The Swiss Cheese plant earns its name honestly. Its leaves are studded with oval holes — called fenestrations — that punch through the leaf in irregular, organic patterns. Up close it looks almost architectural. From across the room it looks lush and tropical. It manages to be both at once.
Monstera adansonii is a faster grower and more trailing in habit than its larger cousin the Monstera deliciosa — it's well-suited to hanging planters, shelves, or climbing a moss pole if you want height. New leaves unfurl tightly rolled, then slowly open to reveal the holes, which is one of the small joys of owning one. The care is easy: bright indirect light, consistent watering, and a little humidity if you can manage it.
This is a plant that looks like it belongs in a greenhouse and thrives in a living room.
Why You'll Love It
The fenestrations on the Adansonii are genuinely fascinating — they're not decorative, they're functional, evolved to let wind and light pass through the leaf in its natural rainforest habitat. That backstory makes the plant more interesting to look at, not less. For anyone who wants Monstera presence without Monstera scale, the Adansonii is the answer.
Care at a Glance
Light: Bright indirect light preferred. Tolerates medium light but grows more slowly
Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Consistent moisture preferred
Humidity: Appreciates higher humidity. Misting or a pebble tray is beneficial
Temperature: Prefers 65 to 85 degrees F. Keep away from cold drafts
Growth: Moderate to fast. Trailing or climbing habit depending on support provided
Skill level: Beginner-friendly. One of the easier Monsteras to grow
Pet safety: Toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and small children
Good to Know
Young Adansonii leaves sometimes have fewer or smaller holes than mature leaves — this is normal and improves as the plant grows. Providing a moss pole or trellis encourages larger leaves and more pronounced fenestrations. The Adansonii is also one of the easiest Monsteras to propagate: a cutting with a node placed in water will root reliably in a few weeks.
