Complete Guide to Monstera Adansonii Care and Growth

Ideal Light for Monstera Adansonii

Monstera adansonii thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It’s accustomed to the dappled light of the rainforest floor, so you want to mimic that environment. An ideal spot is near an east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun, or a few feet away from a more intense south or west-facing window.

It can survive in lower light, but its growth will become “leggy,” with long, bare sections of vine between the leaves. The leaves will also be smaller and may not develop as many holes. To keep it full and lush, prioritize giving it plenty of bright, filtered light.

Best & Worst Light Conditions

• Best Light Conditions:

  • Near an east-facing window.
  • In a bright room, but out of the direct path of the sun.
  • Shielded by a sheer curtain if near a south or west-facing window.

• Avoid:

  • Direct, harsh sun, which will scorch its delicate leaves, leaving yellow or brown patches.
  • Low-light conditions, which cause weak, leggy growth.

Watering Needs

Watering Frequency

• Growing Season (Spring-Summer): Water thoroughly about once a week, but always check the soil first.
• Dormant Season (Fall-Winter): Reduce watering as growth slows. You may only need to water every 2 weeks.

How to Water

Signs of Improper Watering

• Overwatering: The number one sign is yellowing leaves, especially those near the base of the vine.
• Underwatering: The leaves will look droopy, limp, and may start to curl inward. The edges might also become brown and crispy.

What Kind of Soil Does Monstera Adansonii Like?

To keep Monstera adansonii happy, you need a soil mix that is very airy, chunky, and fast-draining. As an epiphyte that climbs trees in the wild, its roots need excellent oxygen flow. A dense, standard potting soil will retain too much water and suffocate the roots.

The perfect soil should be:

• Light and airy.
• Extremely well-draining.
• Rich in organic materials like bark.

DIY Soil Mix Recipe for Monstera Adansonii

A high-quality aroid mix is perfect for this plant. You can easily make your own with this recipe:

• 1 part potting soil
• 2 parts orchid bark
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part coco coir

This mix creates a chunky, breathable environment that provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage.

The Most Important Factor: Humidity

If there is one thing Monstera adansonii demands, it’s high humidity. This is the single most important factor in keeping its delicate leaves looking pristine. Without adequate humidity, the leaves will develop brown, crispy edges and may struggle to unfurl properly.

• Ideal Humidity: 60% or higher. It will be happiest in the 70-80% range.
• Signs of Low Humidity: Crispy brown edges on leaves, new leaves getting stuck or tearing as they unfurl.

How to Increase Humidity

• Use a Humidifier: This is the most effective and reliable method.
• Place it in a Bathroom: A bathroom with a window provides a naturally humid environment.
• Group with Other Plants: Create a humid microclimate by clustering your tropical plants together.
• Pebble Tray: A tray of water and pebbles placed under the pot can increase local humidity.
• Misting: Provides a temporary boost but should be paired with other methods.

Fertilizing for Lush Growth

When and How to Fertilize

• Growing Season (Spring and Summer): Feed every 2-4 weeks.
• Dormant Season (Fall and Winter): Reduce feeding to once every 6-8 weeks, or stop altogether.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Apply to damp soil to avoid burning the roots.

When to Repot

As a fast grower, Monstera adansonii typically needs repotting every 1-2 years.

• Frequency: Every 1-2 years.
• Signs:
  • Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
  • The plant is drying out much faster than usual.
  • Growth has slowed, and the plant looks cramped.

Spring is the ideal time to repot.

How to Repot

1. Choose a New Pot: Select a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
2. Add a Climbing Support: This is the perfect time to add a moss pole or trellis. Place it in the pot first.
3. Pot Up: Gently remove the plant from its old pot, place it in the new one, and fill around it with a fresh, chunky aroid mix.
4. Secure and Water: Gently secure a few vines to the pole to encourage climbing. Water thoroughly.

Why and When to Prune

Regular pruning is essential for keeping your Monstera adansonii full and preventing it from becoming a few long, leggy vines. Pruning encourages the plant to branch out, creating a much bushier appearance.

• Why Prune: To control vine length, promote fuller growth, and get cuttings for propagation.
• When to Prune: You can prune anytime, but major trims are best done in spring or summer.

How to Prune

Creating New Plants

How to Take and Root Cuttings

1. Take a Cutting: Cut a piece of vine that includes at least one node and one leaf. A node is the small bump on the stem where the leaf grows from. This is where new roots will emerge.
2. Root in Water: Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure the node is submerged but the leaf is not. Place it in bright, indirect light.
3. Wait for Roots: Change the water every few days. You should see new roots forming within 1-3 weeks.
4. Plant in Soil: Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, you can plant the cutting in a small pot with a well-draining soil mix.

For a step-by-step walkthrough with photos, timelines, and troubleshooting tips, see our complete water propagation guide.

One of Many Beautiful Cultivars

The classic Monstera adansonii is itself a type of Monstera, distinct from its larger cousin, deliciosa. Even within adansonii, you can find variations. Collectors often distinguish between a “narrow form” and a “wide form,” referring to the leaf shape. There are also highly sought-after variegated versions, like the Monstera adansonii ‘Archipelago’, which features white variegation. The subspecies Monstera adansonii laniata has smoother, glossier leaves.

👉 The A-Z List of Monstera Species: A Complete Botanical Guide

Pests That May Affect Monstera Adansonii

Its delicate leaves can make it a target for certain pests. Regular inspection is key.

• Thrips - These are a common problem, causing silvery, scraped-looking patches on leaves.
• Spider Mites - Thrive in the dry conditions this plant hates. Look for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.
• Mealybugs - White, fluffy pests that hide in leaf axils.
• Aphids - Can cluster on tender new growth.

Troubleshooting Monstera Adansonii Issues

This plant is quite communicative. Watch for these common signals.

• Yellowing Leaves - The number one sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out.
• Root Rot - The consequence of persistent overwatering. The base of the stems may turn brown and mushy.
• Brown, Crispy Edges - A clear sign of low humidity. This plant needs moist air.
• Leggy Growth - Long, bare vines mean the plant is stretching for more light. Move it to a brighter spot.
• Small Leaves - Caused by insufficient light or, more commonly, the lack of a support to climb. A trailing adansonii will always have smaller leaves than one that is climbing.

Why are the leaves on my Monstera adansonii turning yellow?

Is Monstera adansonii toxic to pets?

How do I get my adansonii leaves to grow bigger?

What causes brown crispy edges on the leaves?

Can I grow Monstera adansonii in just water?