Monstera adansonii, or “Adanson’s Monstera,” is a tropical plant that is native to Central America, specifically to the countries of Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Colombia. They are found growing in rainforests and cloud forests, usually in the understory or in the middle layer of the canopy.
Suppose you are fortunate enough to have one of these swiss cheese vine tropical beauties in your possession. In that case, you might wonder how to properly care for and find the best fertilizer for monstera adansonii.
While the Monstera plants are unique, they require essential nutrients every so often.
Best Fertilizer for Monstera Adansonii
The best fertilizer for Monstera adansonii is a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as a 20-20-20 or 30-10-10).
It’s recommended to fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a half-strength solution. In the fall and winter months, when the plant is dormant, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization or stop fertilizing altogether.
Fertilizer is a substance added to soil or plant roots to provide essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that plants need to grow and thrive.
Fertilizers can come in many forms, including solid, liquid, and granular, and can be made from natural or synthetic materials.
They are used to supplement the nutrients that may be lacking in the soil or provide an extra boost of nutrition for plants grown for commercial or ornamental purposes.
Organic or synthetic fertilizer
Both organic and synthetic fertilizers can be used for fertilizing Monstera indoor plants. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference and availability.
Some examples of organic fertilizers are:
Compost: Compost is an excellent all-purpose fertilizer that balances nutrients.
Fish emulsion: Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish parts and is high in nitrogen.
Bone meal: Bone meal is a good source of phosphorus, which helps with root growth.
Blood meal: A high-nitrogen organic fertilizer that can quickly green up foliage.
They are slower to release nutrients and are less likely to burn the plant. Organic fertilizer will also help to improve the soil structure and increase the population of beneficial microorganisms.
However, they may provide different consistency and specific nutrient levels than synthetic fertilizers.
On the other hand, synthetic fertilizers are made from chemicals and designed to provide specific nutrient levels quickly. They are more convenient to use and are available in a wide range of formulations tailored to specific plants’ needs.
Store bought fertilizer can be more expensive and have a greater risk of over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
It is important to note that when using synthetic fertilizers, it is essential to follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount and how often to apply, as over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Overall, both organic and synthetic fertilizers can be used to fertilize Monstera plants. Still, it is crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences and be aware of the potential risks and benefits of each type.
Importance of Soil For Monstera Adansonii
It’s also important to note that monstera plants prefer a slightly acidic soil pH, around 6-6.5. If you are using a liquid fertilizer containing lime, it is essential to use it cautiously, as lime raises the soil’s pH.
Also, always follow the package instructions for how much to use and how often to apply. I prefer to make my own soil. The best time to provide this nutrient-rich soil is early spring or when you first transplant your Monstera.
The best soil recipe for Monstera adansonii would be a well-draining, nutrient-rich mix.
Recipe #1:
- 2 parts peat moss
- 2 parts perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part potting soil or garden soil
- 1 part compost or worm castings
This soil mix will provide good drainage and air circulation, which the Monstera adansonii needs to thrive.
Peat moss helps to retain moisture, while perlite or coarse sand ensures that the soil does not become waterlogged.
Potting soil or garden soil provides a good base for the plant to grow, and compost or well-rotted manure adds essential nutrients to the soil.
It’s also a good idea to add a layer of coarse sand or gravel at the bottom of the container to improve drainage.
Recipe #2:
- 2 parts peat moss
- 2parts perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part worm castings
- 1 part well-rotted compost
- 1 part coconut coir
This soil mix provides good drainage and air circulation, which is vital for the health of the plant’s roots. Peat moss and coconut coir provide organic matter and help to retain moisture, while perlite or coarse sand improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
The worm castings add beneficial microorganisms and provide a slow release of nutrients to the plant.
The well-rotted compost also adds organic matter and provides essential micronutrients for the plant.
Worm castings can be quite strong, so use it in moderation, and you may want to mix it with the other ingredients and let it sit for a week or so before using it for potting your plant.
Another option is to use a commercial potting mix formulated for tropical plants or epiphytes containing many necessary ingredients.
Other Monstera plants that would benefit from this same soil profile:
Monstera deliciosa: This popular tropical houseplant is known for its large, unique leaves with holes. It prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage, high humidity, and warm temperatures.
Monstera obliqua: This is a climbing plant native to South America and has similar care requirements as Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii.
Monstera siltepecana: A glorious trailing plant native to Central and South America. Known for its beautiful green and silvery leaves.
Monstera standleyana: This is a smaller climbing plant native to Central America. It prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage, high humidity, and warm temperatures.
Monstera Roots
The roots of a Monstera plant are typically fibrous, meaning they are made up of many thin, branching roots.
These roots are designed to absorb water and nutrients from a wide area of soil. They also have aerial roots, which help the plant climb and cling to surfaces.
These roots are exposed to the air and designed to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and soil.
When grown in a container, it is crucial to ensure that the container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent root rot.
The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, and the container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s growing root system.
When repotting, it’s best to stay the same size with its pot and only repot if necessary. Monstera plants prefer to be pot-bound.
It’s also important to note that Monstera plants can be sensitive to environmental changes and may be shocked if their roots are disturbed. When repotting, it’s best to do so in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Monstera Popularity
Monstera plants, particularly the Monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant) and the Monstera adansonii (five holes plant, swiss cheese vine, or window leaf), have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons.
First, they are known for their unique and striking leaf patterns, characterized by holes or fenestrations resembling Swiss cheese.
This feature makes them a visually exciting and attractive addition to any indoor or outdoor space.
Second, they are relatively easy to care for and are well-suited to being grown as indoor plants. They require bright, indirect light, high humidity, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil.
They can grow quite large with proper care, making them a statement piece in any room.
Third, Monstera plants are associated with tropical and exotic environments, which can evoke feelings of warmth, relaxation, and vacation.
This has led to them becoming popular as a decorative element in many indoor spaces and bringing a touch of the tropics into a home or office.
Finally, the recent indoor gardening and houseplants trend has made Monstera plants more popular.
With more people spending more time at home and looking for ways to improve their indoor spaces, Monstera plants have become popular due to their unique appearance and ease of care.
Caring for the Monstera Adansonii
Caring for a Monstera adansonii requires providing the plant with the right amount of light, water, and humidity and using the appropriate soil mix.
Light: Monstera adansonii prefers bright indirect light. This can be achieved by placing the plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight or using a grow light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoiding placing the plant in direct sunlight is essential.
Water: The plant prefers to be kept evenly moist but not soggy. It’s important to not over-water the plant as it can lead to root rot. It’s recommended to check the soil moisture before watering and when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Humidity: Monstera adansonii prefers high humidity levels, which can be achieved by using a humidifier, placing a tray of water near the plant, or grouping plants together.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 6-6.5). The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, pests, and other diseases.
It’s also important to note that Monstera adansonii is a climbing plant, so it will need a trellis, moss pole, or other support to climb on.
You will need to keep an eye on the plant’s overall health and address any issues promptly. This will help to ensure that your Monstera adansonii thrives and grows to its full potential.
Monstera plants are exposed to high humidity, warm temperatures, and filtered sunlight in their natural habitat. They also receive regular rainfall, providing the moisture they need to thrive.
The soil in their natural habitat is typically rich in organic matter, which helps to give the plant the nutrients it needs to grow.
By providing the plant with the right conditions, you can help to ensure that it thrives and grows to its full potential.
