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ByJenny Lynch/May 6, 2022 8:28 am EDT
Ahh, the monstera! This wildly popular genus of house plants has given us both the monstera deliciosa — a tall, bold-leafed, multi-stemmed philodendron — as well as the monstera adansonii (seen above), which is a low-lying, vining plant. Both monsteras are famous for their quirky leaves with large holes, or fenestrations, which cause them to resemble Swiss cheese. However, while the holes of the deliciosa spread out towards the edges until the leaves crack open, the edges of the adansonii leaves remain closed.
Sometimes nicknamed a Swiss cheese plant just like its cousin deliciosa, the monstera adansonii species is more often referred to as a monkey mask plant. It's pretty fun to imagine a little rainforest capuchin peeking its eyes through one. So, who could blame the person who came up with that fitting nickname? Native to Central and South America, monstera adansonii is a tropical perennial that can grow 60 feet high, according to Plantly. That's one long vine! In your home, it's more likely to top out at 10 to 13 feet tall, which is still significant. Similar to the long legs of a pothos, the vines of this plant can be easily trained to grow along stakes and poles.
How to grow a monkey mask plant
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Think of the massive, woody vines cascading throughout a tropical rainforest, reaching towards the sky as they twist around whatever host tree they can stretch themselves to. Monstera adansonii plants grow just like those liana vines, which secure themselves via aerial roots to tree trunks or rocks at ground level, then climb for as long and high as they can. Of course, they will use any structure available for support, but the best way to set your indoor monkey mask up for this kind of growth success is to establish it on a moss pole. A moss pole will provide them with moisture and the texture of the outdoors.
Moss poles are simple to make and can be built by hand with a few supplies. The Healthy Houseplant advises using a stake, twine, and sphagnum or sheet moss softened by soaking in water for 20 minutes. Then, starting a few inches from the bottom of the stake, wrap your moss around the pole, securing it with the twine as you work your way up. Keep at it until the pole is completely covered with 1 inch of moss, and save for that bottom section which you will insert into the planter. To propagate new plants from a healthy adult, cut a few vines and place them in water that you will need to refresh every few days. Once new roots have grown a few inches, transfer your cuttings to individual pots with soil.
How to care for a monkey mask plant
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Your monstera adansonii loves moisture. In fact, all plants in the monstera family hail from hot, humid climates, meaning they prefer at least 50% humidity, per Epic Gardening, so if you live in a dry area, consider adding a humidifier to the room. In a pinch, a tray of water nearby can add moisture to the air as it evaporates. If you have a sunlit bathroom, you could also train your vine around a bathtub where it will regularly receive added humidity from showers.
For an opposite effect from a climbing vine, a monkey mask will do well as a hanging plant too. Secure the basket in a high spot, and the vines will pour gently over the sides and right down to the floor. In either case, don't go overboard with the water. Moisture is key to a healthy adansonii, but too much water will inevitably lead to root rot. Instead, allow the soil of your plant to dry out between waterings, and you should be all set. Another important aspect of monkey mask care is temperature. These plants cannot handle anything below 55°F. Nor will they tolerate cold drafts in the winter. That could make it a little tricky as you're searching for a well-lit area in your home that is also not too close to a window sill.
Monkey mask plant varieties
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There is a rare variegated monstera adansonii monkey mask plant, and it is absolutely divine! The leaves of this plant look like individually painted watercolor masterpieces. Be warned: They are difficult to find and incredibly expensive once you've tracked one down. They are also harder to grow. Bloom Sprouts explains that a mutation in the plant's chlorophyll formation is responsible for the marbled effect. Having less chlorophyll means slower overall growth, and it will require more light to thrive. If you are lucky enough to own one of these beauties, adding grow lights during winter can be beneficial. And never leave it sitting in the dark.
As noted by The Potted Pixie, other varieties of monkey mask plants include:
- Monstera adansonii laniata — This variety is very similar to the original, this variety has a deeper green hue, and its leaves are shiny.
- Monstera adansonii archipelago — This is another rare variegated type with much more variegation. On these plants, up to half of each leaf and stem can be completely white. It is even more delicate and difficult to maintain because it contains such an extremely low level of chlorophyll.
- Monstera acuminata — This variety is not so common. Its leaf form fades to a point, shrinking towards the stem, and it has fewer holes than the original monstera adansonii.
- Monstera lechleriana — This plant has substantially larger leaves than most adansonii and can develop to be much larger if given enough space and humidity.
Is the monkey mask plant toxic?
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Unfortunately, monkey mask plants contain a potent irritant in the form of calcium oxalate crystals; therefore, the leaves are toxic when ingested by both pets and humans. However, the risk assessment is relatively low, with irritation generally restrained to a temporary mild burning sensation with some swelling. Symptoms typically wear off within 24 hours. Also, the discomfort hits so fast on the tongue and lips that anyone munching on a leaf is likely to decide against continuing quite quickly.
Of course, we've all heard stories or lived through experiences of a clueless cat or dog who just doesn't know when to leave well enough alone. So, if the occasion strikes and your pet continues to ingest the calcium oxalate crystals, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, explains that the needlelike crystals actually become embedded in the flesh of a pet's mouth. The experts recommend using milk or water as rinsing aid.
How to repot a monkey mask plant
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Occasionally check drainage holes for roots that are busting through because a root-bound plant will soon become unhappy unless it gets a housing upgrade. Your monkey mask will offer you a few more clues, so keep an eye out for two other symptoms in order to know when it's time to repot. First, yellowing or browning leaves that fall to the ground clearly signify that roots are damaged. Second, dry, cracked soil that no longer retains moisture tells you the ground has become depleted of nutrients.
General repotting will be easy in the beginning, but don't forget that your vine has the potential to keep on spreading. Because they grow so big and long, at some point, repotting will become a project, especially if your monkey mask has twisted its way through a room. Christine Kobzeff lays out an excellent repotting tutorial via her Plant Therapy Thursday series on YouTube. She recommends a soil mix that contains sphagnum peat moss, organic material, perlite, and fertilizer for these rainforest plants. To this, she adds cocoa chips and pumice for aeration and drainage.
Grasp the bottom of the stake and slowly remove the rootball from the pot. Loosen some of the soil away from the roots and move your plant to the larger pot. When you are pushing the stake down into the new soil, be sure to move the roots out of the way to keep them safe.
Monstera adansonii fenestrations
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In botany, fenestration is defined as having small perforations or transparent areas. However, per The Sill, there is an ongoing debate over why exactly fenestration occurs. Some scientists believe the holes help wind pass through, making it easier for the plant to survive a hurricane, while others think the holes aid in water flow from the leaves down to the roots. Botanist Christopher Muir is also busy with a theory regarding the vines stretching up towards the canopy high above the rainforest floor in order to obtain even the tiniest specks of sunlight. Is it possible that this striving has caused monsteras to modify the shape of their leaves in the hopes of catching just a little bit more sun?
One thing scientists agree on is that no one yet knows why fenestrations occur in some plants but not in most. For those of you waiting to see the holes in your monstera leaves start to appear, rest assured that the only thing your plant needs is time. You'll start to see fenestrations on the new leaves that sprout after the plant has reached about 3 feet tall. Try cutting back the older leaves to encourage the young ones to grow.
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FAQs
How do you take care of a Monkey Mask plant? ›
Your Monkey Mask Monstera enjoys weekly waterings and frequent misting. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, especially during the winter - when you might only need to water your plant fortnightly.
When should I fertilize my Monkey Mask? ›Feeding. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer when repotting or just sprinkle a little on the soil surface in Spring. You could also use a water soluble feed and apply it once every few months. Like most other care requirements it's easy going, so less feed isn't going to be a problem.
How do you make a Monkey Mask grow faster? ›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.
How do you repot a Monkey Mask plant? ›First thing we need to do is to put a few handfuls of this new potting mix. Into the pot. Once we've
Why is my Monkey Mask turning brown? ›Brown leaves on a Monkey Mask Monstera often indicate a lack of humidity. The best way to raise the humidity is through misting, or using a humidifier. You can learn more about how to raise the humidity for your houseplants in our humidity guide.
How do you prune a Monkey Mask? ›As it grows quickly, pruning your monstera is necessary. Clip off any damaged, brown, or dead leaves. You can snip tips off of the stems if they are too long, and that will encourage bushier growth habits. To train your swiss cheese vine to climb, make sure you have a sturdy trellis or support.
How do you make a monkey mask bushier? ›You can create a more bushy plant by pruning the vines to encourage new growth. When pruning, use clean scissors to cut about a 1/4 inch above a node (where the leaf attaches to the vine). Cutting above a node means the node is NOT included in the part you cut off—it stays on the plant.
Can monkey mask grow water? ›It will grow well and can live in water permanently. Start with a cutting, and let it develop water roots, as opposed to putting out roots that have already grown in soil, into water.
How do you get big leaves in Monstera? ›Sunlight is arguably the most significant factor when it comes to gigantic leaves on a Monstera. Too little sunlight will always result in poor-quality, uninspired leaves, so give your plant the light it needs! Each Monstera is different, but six hours of bright, indirect sunlight is a pretty good guideline to follow.
What kind of soil do Monstera plants like? ›Basic Monstera Plant Care
Use a good quality potting soil with peat moss that drains easily. The plants thrive in dense, nutrient-rich soil, but don't do well in potting soils with bark or compost. If your container doesn't have drainage holes, make a few in the bottom. Roots that stand in water can rot.
Do monkey mask plants climb? ›
As well as making an attractive addition to one of your DIY terrariums, the Monkey Mask is a fantastic trailing, climbing and hanging plant.
When should I repot my monkey plant? ›Repot every two years using a 'Houseplant' labelled potting mix in the spring; saturate the soil 24hrs before the action to reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Should I water Monstera after repotting? ›Water the pot deeply right after potting. Wait a week or two and then resume a monthly feeding with liquid fertilizer during watering.
How do you take care of a monkey leaf plant? ›Home care: Keep it out of direct sunlight, ideally in a bright spot, and mist the leaves, particularly if the room is warm and dry. Also the leaves will appreciate being given a wash sometimes to keep them clean and dust free.
Should you cut the brown tips off Monstera? ›Should I cut brown leaves off Monstera? You should cut brown leaves off your Monstera. This is because affected parts of the leaf can no longer photosynthesize and so cannot produce energy for your plant. They also have no resistance against decay and infection as compared to healthy leaves.
Should I cut off Monstera leaves with brown spots? ›You should cut off leaves with brown spots on your Monstera. This is because they cannot perform photosynthesis and make energy for the plant. As they will not turn green again, even if the underlying cause of the brown spots on your Monstera plant is corrected, there is no reason to keep them.
How do you know if your Monstera is healthy? ›A mature and healthy Monstera will have beautiful, deep green leaves. If your plant is younger or it's a brand new leaf, however, don't fret if it's slightly lighter in colour. Yet, yellow tones are not a good sign. Like many other issues with Monstera health, the yellowing of leaves can be for many reasons.
How long does monkey mask take to root? ›If all goes well, you can expect to see new roots growing anywhere from 1-4 weeks after propagation. Monkey Mask Monstera propagation is a little quicker than some other plants but there's no timeline that every cutting sticks to so be patient.
Should I cut the small leaves off my Monstera? ›Pruning removes leaves that are no longer benefiting the plant but are still using the plant's resources. This frees up energy to support the healthy leaves and new growth! Pruning can also help you control a plant's size and shape. So make sure to prune your monstera!
Where do you cut the monkey mask to propagate? ›How To Propagate Monstera Adansonii | Swiss Cheese Vine
How do you train a Monstera to climb? ›
If you want your monstera to grow upward, it needs something to grow on and some help staying vertical. A successful option used by many plant parents is a moss pole. The moss provides an organic form of support, and the monstera's aerial roots will attach to the pole and help guide it upward.
How big does a monkey plant grow? ›In these tropical paradises, Monstera adansonii flourishes, vining across the jungle floors and up trees. While typically considered small compared to other Monsteras, the Monkey Leaf can grow to about 13 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. Indoors and in containers, however, they'll only reach about eight feet.
How tall do monkey leaf plants grow? ›Monkey Leaf Overview
It is capable of growing over 6m tall, providing good support is given - moss poles are a common choice. Native to tropical rainforests, this plant climbs using aerial roots and is classified as an epiphyte.
Yes, you can 100% grow a Monstera Deliciosa successfully in water IF: You change the water frequently. You clean the soil off the roots well. You fertilise it using a fertiliser that's suitable for hydroponics.
Can a Monstera grow in just water? ›Can you grow a Monstera deliciosa in water? You can leave a Monstera deliciosa growing in water for quite a long time, but it will never reach its potential in size or health unless it is eventually moved to soil. A Monstera left in water will survive, but it won't thrive in this environment.
Can you grow Monstera in water forever? ›A Monstera can live in water forever as long as its other growing needs, like adequate nutrients (fertilizer), plenty of bright light, and warm temperatures, are met. Some Monstera lovers report growing their Monstera plant in water for years without problems.
How do you make Monstera happy? ›Monsteras appreciate a warm, humid environment, a good amount of water and gentle sunlight. Place your Monstera where it can receive medium to bright indirect light.
Is Miracle Grow good for Monstera? ›When planting monstera, use very well-drained soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix's lightweight medium will do the trick, plus provide plenty of nutrients to start it off right.
How do I know when to water my Monstera? ›Signs a Monstera needs water include dry soil, drooping or sagging stems, curling or discolored leaves, and a lack of new leaves with fenestrations. Any of these can indicate that it's time to water a Monstera.
Why is it called Monkey Mask plant? ›About Monkey Mask Plant
The Monkey Mask Plant is a tropical climber named appropriately for the holes in its leaves. Being a close relative to the infamous Swiss Cheese (monstera deliciosa) the monkey mask is a perfect addition for those wanting a smaller showstopper in their home!
Is Monkey Mask a philodendron? ›
A close relative of the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), the Philodendron Monkey Mask is often also referred to as Philodendron or Monstera Obliqua, however a true Obliqua is more hole than leaf and nowhere near as attractive as this little chap.
What does a monkey plant look like? ›The plant has elliptical or oval leaves that are about three inches (7.62 cm)long and are dark olive green in color. The leaves have red veins and are marked with a grayish-silver stripe along the central rib. The flowers are pink or red in color and are trumpet-shaped, with five petals.
Do monkey mask plants like to be root bound? ›No, the Monstera Adansonii does not like to be root bound. Without the ability to get the water and nutrients into the soil that it needs, this plant won't grow to its full potential. Young plants should be repotted once a year, and as it gets older, it can be repotted every two years.
Does my Monstera need a moss pole? ›In the home, maturing plants will need the support of a moss covered pole that they can climb. If treated well, monstera can live for years, and grow to well over ten feet tall.
Should I tie my Monstera? ›Monsteras also grow aerial roots— love them, don't cut them! They are there to support your plant's heavy base, but staking the plant helps take some of the load off of those roots, enabling you to tuck them under your Monstera's soil and let them rest unseen. Now stake away— your Monstera will love you for it!
How do you make a Monkey Mask bushier? ›You can create a more bushy plant by pruning the vines to encourage new growth. When pruning, use clean scissors to cut about a 1/4 inch above a node (where the leaf attaches to the vine). Cutting above a node means the node is NOT included in the part you cut off—it stays on the plant.
Do Monkey Mask plants climb? ›As well as making an attractive addition to one of your DIY terrariums, the Monkey Mask is a fantastic trailing, climbing and hanging plant.
Where do you cut the Monkey Mask to propagate? ›How To Propagate Monstera Adansonii | Swiss Cheese Vine
Can Monkey Mask grow water? ›It will grow well and can live in water permanently. Start with a cutting, and let it develop water roots, as opposed to putting out roots that have already grown in soil, into water.
How long does monkey mask take to root? ›If all goes well, you can expect to see new roots growing anywhere from 1-4 weeks after propagation. Monkey Mask Monstera propagation is a little quicker than some other plants but there's no timeline that every cutting sticks to so be patient.
What kind of soil do Monstera plants like? ›
Basic Monstera Plant Care
Use a good quality potting soil with peat moss that drains easily. The plants thrive in dense, nutrient-rich soil, but don't do well in potting soils with bark or compost. If your container doesn't have drainage holes, make a few in the bottom. Roots that stand in water can rot.
If you want your monstera to grow upward, it needs something to grow on and some help staying vertical. A successful option used by many plant parents is a moss pole. The moss provides an organic form of support, and the monstera's aerial roots will attach to the pole and help guide it upward.
How big does a Monkey Mask grow? ›Monstera adansonii is an evergreen, climbing species from the Araceae family, commonly known by the names Monkey Leaf or Monkey Mask. It is capable of growing over 6m tall, providing good support is given - moss poles are a common choice.
How do you take care of a monkey leaf plant? ›Home care: Keep it out of direct sunlight, ideally in a bright spot, and mist the leaves, particularly if the room is warm and dry. Also the leaves will appreciate being given a wash sometimes to keep them clean and dust free.
How big does a monkey plant grow? ›In these tropical paradises, Monstera adansonii flourishes, vining across the jungle floors and up trees. While typically considered small compared to other Monsteras, the Monkey Leaf can grow to about 13 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. Indoors and in containers, however, they'll only reach about eight feet.
Will Monstera grow back after cutting? ›If you're pruning to control your monstera's size, you can safely cut the plant down to size. Just know it will grow back and you'll need to do it again at some point!
How long do Monstera leaves last? ›Keeping Monstera Leaves
Leaves last for a surprisingly long time compared to cut flowers or other plant cuttings that aren't being propagated – even up to three weeks. This makes them preferable to some other greenery that can wilt after just a few days.
Monsteras grow as individual vines that continue getting longer and would normally find their way to a tree to go up. In a container, they will just sprawl unless supported by a trellis – that's one option: maybe get a separate pot with a trellis, and just support the vine where it is now.
Can Monstera grow in water only? ›Yes, you can 100% grow a Monstera Deliciosa successfully in water IF: You change the water frequently. You clean the soil off the roots well. You fertilise it using a fertiliser that's suitable for hydroponics.
Can a Monstera grow in just water? ›Can you grow a Monstera deliciosa in water? You can leave a Monstera deliciosa growing in water for quite a long time, but it will never reach its potential in size or health unless it is eventually moved to soil. A Monstera left in water will survive, but it won't thrive in this environment.
Can you grow Monstera in water forever? ›
A Monstera can live in water forever as long as its other growing needs, like adequate nutrients (fertilizer), plenty of bright light, and warm temperatures, are met. Some Monstera lovers report growing their Monstera plant in water for years without problems.