Philodendron Adansonii: Expert Care Tips for This Ornamental Plant

The Philodendron adansonii of the Araceae family is a beautiful hanging basket plant with heart-shaped leaves that can add interest to your room with its unique foliage with holes. The holes on the leaves resemble swiss cheese, which is why the Philodendron adansonii is also referred to by that name.

The Philodendron adansonii is commonly confused with the Monstera adansonii as they share similar features except for their sizes. This care guide will help you know how to properly parent this amazing Monstera genus climber.

What Is Philodendron Adansonii?

The Philodendron adansonii is a low-maintenance plant that grows vigorously up to 70 feet tall. The split leaves of this sprawling vine can reach three feet wide. The plant produces new leaves that are covered with the cataphyll that will dry out and disappear as soon as the leaf unfolds.

Philodendron Adansonii Care

Caring for Philodendron adansonii, which is also known as the Monstera deliciosa, can be easy as it requires little attention. Looking after your split leaf Philodendron infrequently does not mean you should be careless as your plant’s growth and health can be in jeopardy.

Water Requirements

Like any other indoor plant, the Philodendron adansonii likes to be kept moist during spring and summer, so you should water it after every fourteen days. When irrigating your plant, make sure you engage in deep watering until the water starts to come out through the drain holes.

The pot should have enough drain holes so that excess water can escape, thereby preventing the plant roots from sitting on a soggy substrate. Allow the few top inches of the potting mix to dry completely before the next watering.

In winter, reduce the watering frequency of your Philodendron adansonii to once a month. The plant growth will be in its stagnancy phase so it consumes less water.

The low temperatures around it also lessen the evaporation process so the soil remains moist for relatively longer. The Philodendron adansonii tolerates underwatering in winter more than overwatering.

Over or underwatering can be dangerous to your Philodendron adansonii, especially during its growing seasons. The risk of being affected by pests and diseases can be increased, thereby making the care of the Philodendron  more difficult.

Make sure you follow the watering methods so that caring for your Philodendron adansonii can be a success. Also, use a potting mix that can retain moisture for a longer period of time.

Light Requirements

The Philodendron adansonii light should be filtered. Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight to prevent the leaves from being sunburned. The south- or east-facing window can be ideal to provide enough of the needed indirect sunlight.

The Philodendron adansonii should be a few inches away from the window in order to protect it from harsh heat or you can use partially closed blinders to filter the sunlight.

Make sure you rotate your Philodendron adansonii frequently to enhance the even distribution of light for the whole plant. This house plant grows toward the light, so being in one position for long can lead to the bending of the stem.

The plant can also grow long and thin when it’s not getting enough sunlight as it will be trying to reach out to the spot with enough light.

You can use artificial light to remedy the situation if your Philodendron adansonii is suffering from poor lighting. Make sure you follow all the instructions on how to use the fluorescent light.

Your Philodendron adansonii should not be too close to the light, otherwise, you might burn the plant. The heat increases the rate of transpiration and this may lead to the loss of much-needed chlorophyll, ultimately causing your Philodendron adansonii to die.

Soil Requirements

The potting mix should have plenty of perlite to improve drainage. A well-draining substrate does not hold excess water for long and permits free air circulation.

Avoid clay soil as it promotes waterlogging or you can add 50 percent sand to improve its structure so that the plant roots can breathe. Your Philodendron adansonii’s roots should not stay in water for long as this may lead to root rot.

The soil for your Philodendron adansonii should be light and rich with organic matter. Less weight substrate will not get compacted easily.

Temperature Requirements

Warm indoor temperature ranges that are between 60 F and 85 F are ideal for your Philodendron adansonii. Temperatures that are below 40 F are not favorable to the Philodendron adansonii. Protect your plant from frost and cold drafts. The plant also does not tolerate high temperatures as they naturally grow under the shade of big trees.

Very high temperatures can scorch the leaves of your Philodendron adansonii. You can place the plant under direct sunlight during the late afternoon when the sun is not too hot and remove it when the temperature falls.

Make sure the air conditioners are off in the room where you put your Philodendron adansonii. These devices can also increase the temperature in the room, so continued use can cause the plant leaves to become completely dry and crispy.

Humidity Requirements

The Philodendron adansonii loves high humidity levels that are around 50 percent. In winter, the plant can experience low humidity levels as there will be dry air in the room. Consider having a hygrometer so that you can test the humidity levels around your plant regularly.

If the humidity level is very low, you can use a pebble tray to improve it. Place the pebble tray with water under your Philodendron adansonii. Make sure that your plant does not sit in the tray but hangs in the air. The humidity levels improve as the water in the tray increases moisture in the air through evaporation.

You can also buy a humidifier as another alternative for correcting the humidity levels. The humidifier is efficient and effective. You can also adopt misting as another way of rectifying the problem of extremely low humidity levels, but apply extra care so that you reduce the risk of fungi development.

You can also incorporate a fan so that the water droplets on the plant leaves can evaporate quickly without causing any damage to your Philodendron adansonii.

Fertilizing Requirements

The Swiss cheese plant benefits when you apply all-purpose liquid fertilizer regularly during its active season. You should use a fertilizer with equal ratios of 20-20-20. Fertilizers provide additional nutrients that are needed for the plant to grow vigorously and produce food for itself.

Apply the fertilizer once or twice every month throughout spring and summer. You should dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to reduce mineral salts. Too many mineral salts can burn the plant. Do not apply the fertilizer in winter as the plant will be resting during this period.

You can also use organic worm compost to mimic your plant’s natural environment. Organic worm compost is easy to use and apply. Put a half-inch layer of the worm castings on top of the potting soil and water it so that it will start to penetrate the substrate. Applying the worm castings can be done at most twice a year to improve soil fertility.

Pruning

If you are growing your plant on a moss pole, pruning may be necessary. You can trim the plant’s aerial roots if they are too long and bulky that controlling them progressively becomes a challenge. You can also prune the plant stem when it becomes too tall for your liking.

Pruning can make your plant fuller and bushier so that a better look is achieved. You can also achieve this shape by allowing the Philodendron adansonii’s stem to grow back down. Trim your Philodendron adansonii to remove dead, yellow or dried leaves. Remove all the debris on the soil surface to make the plant unattractive to pests and diseases.

Remember to use a sharp, disinfected knife or shear when pruning. A sharp tool will leave a clean cut that can heal easily. In addition, remember to wear protective clothing when trimming the Philodendron adansonii to avoid contact with your skin. The plant causes skin irritation and swelling.

– Repotting

The Philodendron adansonii plant should be repotted in spring. Repotting should be done when the current pot is now too small for the plant roots and weight. When you see the plant roots on the surface of the substrate, know that it’s the right time to repot. The Philodendron adansonii should be repotted every two years.

Use a pot that is slightly deeper and wider than the old one. The recommended new potting mix should be used. Check your plant roots for any damage before transferring the plant to a new pot so that you can cut the ones that are unhealthy.

Fill one-third of your pot and place the stake in it where your Swiss cheese will climb onto.

Gently place your Philodendron adansonii in the container as well to avoid damaging the roots. Cover the plant roots with the soil at the same depth that it was in the old pot and water it thoroughly.

Keep the cheese plant moist until it fully recovers from the little stress of being uprooted for a few hours. Remember to tie the plant stem to the stake so that your Philodendron adansonii will grow along with it.

Propagation

Stem cuttings and air layering can be used to propagate the Philodendron adansonii. Propagation should be done during the plant’s growing season.

– Using Stem Cuttings

Sterilize your pruning shear to destroy any bacterial infections and sharpen it to achieve a clean cut. Cut the four-to six-inch stem with two nodes because that’s where the roots of your new plant will develop from.

The stem should also have at least two leaves. You can add cinnamon where you cut the stem on the mother plant to facilitate speedy recovery and prevent bacteria from entering the wound.

Prepare a glass with filtered water or rainwater and put your cutting in it. Make sure you change the water and clean the glass after three to five days. The sprouting roots can start to be noticed after a couple of weeks. Transfer your new plant to the pot when you notice a clump of roots and some new shoots growing.

Remember, the nutrient-rich potting mix that drains water properly is ideal. The soil should be moist all the time until the plant establishes itself. At this point, you can follow the watering patterns that you used to do for the mother plant.

Using stem cuttings has the advantage of getting the new plant that is exactly the same plant as the mother plant.

– Using Air-Layering

The Swiss cheese plant can be propagated using air-layering and the chances of being successful are very high. You don’t need to cut the stem of the mother plant for this method, just make sure to select a healthy plant that is free from pests and diseases.

The stem that you intend to use should have nodes. A split leaf philodendron that is growing on a plant stem can also be used for layering as long it is developing some aerial roots.

Use a sharp pruning shear to cut one-third of the stem to make a small notch below the aerial roots or the node. Wrap the stem from where you cut it with moist sphagnum moss.

Cover the sphagnum moss with a plastic wrap and tie it using twist ties so that you keep it attached to the stem. Keep the sphagnum moss moist but not wet by lightly spraying some water on it.

After a couple of months, you will start to notice the developing roots. Separate the new cheese plant from the mother plant and place it in a new porous pot like clay and terracotta. Remember to put a dash of cinnamon where you cut the new plant. Start to care for the plant until it has established itself.

Problems

Although the Philodendron adansonii is resistant to many pests and diseases, proper care should be practiced to keep the plant healthy. Neglecting your cheese vine can make it vulnerable to some of the pests that affect most plants that are grown indoors.

– Scales

Scales are of two different types: some scales have a hard covering and other ones are unarmored. Their scales are like a turtle shell as they are round and flat in shape.

These tiny insects usually exist in a brown color although there are white and black ones as well. The scales usually feed on the leaf joints and stems of the plant because that’s where plant nutrients are most abundant.

When your Philodendron adansonii is affected by scale, it will have white spots and the leaves can turn yellow, leading to them dropping off. Once you identify the scales on your Philodendron adansonii, isolate it, trim the affected parts and treat the plant.

Scales can be resistant to many insecticides because of the hard exterior covering so you can use the scraping method. This way, you remove the insects manually, especially when the infestation is still low.

You can also treat scales using 70 percent Isopropyl alcohol. You dip the cotton swab in the alcohol and dab it directly on the scales. The scales are killed easily as the alcohol dissolves the hard shell.

You need to keep repeating this process until all the insects are destroyed, but take note that the scales reproduce quickly so you need to be consistent until you have completely destroyed the pests.

– Spider Mites

Spider mites are sap-sucking insects that use their mouthparts to draw the plant’s sap. The pests are so tiny to the extent that their presence is difficult to determine. The spider mites are reddish and they can spin fine webs mostly on the plant joints.

So the webs can make it easy for you to be alerted to the presence of scales, in addition to seeing a sticky substance on the undersides of the leaves

Spider mites are common in winter as they like dry, warm conditions. The pests are easy to control using different methods. You can also use alcohol as you would do for scales. Neem oil, insecticidal soap and biological methods are also effective for controlling spider mites.

One form of biological control is introducing ladybugs to your plant so that they feed on the spider mites. You need to be patient as this intervention may take some weeks for the spider mites to be completely destroyed.

Once the ladybugs exhaust all the spider mites, they will soon disappear, leaving your Philodendron adansonii free from pests. This method can be the best as it does not involve any chemicals that are harmful to human beings.

– Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnants are tiny black insects that can fly; you can also find them on the windows. You will see the fungus gnats creeping on top of your plant’s substrate, but the adult fungus gnats are not harmful to your Philodendron adansonii. Fungus gnats are usually mistaken for fruit flies but you can easily tell them apart.

Fungus gnats are smaller and thinner as compared to fruit flies and they do not feed on plant fruit. When you see fungus gnats around your Philodendron adansonii, know that the plant has been infected with the fungi.

The fungus gnats reproduce the larvae that will feed on the plant roots. The plant will start to show the signs of wilting even when you are providing it with enough water.

Treating fungus gnats can be difficult if you do not use the methods that will destroy them at their different stages. You can use mosquito bits to destroy the larvae by dissolving them in water that you will use to irrigate your Philodendron adansonii. You can also put the bits on the soil surface so that they will penetrate the substrate when you are watering.

Neem oil is also effective as it is absorbed by the plant and protects it from a variety of pests by disrupting the pests’ cycles in a way that hinders these intruders from reaching maturity.

– Thrips

Thrips are minute pests that also feed on your plant’s sap. Your Philodendron adansonii will appear brown and dry once infected by these pests, and these thrips also act as the media for transporting viruses from one plant to another.

Thrips are usually found on the undersides of the leaves but they can also fly. Larva thrips are easily identified as they look like small white balls and are always in groups as they feed.

Isolating the infected plant and pruning the affected leaves will greatly reduce the thrips as they usually gather together in one spot. Take note that one leaf will have many larvae.

After isolating the infected plant, take a garden hose and spray water onto the leaves to knock off the thrips before the application of the pesticides. You should be holding the leaves when spraying water on both the under and upper sides to avoid breaking the stems.

Horticultural soap can be used to treat thrips. You can make your own by mixing one cup of any oil and one tablespoon of pure castile soap or dishwashing liquid. Add two teaspoons of this mixture to one cup of warm water to make a soapy spray. You can add one teaspoon of garlic or cayenne pepper to the solution so that your Philodendron adansonii will not be edible to pests.

– Root Rot

Root rot can be a result of fungal infection or excessive moisture in the potting mix due to poor drainage, overwatering or low light. The disease can spread rapidly and it is irreversible once it becomes severe.

The blackening of roots or stems, drooping, and the Philodendron adansonii yellow leaves are some of the signs of infection. Once you notice these symptoms on your Philodendron adansonii, isolate it and change your watering methods.

Remove your Philodendron adansonii from the pot and try to trim the infected roots. You can prune all the roots if they are heavily affected and regrow your plant in a new pot using a fresh, well-draining substrate. If the stem is also affected, cut the healthy part out and propagate it to create a new healthy Philodendron adansonii.

If the whole root ball and the stem are now mushy and smelly, discard the plant and disinfect its spot to stop the spread of the disease among your houseplants.

You can use fungicides to destroy the fungus. Fungicides are usually successful if you apply them at an early stage. A heavily infected Philodendron adansonii may not be treated using fungicides.

To prevent losing your leaf philodendron plant permanently, do plant care well by making sure all the needs are provided in moderation as described earlier in this article.

– Bacterial Leaf Spot

The bacterial leaf spot affects the leaves of your Philodendron adansonii. Dark-brown spots and sticky substances are found on the leaves of the infected plant. Water droplets and too much moisture on your Philodendron adansonii’s leaves are the main cause of this problem.

Make sure the humidity levels are ideal and there is enough ventilation for free air circulation. Do not mist your Philodendron regularly so that you prevent the development of bacterial leaf spot. Also, prune the affected leaves to stop the disease from spreading to other plants.

– Anthracnose

A high-humidity environment causes this infection. Anthracnose can also develop on the dead matter around your Philodendron adansonii. When your plant is infected by this infection, its leaves will have yellow edges. If not treated in time, the plant leaves will be completely damaged and the stems will develop lesions and sores.

Avoid too much moisture around your Philodendron adansonii. Keep your plant clean by removing all the dead and decaying plant leaves from the surface of the potting mix. Avoid watering the plant’s foliage to prevent your Philodendron adansonii from being infected.

– Yellowing of Leaves

Old leaves can become yellow and fall off naturally, but overwatering can be the worst culprit for the yellowing of younger plant leaves. Waterlogging conditions tend to close all the air pockets so your Philodendron adansonii will lack oxygen.

If two inches of your index finger are still moist after sticking it in the soil, it means that you overwatered the potting mix. To avoid this, be sure to use a well-structured substrate that drains water well and use a pot with enough drainage holes.

Placing your Philodendron adansonii in the sun for long can cause green leaves to turn yellow. Your plant leaf molecules will be absorbing more sun energy than they can use.

To rectify this problem, your Philodendron adansonii will then produce reactive oxygen, thereby losing its green pigment. Make sure your plant is not exposed to direct sunlight that is very hot for long hours.

Overfertilizing can also cause the plant leaves to grow yellow. This is mainly due to the presence of too many salts in the potting mix, which may lead to a decrease in the soil pH. Apply fertilizers as explained earlier in this article to avoid damaging your plant.

– Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves can be caused by thirst, too hot or cold weather, or drying out too quickly. Do not forget to water your Philodendron adansonii in time.

A shortage of water can cause the plant to start wilting and the leaves will eventually fall off if the problem is not addressed in time. Remember to check for moisture content so that you will know if there is a need to irrigate again.

Your Philodendron adansonii can dry out quickly and look droopy if you are using heaters and fans around the plant. The rate of evaporation will be increased so make sure these gadgets are off in the room where your Swiss cheese vine is.

You also need to repot your Philodendron adansonii if it is root bound so that the moisture will not dry fast before reaching the next scheduled watering date. You also need to loosen the compacted soil to improve drainage.

Fungal infections can also cause drooping plant leaves. Check your watering patterns and adjust them accordingly to avoid overwatering and possible fungal development. You should also check the weather conditions around your Philodendron adansonii. Do not expose your plant to harsh weather conditions like too much heat or frost.

– Toxicity

Like the Philodendron adansonii laniata, the Monstera deliciosa is also toxic if ingested by humans and pets as it contains calcium oxalate crystals. The plant can cause vomiting, irritation and burning to the mouth, tongue, stomach and lips.

You may find it difficult to swallow anything due to the damage that is caused by eating the Philodendron adansonii. Ingesting the adansonii can also cause drooling.

The Philodendron adansonii produces edible fruits but they are also harmful if you eat them before they are fully ripened. Unripe fruits also contain oxalate crystals that can cause inflammation and swelling in the mouth, as well as severe gastrointestinal upset.

If a person or your pet eats any part of the plant, call the doctor or veterinarian immediately for assistance. You can also do home remedies while waiting for the doctor by drinking fresh milk to lessen the effects of the poison in the body.

You can also wash the mouth thoroughly under running water for a couple of minutes to reduce the irritation. You should place your Philodendron adansonii away from the unmonitored reach of your pets and kids. Children are vulnerable as they are curious and will want to taste anything that they come across.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maybe you were bothering yourself with some questions but failing to get the answers. Here are some of the questions and answers that might be of help to you.

– Is Monstera Adansonii a Philodendron?

Yes, the Monstera adansonii is a philodendron because they have some similar features. The Monstera adansonii is a vining tropical plant that belongs to the Araceae family. The plant also has split leaves and there is a Philodendron variety with the same characteristics. The monstera is also poisonous if swallowed and can cause skin irritation.

– Does the Monstera Plant Clean the Air?

Yes, the Monstera plant can remove some volatile organic compounds that are in the air. The Monstera plant removes toxins like xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, which can cause cancer. For effectiveness in removing toxins, you should have at least two Monsteras of average size that are around 100 square feet apart.

By removing toxins, the Monstera eliminates odors as well. The Monstera controls the moisture content in the air so the development of mold and mildew will be hindered, making your room free from becoming musty. The availability of excessive moisture for a prolonged period causes the room to become smelly.

– Can My Monstera Become Variegated?

Yes, variegation in monstera adansonii can be done in a laboratory. The scientists will trigger genetic mutation and selective breeding to produce a variegated plant. Plants need chlorophyll for photosynthesis, so variegation is mostly artificial except for Philodendron adansonii variegated, which is naturally variegated.

The variegated Monstera adansonii can be difficult to find because of the low supply. Due to the shortage, the Monstera adansonii price is very high so you should be ready to pay dearly for your plant. This is all the more reason you need to be able to propagate your own plant.

The Monstera adansonii is also called the monkey mask and the small monstera adansonii is also called the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.

– Why Does Monstera Adansonii Variegated Grow Slower Than Non-Variegated?

The variegated monstera grows slower because it has limited amounts of chlorophyll, which is necessary for the process of photosynthesis to be a success. This means that this Monstera plant will not be able to produce enough energy needed for the growth of the plant.

The variegated Monstera is not as healthy and active as the non-variegated one. Therefore, Monstera adansonii care requirements can be slightly altered by whether the plant is variegated or not. Caring for the latter requires more of your time and commitment. The patched parts of the leaves are prone to sunburn, so you should be careful.

– What Is the Difference Between Monstera and Philodendron?

The main difference between these is in their leaf holes, as the Monstera adansonii plant has long, tapering leaves with enclosed holes, while the philodendron leaf holes open up as the plant reaches maturity; also, they grow toward the leaf edge, making a finger-like appearance.

Aside from this, comparing Philodendron adansonii vs monstera adansonii can be difficult as they look similar. 

– Why Is Monstera Obliqua So Rare?

Monstera obliqua is rare and very expensive to buy as this is a plant that requires very specific care requirements. Caring for this plant also requires an avid plant lover as it is so demanding. For example, this Monstera requires high humidity levels of 90 percent.

– What Are the Benefits of the Philodendron Adansonii?

The Philodendron adansonii is a houseplant that is full of medicinal and cleansing benefits. It has a striking appearance and it is also recognized as a medicinal plant. All plant parts, including the fruits, are used as herbs. The Philodendron adansonii can be used to treat some diseases such as fevers, snake bites, infection and trauma.

The Philodendron adansonii also reduces the hormones that cause stress by increasing the oxygen in the air. The increased oxygen also induces a night of healthy sleep. The fruits are also edible and they are rich in vitamin C and potassium, although they take more than a year to reach maturity.

Conclusion

You have captured the important care tips for parenting the Philodendron adansonii.

Here is a quick recap of what you have learned from this article:

• The Philodendron adansonii grows well in bright, indirect light. The plant can tolerate low light but not for an extended period of time.
• Use a potting mix that can drain water easily. Poor drainage soil can cause waterlogging conditions and the plant’s health will be affected.
• Watering the Philodendron adansonii should be done in moderation by applying the soak and dry method.
• Apply a half-strength of liquid fertilizer to your Philodendron adansonii once every month during its growing season.
• The Philodendron adansonii can be propagated using stem cuttings and air-layering.

Aren’t you now zealous about growing this climbing plant as your house plant? Care for your Philodendron adandsonii the correct way and enjoy the amazing benefits that are coming your way!