Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) Monstera adansonii
Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) (Monstera adansonii) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to Central America and tropical South America, including the Caribbean. It grows 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central America and tropical South America, including the Caribbean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera)
- How far apart should I plant Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- Is Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Swiss cheese vine (Adanson’s monstera). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Trailing or climbing stems with thin leaves full of oval holes (fenestrations), as if nibbled. Grows quickly in a hanging pot or up a pole.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa
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