Monstera adansonii, also known as “The Swiss Cheese Plant” is a houseplant with quite a bit of personality. You can find them growing tall as they attach to whatever trellis they can find, or you may see them growing rather bushy and low in their pots.
I tend to believe every one of these plants has their own personality, deciding on it’s own what growth habits it will form. I have had a lot of success caring for Monstera adansonii and have cracked their mysterious code as to what fertilizer they prefer.
What fertilizer to use for Monstera andansonii
In my experience, the best fertilizer for Monstera adansonii is DynaGro Foliage Pro 9-3-6. I like to supplement this fertilizer with earthworm castings for a well-balanced feed.
Using this fertilizer, I have never had an issue with my Monstera leaves, just happy and healthy growth. Alaska Fish Fertilizer is also a great option for a gentle fertilizer that will not burn your plants.
When it comes to this quirky plant, I have found the best fertilizer to be one that supports leafy growth without being too harsh. Too much of a good thing can cause many issues in your houseplant, such as burnt tips or yellowing leaves. These plants can be very sensitive and will show they are displeased rather quickly.
When to fertilize Monstera andansonii
When you first purchase your new houseplant, it’s important to recognize that it will likely be situated in some sort of potting mix. These potting mixes already contain enough nutrients to carry the plant for several months. However, once the potting mix is depleted of its nutrients, it’s important you supplement and feed your plant on a regular basis.
If you repot your houseplant in a nutrient-rich potting mix such as Miracle Gro or Fox Farm, you can reduce the amount of liquid fertilizer you are using. Here is a recommended fertilizing schedule for your Monstera andansonii.
- Fertilize with DynaGro Foliage Pro 9-3-6 once every month during the growing season (spring/summer) and once every two months during the winter and fall. 1/2 tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water is the ratio I use for maintenance.
- If repotting your plant in a nutrient-rich potting mix, do so in the spring and summer and do not use liquid fertilizer for at least a month after repotting.
- Supplement with earthworm castings for a natural slow-release feed that your plant will love.
How to fertilize Monstera andansonii in water
Monstera andansonii does very well growing hydroponically. You can take cuttings from your mother plant and watch the new cuttings grow in water over time. Be sure to give it adequate sunlight to support it’s leafy growth, but not too much, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
If you decide you’d like to grow this plant in water, I suggest changing out the water on a weekly basis. To support growth, add 1-2 drops of fertilizer per 8 oz. of water, after roots begin to form on your cutting. Of course, this will depend entirely on the size of the vessel you are using to grow your plant. Too much fertilizer can lead to abundant algae growth, especially in glass containers.
You can use the same DynaGro Foliage Pro fertilizer, or you can use a hydroponic fertilizer. Personally, I like using Fox Farms Hydroponic Grow Big for growing plants in water.
Best soil for Monstera andansonii
When it comes to the best soil for your Monstera andansonii, you shouldn’t overthink it. Choose a well-draining soil and make sure your planter has drainage holes. To keep it simple, I recommend using your favorite potting mix (such as Fox Farm or Miracle Gro) along with a generous handful of perlite for drainage.
Here are some sample soil recipes for this plant:
- Indoor potting mix (80%) with perlite (20%) for drainage and aeration.
- Indoor potting mix (80%) with pumice or horticultural charcoal (20%) for drainage and aeration.
- Equal parts perlite and coco coir, plus worm castings for nutrients.
Other amendments you can use are leca, horticultural charcoal, compost, and orchid bark. Experiment with your own mixture and see what works best for your plant.
Overall, this plant is relatively easy to care for once it gets acclimated to it’s environment. It may take a few months for it to get used to your home, as well as your fertilizing and watering habits. But, it should provide you with lot’s of new leafy growth for many years!