Update on Trending Tropicals “Little Swiss,” general thoughts on Monstera Adansonii.
Just a quick note today…A month ago, I posted a review of the Costa Farms trending Tropicals collection. Well, what I have purchased from that collection, that is. There are many plants offered, but I went for the ones that appeal to me the most. I continue to be thrilled with the “Polka Dot” Begonia and the Raven ZZ plant. I wasn’t as pleased with the “Little Swiss” Monstera that I had received. art of that wasn’t the plants fault. It had some unfortunate shipping conditions, and I happen to already have a couple of Monsera Adansonii plants, so it wasn’t giving me those shiny new toy vibes that the “Polka Dot” Begona and Raven ZZ were to me.
I am really happy to report that in the last month, this plant has done very well! I really wasn’t sure it was going to make it, but now I have a fondness for it and I’m so glad I got it. Here’s a photo of the plant with new growth!
Sure, it still has some flaws, but it’s grown a lot in the last month. It lives in a corner next an East window with my large Monstera Adansonii totem. I chose this location because my large totem really enjoys this space, so I figured this little guy would as well. This spot is more of a rehabilitation location rather than a permanent home. I’ll decide that later. I might pot this plant into the pot with my larger Monstera Adansonii or I might find an entirely new place for it. Maybe I’ll leave it right here…who knows.
I really believe in humidity for these plants. In their native environments of Central and South America, this vining plant wouldn’t likely receive direct sun because it climbs and clambers on larger trees in the jungle that cast a lot of shade. However, it’s humid in the understory where they live. For this reason, I like to bunch several plants together and add a humidifier. I know yellow, brown and drooping leaves are a common concern with these plants, and in my home I find this is very closely connected to WATER. Not just watering the plant, but humidity as well as occasionally misting the plant in a way that duplicates a light rain. The leaves of Monstera Adansonii are thinner than Monstera Deliciosa, and the texture is different too - less glossy, more papery. I have found that this gives the plant specific care needs that require a little special attention. The watering has to be consistent or they’ll discolor. The humidity needs to be present or they’ll dry. And the leaves need an occasional bath just to help duplicate their natural environment. With my smaller plants, I just take them to the sink and rinse them every other time that I water. With my larger totems, I mist.
Monstera Adansonii has been a learning curve for me. I’ve heard it touted as so easy for an indoor plant, but I have learned that it needs a little extra love to keep it feeling its best, at least in my environment. And now my third Monstera Adansonii, “Little Swiss” is showing some promise!