that can vary in size and shape. These holes are scattered all over the leaf.
• Leaf Size: Leaves can range in size, but are typically smaller than those of Monstera deliciosa. However, this can depend on the growing conditions; a well-lit, well-fed plant will likely produce larger leaves.
• Growth Habit: Expect a vining habit. The plant will naturally want to trail. If you want an upright growth, use a moss pole or other support.

The Monstera adansonii ‘Narrow Form’ (Often Mislabelled as Monstera friedrichsthalii)

This is where things get a bit tricky, as the ‘Narrow Form’ is sometimes mislabeled or confused with the closely related species Monstera friedrichsthalii. This form has some key differences:

• Leaf Shape: As the name suggests, the leaves are more elongated and narrower compared to the classic adansonii. They have a more elongated appearance and are often more densely perforated.
• Fenestrations: The holes are typically more numerous and concentrated, sometimes appearing almost like a web across the leaf. The fenestrations are also often smaller compared to the classic type.
• Growth Habit: Similar to the classic, it’s a vining plant, but its more compact form can sometimes give it a slightly less trailing appearance compared to its classic relative, but this is highly dependent on growing conditions.

The Monstera adansonii ‘Round Form’

This is another variation that is less common. The Monstera adansonii ‘Round Form’ is known for its leaves that are… well, more round!

• Leaf Shape: The leaves are more rounded and less heart-shaped compared to the classic. This is the most distinguishing characteristic.
• Fenestrations: The holes are present, as with other adansonii types, but their distribution and shape can vary, but are generally well spread across the leaf.
• Growth Habit: The growth habit is similar to the classic adansonii, vining with the potential for trailing or climbing.

The Monstera adansonii ‘Variegata’

For those seeking a touch of extra flair, the variegated forms of Monstera adansonii are highly sought-after. These plants boast stunning patterns of white or cream on their leaves, adding a splash of contrast to their already captivating appearance.

• Leaf Shape: The general leaf shape resembles that of the classic adansonii type, but the variegation adds a unique dimension. The fenestrations are still present.
• Variegation: This is the defining characteristic. The variegation can manifest in various ways, including splashes, marbling, or sectors (large sections) of white or cream. The pattern is often unpredictable and can vary across different leaves and even within the same leaf.
• Growth Habit: Like other types, it is a vining plant and requires similar care. Due to their variegation, these plants often have lower levels of chlorophyll, which can make them slightly slower growers and more sensitive to light and care requirements.
• Care: Monstera adansonii ‘Variegata’ can be more challenging to care for than the non-variegated forms, as they require brighter light to maintain their variegation and are more susceptible to sunburn. Overwatering can also lead to root rot.

The Importance of Light

Light plays a critical role in the overall health and appearance of your Monstera adansonii. Insufficient light can lead to:

• Reduced Fenestrations: Plants in low light conditions may produce fewer holes in their leaves, or they might have leaves with no holes at all. This can make identification more challenging.
• Leggy Growth: The plant might stretch towards the light source, resulting in long, bare stems and sparse foliage.
• Slower Growth: The plant’s overall growth rate will be significantly reduced.

Provide your adansonii with bright, indirect light. A spot near an east- or west-facing window is usually ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as this can scorch the leaves. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement.

Watering Wisdom for a Thriving adansonii

Proper watering is crucial for the health and happiness of your Swiss Cheese Vine. Overwatering is a common pitfall that can lead to root rot, a potentially fatal condition. Here are some tips:

• Allow the soil to dry out: Before watering, let the top inch or two of soil dry out. You can check this by sticking your finger into the soil or using a moisture meter.
• Water thoroughly: When you do water, give the plant a good soak until water drains out of the drainage holes in the pot. This ensures that the entire root system is hydrated.
• Use well-draining soil: This is essential to prevent waterlogging. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works well.
• Adjust watering frequency: The frequency of watering will depend on various factors, including the size of the pot, the type of soil, the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), and the plant’s growth stage. During the growing season (spring and summer), you’ll likely need to water more frequently than during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Potting and Repotting Your adansonii

Monstera adansonii plants are relatively easy to care for, which makes them perfect for indoor growers of all skill levels. Here’s what to keep in mind when potting and repotting:

• Choose the right pot: Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, leading to root rot. Terracotta pots are a good choice, as they allow excess moisture to evaporate.
• Use a well-draining potting mix: A mix of regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal for good drainage and aeration. This prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root growth.
• Repot when necessary: Your adansonii will likely need repotting every one to two years, or when it becomes root-bound (when roots start to circle the pot). Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overwatering.
• Support your plant: If you want to encourage upright growth, use a moss pole or trellis to support the vining stems.

The Key to Identification: Observe and Compare

When you’re trying to identify your Monstera adansonii, here’s a systematic approach:

1. Examine the leaf shape: Is it heart-shaped, round, or elongated? Note the overall size of the leaves.
2. Observe the fenestrations: How many holes are present? What is their size, shape, and distribution? Are they scattered, clustered, or web-like?
3. Consider the growth habit: Is it a compact plant or a vigorous viner?
4. Check for variegation: Does the plant have any patterns of white or cream on its leaves?
5. Compare: Compare the characteristics of your plant to the descriptions above and to images of different adansonii types online. Reputable plant retailers and online plant communities are great resources.

Common Problems and Solutions

While Monstera adansonii is relatively low-maintenance, here are a few common problems to watch out for:

• Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil moisture, adjust your watering schedule, and consider fertilizing your plant during the growing season.
• Brown leaf tips: This can be a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Make sure to water your plant regularly.
• Pests: Monstera adansonii can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as tiny webs, cottony masses, or sticky residue. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Lack of holes: If your plant isn’t producing any holes, it might be due to insufficient light. Move it to a brighter location.

Propagation: Sharing the Swiss Cheese Love

One of the best things about Monstera adansonii is how easy it is to propagate. You can easily create new plants from stem cuttings. Here’s how:

1. Take a cutting: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to take a cutting from a healthy stem. The cutting should include at least one node (the point where a leaf or aerial root emerges).
2. Root in water or soil: You can root your cutting in water or directly in soil. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring that the node is submerged. Change the water every few days.
3. Plant in soil: Once the roots are about an inch long, plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and place the pot in a bright location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Care for your new plant: Continue to care for your new plant as you would for a mature adansonii.

Embrace the Beauty

Identifying your Monstera adansonii is a rewarding process, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned plant parent. By understanding the key characteristics of different types and providing the right care, you can ensure your plant thrives and brings joy to your home for years to come. So, embrace the beauty of your Swiss Cheese Vine and enjoy the journey!