Monstera adansonii
and
Monstera adansonii ‘Monkey Mask’
Both of these adansonii’s have dark green leaves that have small holes inside the leaf, so they literally look like a piece of Swiss cheese.
The original adansonii has a very trailing habit and looks fantastic hanging down off a shelf, or in a hanging basket. It can also climb, but given its soft stems, it is often used as a trailing plant.
Monkey Mask seems to be more compact and bulkier than his step brother. I have found he seems to want to fill the pot first, and then have a little bit of a trail. His trail doesn’t go as far as the original adansonii and I find the leaves are fatter too.
The differences are hard to notice, unless both plants are side by side, but they are both great indoor options and have similar requirements.
Like most monsteras, these guys love a free draining potting mix. Some people even suggest adding some chunky bark to help keep the soil aerated. I also like to add a layer of sphagnum Moss on top of my pots to help keep humidity levels up.
Monsteras are semi epiphytic, meaning they hate being drowned, or sitting in a pot with wet feet. One big drink and dry out is how I water mine.
I think a regular liquid fertiliser is best for these plants and just a little and often seems to be the key. I like to give mine a good misting about once a fortnight with Triple Boost Liquid Fertiliser. If we have a dry summer, or if the house is closed up during winter and the air is really dry, I mist the leaves every couple of days to help with humidity.
I have found these guys love bright, indirect light, so placement right near a window is best, but not in direct sunlight. These guys absolutely hate being left in the dark and I have found that they will tell you very quickly if they don’t like a spot. I took one home and in about two days it went from healthy plant to yellow leaves and drooping. I moved it to a brighter position and boom, within a week it was like a new plant.
Adansonii’s could easily find a home in your home, so why not add one to your indoor plant collection?