Fauna
Plant

Swiss Cheese-plant

Monstera adansonii

Also known as Adanson's Monstera, Five Holes Plant, Monkey Mask Plant

Adanson's monstera climbs tropical forest trees using thick aerial roots, spreading its leaves toward the canopy light. Unlike its famous relative Monstera deliciosa, its distinctive leaf ovals remain completely enclosed within the leaf blade rather than splitting out to the margins. In the wild, it serves as crucial canopy microhabitat, capturing falling organic debris and moisture high above the forest floor.

ClimberTropicalEvergreen
Swiss Cheese-plant reference1 / 7
(c) Sterling Sheehy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sterling Sheehy · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
ThreatsHabitat Loss, Over-collecting
HabitatsTropical Rainforests, Lowland Forests
Life span20–50+ years
Classification
  1. OrderAlismatales
  2. FamilyAraceae
  3. GenusMonstera
  4. SpeciesMonstera adansonii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach.
Why it is dangerous
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe oral irritation, throat swelling, and drooling if chewed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for heart-shaped, glossy green leaves filled with completely enclosed, oval-shaped natural holes.
What to do
Wear gloves when pruning tissue and keep potted specimens safely away from pets and young children.
Responsible observation
  • Potted Support: Provide a sturdy moss pole or trellis to encourage larger leaf growth and natural climbing behavior.
  • Lighting Needs: Position in bright, indirect sunlight to prevent leaf scorch on the thin, perforated foliage.
  • Pet Precaution: Keep plants on high shelves or hanging baskets away from dogs and cats that chew foliage.
Related species
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Species set Pro

Windowsill Flora

Swiss Cheese-plant is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

Unlock to track progress

Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…