In the monstera world, the massive and iconic deliciosa variety tends to take the limelight, but one of our favorite monstera varieties is also a showstopper: monstera adansonii.
This variety is much smaller than monstera deliciosa with much larger, more prominent holes in relation to its size. In fact, the holes on monstera adansonii leaves take up over 50% of the leaf’s area!
While not quite as flashy as monstera deliciosa, we’re in love with this monstera variety and want to see it make a bigger splash in the houseplant world!
How to Buy and Care for Monstera Adansonii
Where to Buy Monstera Adansonii
Buying less common houseplants can be tricky because supply can ebb and flow.
You probably won’t see this one at many big chain stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot, but you may get lucky enough to find one in smaller, local greenhouses and nurseries. You might want to call around to your local nurseries and find out, or see if they can order one in for you from their suppliers.
You might have better luck finding monstera adansonii online from reputable sellers. Sites like eBay and Craigslist may have listings for cuttings and more mature plants for sale. Amazon and online plant retailers are options as well, but make sure to play close attention to ratings and reviews.
However, our favorite place to find houseplants is Etsy!
Here are a few of our favorite Etsy shops for purchasing plants:
Also, keep in mind that this monstera variety is sometimes labeled as monstera obliqua. But true obliquas are extremely rare, so you can be sure that anything labeled as such is actually monstera adansonii.
How to Care for Monstera Adansonii
Good news: If you’re proficient at caring for monstera deliciosa, you’re well equipped to handle monstera adansonii! These plants prefer much of the same conditions, so consider this plant a more space-friendly version of the deliciosa, or as a fun little sibling to display with your deliciosa!
Potting and Soil
This monstera variety likes a peaty potting mix so it can stay moist, but not soggy. Try mixing a little peat moss into a regular indoor potting mix.
Choose a pot with excellent drainage. Repot every other year or as needed.
Light
Bright, indirect light works best for monstera adansonii. Place your plant near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south- or west-facing window. Make sure the sun’s rays never touch your leaves or you’ll have a sad, sunburned adansonii on your hands before you know it.
Monstera adansonii can tolerate lower light, but you might notice that it doesn’t grow as quickly. If you don’t have great natural light for your plant, consider supplementing with a grow light.
Water
Monstera adansonii isn’t quite as thirsty as monstera deliciosa. Water when the soil is dry about 2-3 inches down. To water, add distilled (but not filtered) water to the soil until it just starts to run out the bottom, then empty the drainage tray so your plant isn’t standing in water.
Temperature and Humidity
Monstera adansonii thrives in normal room temperature (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit) and typical indoor humidity, though it would appreciate a nearby humidifier or pebble tray. (Since this variety is on the small side, a pebble tray would actually work very well!)
Fertilizer
Start fertilizing in the spring and summer a few months after potting your monstera adansonii in fresh soil. You can also use Monstera Plant Food, which is specifically formulated for monsteras and is designed to be used with every watering so you don’t have to remember a fertilizing schedule.
Propagation
You can propagate monstera adansonii with leaf cuttings or by air layering. For even better results from propagation, check out our Houseplant Propagation Promoter to speed up root growth and ward off bacterial infections that could kill your cuttings before they even start to grow roots!
Climbing
Like all monstera varieties, monstera adansonii is a climbing plant, which means it would appreciate a totem/moss pole or even a trellis to climb. Here’s how to make your own!
Troubleshooting
Monstera adansonii is susceptible to root rot, pests, and dryness from under-watering, so it’s important to keep an eye on the leaves to watch for signs of trouble. Luckily, these plants display much of the same distress signs as monstera deliciosas.
Check out these posts on troubleshooting and leaf care for your monstera:
What’s Wrong With My Monstera? Monstera Leaf Troubleshooting
How to Diagnose and Treat Root Rot in Monsteras
The Ultimate Guide to Monstera Leaf Care
The Easy Way to Protect Your Monstera’s Leaves
Monstera adansonii may not get the same recognition as its big sister, monstera deliciosa, but we think it’s just as beautiful and a worthwhile addition to your houseplant collection!
To learn more:
- Sign up for our free Ultimate Monstera Webinar.
- Subscribe to our newsletter.
- Click to join our community on Facebook: Monstera Plant Resource Group.
- Read our Ultimate Monstera Watering Guide here.
- Be sure to grab your essentials here: Monstera Plant Food, 3-in-1 Moisture Meter, Premium Potting Soil, Houseplant Propagation Promoter, Houseplant Leaf Armor (which protects your houseplant from bacteria, fungus, and insects—and also cleans and adds shine to its leaves!)
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