Monstera Monkey Mask Care Guide

MONKEY THE MONSTERA ADANSONII 

Also known as the Swiss Cheese vine or five holes plant, the Monstera adansonii is native to the tropical forests of Central America and South America.


LIGHTING 

The Monstera adansonii is happy in most light conditions. A medium to indirect bright light will be perfect for Monkey but he will grow better in a sunnier spot. Keep Monkey away from any direct light, this will burn his delicate thin leaves. Monkey is a good winter plant as he won’t mind the lower levels of daylight. Lighting-wise Monkey can be paired with Benny and Fiona.  

WATERING 

The Monstera adansonii not a big drinker but does like to be watered regularly. Wait until the first 2-3 inches of the soil is dry before you water again. In the winter time you can reduce his watering schedule as his soil will dry out less frequently. 

HUMIDITY 

The Monstera adansonii is from a humid climate and will appreciate moisture on his leaves. To replicate his natural habitat you can place him next to a humidifier, or use a pebble tray underneath his pot. Read our blog on increasing humidity here.

TEMPERATURE 

Due to his thin foliage the Monstera adansonii isn’t tolerant to cooler temperatures. The perfect indoor temperature for Monkey is between 20-30 degrees celsius. As long as the indoor temperature doesn't dip lower than 20°C Monkey will be happy. 

FERTILISER 

To promote growth use our organic fertiliser or fortifying fertiliser every 4-6 weeks in the months from March-September.

REPOTTING 

The Monstera adansonii is fast growing and will produce a lot of new growth over the spring and summer months. Repot him every year with our peat-free coconut coir potting mix to give him more room to grow. 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR MONSTERA ADANSONII

  Dry or crispy leaf edges -The crispy or dry edges are a sign that Monkey is lacking humidity. Increase the Monstera adansonii's humidity levels by misting his foliage every 2-3 days or move him to a bathroom.

 

 Drooping leaves - When the soil dries out the monstera's foliage will start to droop and this will indicate that he needs a drink. If the first few inches of soil is bone dry to touch, it's time to water. Pour out the excess water from his decorative pot or sit him in the bathtub until the water has been properly drained. 

 

 Yellow leaves - Yellow leaves often indicate that the Monstera adansonii has been overwatered. You can remove this leaf by cutting the stem at the base of the plant. Reduce his watering schedule especially in the winter months. 

 

 Slow growth or no new growth - If the Monstera adansonii growth slows down or stops completely, this could be a sign that he needs repotting or that he is not getting enough sunlight. Place Monkey in a sunny spot where he can get a lot of indirect light. Every year check the bottom of his nursery pot for signs that he has outgrown his current home.

OUR TOP 3 CARE TIPS 

Top tip 1: The Monstera adansonii loves to absorb moisture through his leaves so every couple of weeks gently run a damp cloth over Monkey’s foliage to get rid of any dust. 

Top tip 2: The Monstera adansonii is draft and cold sensitive. Avoid placing him near the radiator, open windows or air vents in the winter months. 

Top tip 3: The Monstera adansonii is a climbing plant and given the right conditions he will climb walls. Use a moss pole to help encourage his upward growth.



monkey ricardo monstera fortifying-houseplant-fertiliser peat-free-soil