Monstera plants are both beautiful and highly popular, commonly desired for the large heart-shaped leaves they bring to interior design – but did you know there are two different types of Monstera out there?
Monstera acuminata and monstera adansonii have big differences that affect their growth and maintenance requirements. Join us as we dive deeper into these two species, exploring their key features and identifying ways to differentiate between them.
Monstera Acuminata
Monstera acuminata is a beautiful and striking flowering vine native to Central and South America. As the plant matures, it develops gorgeous heart-shaped leaves with an interesting array of holes patterned across them.
This unique species also includes epiphytic roots that allow it to climb up surfaces such as trees or walls and large petioles that give Monstera plant a palm-like aesthetic.
Additionally, the plant produces ornamental white flowers in late spring or early summer, which have a great sweet smell. Acuminata is an impressive sight, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of nature to their home or garden.
Monstera Adansonii
The Monstera Adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is a tropical evergreen plant native to Central and South America.
The leaves, which can grow up to 20″ in length, are deep greenish-yellow with characteristic holes dotting the surface, giving it a Swiss cheese-like appearance. Although they thrive in bright, indirect light indoors, this outdoor plant requires humid climates when planted outdoors.
Additionally, monstera plant likes rich potting soil that is kept slightly moist, which can be achieved by misting regularly or placing a shallow tray filled with stones and water near them.
They are usually fast growers and can be propagated easily through stem cutting or air layering for an even fuller look. With proper care, this unique and striking plant will liven up any room it is placed in!
Monstera Acuminata vs. Monstera Adansonii (Key Differences)
Many of us love house plants, but it can be hard to differentiate certain types. This is especially true for two species of the Monstera genus: acuminata and adansonii.
Considering how similar these plants look when not flowering or bearing fruit, what makes them so different?
Monstera Acuminata vs Monstera Adansonii: Similarities
When it comes to Monstera plants, most people know the bigger-than-life leaf blade of the Monstera deliciosa. But did you know that there are two more unique kinds of Monstera apart from this popular one?
Let’s explore these lesser-known varieties: Monstera acuminata and adansonii — with all their shared traits and differences.
Both plants have slowly been gaining popularity in recent years due to their intricate foliage, but what makes them so special compared to other houseplants? Read on for a full comparison between Maze Acuminata and Adansonii as well!
Soil
Monstera acuminata and Monstera adansonii are two evergreen plants well-known for their philodendron-like perforated leaves. When considering both types from the same genus, it is interesting to note some similarities.
One similarity between these two species is their soil preference; both enjoy moist, organic potting soil such as sphagnum moss, orchid bark, or peat moss with a higher pH rating.
To properly nourish these jungle beauties, you should add some natural additives like composted bark, sphagnum moss, or ground coco coir, which can help retain moisture and maintain PH levels in the soil.
The potting soil should also be well-aerated, giving the roots ample oxygen while growing. Knowing that they thrive on similar soil gives their tenders yet another opportunity to understand how to provide them with the most balanced care possible!
Humidity
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii are two members of the tropical aroid family, and as such, they have many similarities that make them wonderful additions to any home garden. One key similarity is their need for humidity to thrive; both species must be grown in damp environments with good airflow to prevent disease and fungal issues.
Fortunately, increasing the humidity is quite simple; misting the leaves regularly, adding a humidifier, or placing the pot on top of a pebble tray filled with water can help provide them with an adequate moist environment.
Both will grow best if provided with this extra bit of care.
Sunlight
Regarding Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii, sunlight is one of their most similar requirements. Both plants prefer indirect, bright indirect light and can even tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight daily.
Exposing them to too little light can result in stunted growth, yellow leaves, and dropping vines. Sunlight also helps the two species with photosynthesis, the process by which they capture energy to fuel their growth.
So when caring for either of these plants, ensuring that your home or garden provides them with enough indirect sunlight will ensure that these beloved houseplants have everything they need!
Temperature
Monstera Acuminata and Monstera Adansonii are popular species of aroid plants known for their signature split leaves. Though each is distinct, there is a similarity between the two types of Monstera that often goes unmentioned: temperature.
Both Acuminata and Adansonii prefer warm weather that is around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) during the day and no lower than 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) at night; additionally, they should never be exposed to temperatures that drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit).
At optimal temperatures, these plants can reach heights of up to 8 feet if grown indoors– impressive size indeed! Alternatively, they can thrive without direct sun, provided the humidity level remains at or around 50 percent or higher.
Temperature is just one factor that ensures ample growth and healthy development for Monsteras. With proper care and maintenance, these gorgeous houseplants can add a touch of tropical beauty to any interior.
Toxicity
While there are many differences between the Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii plants, they contain poisonous parts if ingested. For example, their leaves and seeds contain oxalic acid, which can cause burning or a tingly feeling in the mouth if eaten.
Although rare, severe ingestion of the leaves or seeds can even be fatal. Additionally, contact dermatitis from touching or pruning either type of plant is possible due to the oxalates contained within their roots, trunks, and leaves.
The sap from either type of plant can also cause skin irritation if left uncovered for extended periods. Therefore, it is important to note these similarities to avoid coming in contact with these potentially toxic plants.
Common Pests
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii, two plants from the Araceae family, have many similarities, one of which is their common pests. They both are vulnerable to attack from scale insects such as mealybugs, armored scales, and soft scales.
Spider mites can also cause significant damage to both plants. These pests can cause discoloration in yellow leaves, among other symptoms.
Therefore it is important to act promptly and use neem oil when either plant is showing signs of distress resulting from a pest infestation to prevent additional damage or even death of the plant.
Pruning
Though Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii have a lot of physical differences, they share similar needs when it comes to pruning. Pruning is essential for both plants; it helps to keep the leaves looking lush and encourages the stalk to become more sturdy.
This can be done using scissors or sharp garden shears to trim away dead leaves or damaged stems. Once the dead material has been removed, it’s important to shape each plant’s sides regularly; this allows for even growth from all sides and creates an aesthetically pleasing look.
Though different tools may be necessary for each plant, Acuminata and Adansonii will thrive if given adequate care and attention during pruning.
Propagation
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii share the same propagation techniques – both can be propagated through air layering or offshoots from their mother plant.
While rooting offshoots is typically a simpler procedure, many prefer air layering, as it grants an easier transition to replanting once the layer has successfully formed roots.
Moreover, its cost-effectiveness makes this propagation method attractive to amateur gardeners, who often enjoy its effect of producing two plants at once!
It is truly remarkable how you can propagate monstera acuminata and adansonii with the same propagation techniques for their unique purposes.
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii: Differences
Are you looking to bring an exotic, eye-catching look into your home? Monstera acuminata and adansonii are among the most popular Monstera varieties. These plants have become massive internet sensations due to their striking foliage and low care requirements.
Although they come from the same plant family, they possess a few key differences in appearance and structure, which can be compared side by side. Read on to discover more about acuminata and adansonii!
Taxonomy
Monstera acuminata and Adansonii are both incredibly popular varieties of houseplants. Despite their frequent confusion, they differ greatly in the realm of taxonomy.
Acuminata is a member of the Araceae family and grows naturally in parts of Central America and Mexico. In contrast, Monstera Adansonii is part of the Philodendron family, and this plant originates in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America.
Both plants have earned fans due to their lacy foliage and large leaves that mature from deep green to partial levels of yellowing with age. Ultimately, these two monsteras may look similar but boast different family histories that make them unique.
Growing Habits
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii are two species of Monstera, a tropical vine from Central America. While both have large pinecone-shaped leaves, they differ considerably in growing habits.
Acuminata grows vigorously and is said to have an aggressive approach to growth and movement along its support structure if given a chance.
On the other hand, Monstera Adansonii will grow much more slowly but can become prolific climbers that spread fairly quickly over time using aerial roots.
Though both species prefer indirect light and warm air temperatures, it’s important to understand their distinctiveness regarding growth habit to determine the best caretaking requirements for each type.
Leaf Shape
Monstera acuminata and adansonii are similar species of fruit-bearing tropical vine related to the Swiss cheese plant. However, one of the major differences between them can be seen when looking at the shape of their leaves.
Acuminata has heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips, while Monstera adansonii’s leaves have rounded ends and look more like a shield shape. The two forms of Mentonera vary in coloration from lighter green leaves to dark green.
Moreover, Monstera adansonii grows faster than Acuminata, and its leaves also grow larger than Acuminata. For this reason, many people prefer Adansonii for its continuous growth and hardier form.
Fenestrations
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii, also known as split-leaf philodendrons, have quite a few similarities, such as leaf shape and size. However, some differences between the two are helpful when identifying them apart.
One of the biggest is the fenestrations, which refers to the natural holes or slits visible on the leaves. Although both plants exhibit these traits, Acuminata has a more irregular shape with larger openings than Monstera Adansonii.
The holes and slits of the latter are usually much smaller in size and even round in form throughout its leathery molded leaves, giving off an inviting aesthetic appeal. With such differences in fenestrations, you can easily tell these two species apart from one another.
Leaf Appearance
The Monstera acuminata and Monstera adansonii are tropical plants from the Araceae family with similar yet distinct leaf appearances.
Acuminata has almost oval-shaped leaves with deep lobes and a pointed tip in the middle. Its lobes have an additional division, giving it a long and powerful silhouette.
The Monstera adansonii, on the other hand, has more elongated and lanceolate-shaped leaves with perforated patterns all around their edges. Its distinctive macro-perforations give this plant its exotic appeal, making it stand out from its cousins in the Araceae family.
Stems
Monstera acuminata and adansonii are two fascinating members of the Araceae family with similar yet distinct characteristics.
While these two species have several noticeable differences, many people appreciate their differences once they look closely at their stems.
Acuminata has a unique healthy stem that can be strikingly large compared to the monstera adansonii stem, which is much thinner and smaller.
The small nodes along the healthy stem of the Acuminata allow it to climb more easily up various objects. In contrast, the thin stems of Monstera adansonii make it appear almost twig-like, giving it a fragile aesthetic.
Both plants have a unique appeal, and observing each species’ stems gives them a great opportunity to appreciate their beauty.
Fruits and Flowers
Though Monstera acuminata and Monstera adansonii may look similar at first glance, they are distinct in terms of the fruits and flowers they produce.
Acuminata grow edible fruits, a fruiting spadix turns yellow with a sweet but seedy flavor, while Monstera adansonii bears no fruit.
In addition, Acuminata produce yellowish inflorescence flowers, typically quite small, while adansonii don’t have any blooms. Though they share many features in common, differences such as these make it easy to identify one from the other.
Growth Rate
Monstera Acuminata and Monstera Adansonii are two species of the same tropical climbing plant. Although they look quite similar, a closer examination reveals that these two plants have clear differences.
One of their main discrepancies is their growth rate; Acuminata grows much more quickly than Monstera Adansonii, meaning it can rapidly fill space to provide great coverage for any garden or inside the area.
We wouldn’t recommend growing both types of Monstera plant together, as the quick-growing Acuminata could take over the entire area and stifle the slower-growing Adansonii. For those with smaller available spaces opting for an exclusively Acuminate may be the preferred option.
Price
One of the key differences between Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii is their respective prices. While Acuminata is typically more expensive, Adansonii is often significantly cheaper.
This makes sense when you consider that Adansonii grows much quicker than Acuminata, and these plants can quickly outgrow their containers if not given enough space to spread out.
As such, many people find it more cost-effective to purchase younger, less-developed plants that are much cheaper than fully-grown adult specimens.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with each buyer, and the choice between Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii will depend largely on budget and desired effects for each particular plant project.
Petiole
Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii are two members of the same family, Monstera. Despite their similarities, the two species have distinct differences that make them interesting to those looking to add a Monstera plant to their home or garden.
One major difference between Monstera Acuminata and Adansonii is in their petioles (stems). The petiole of Monstera Acuminata tends to be larger in diameter than that of Monstera Adansonii.
Coupled with its thicker petiole, one organism is typically shorter and preferably fit for indoors, while the other grows better outdoors, given its greater height. This unique feature makes for an appealing characteristic that sets both Monsteras apart.
Dry Leaves
Monstera acuminata and adansonii, two seemingly similar native plants of Central and South America, have distinct differences. One of these is the behavior of their leaves when exposed to dry conditions.
Monstera acuminata has large splits near the edges, allowing it to preserve moisture by curling up slightly when the soil is dry.
In contrast, Monstera adansoniis leaves don’t demonstrate as much flexibility since they contain thick sections and can’t curl up for protection; instead, their tips will become dry and brittle.
This makes it important to water your Monstera acuminata regularly to keep its lush appearance. In contrast, with Monstera adansonii, one has a little more leeway regarding water, as the leaves won’t be damaged as quickly by arid conditions.
Native Habitat
Monstera acuminata is native to Panama, Colombia, and Costa Rica, while Monstera adansonii can be found in its natural state in the jungles of Mexico to Central America. Each species has distinct advantages and disadvantages in its different native habitats.
While Monstera acuminata grows better in more humid climates, it has a greater risk of harmful insects and pests. On the other hand, Monstera adansonii thrives in arid conditions yet suffers from a lack of water.
Understanding these differences between the two species helps gardeners decide which is best for their specific climate and environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you interested in caring for a Monstera Acuminata? With its exotic heart-shaped leaves, this tropical plant can bring beauty and vibrancy to your home or office. It’s important to understand the individual needs of your Monstera Acuminata before getting started, though!
In this section, we will answer some of the most common questions about these plants so that you can be sure to get them right from the start.
Let’s dive into the monstera acuminata care guide to understand how to properly care for your favorite new indoor companion: Monstera Acuminata!
Which Fertilizer is best for Monstera Acuminata?
The Monstera Acuminata, a delightful tropical houseplant known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, demands specialized fertilizer. To achieve lush foliage with heavy dessert-like variegation, it is important to choose the correct fertilizer for your plant.
Organic fertilizers are an excellent choice since they provide essential nutrients while caring for the soil ecosystem.
Slow-release granular organic fertilizers made of nitrogen, sphagnum moss, phosphorus, and potassium can be confidently used once a month during the growing season to maintain excellent health.
For even more variety and nutrient content, a foliar application of compost tea every two weeks can offer significant benefits.
With reasonable care and balanced fertilizer, you’ll soon have a flourishing Monstera Acuminata reaching toward the sun with thick green leaves covered in amazing variegations!
Is Monstera Acuminata rare?
The Monstera Acuminata is a rare plant indigenous to Costa Rica and Panama tropical forests.
Growing up to two meters in height, the Monstera Acuminata is perhaps most well-known for its velvety foliage, appearing in shades of deep green with eye-catching silver “splashes.”
It may appear quite rarified, but with the right environment – ample indirect light, humidity, and loose soil – it can thrive indoors. This exotic beauty might be the answer for those looking to make a statement with their houseplant selections.
How can I repot Monstera Acuminata?
Repotting your Acuminata may initially seem intimidating, but anyone can do this simple process with the right supplies and knowledge. First, choose a pot slightly larger than your existing one.
When it comes to monstera acuminata soil requirement, use an airy medium such as an all-purpose potting mix or a combination of perlite and peat moss.
Then, for the actual repotting process, handle the plant gently and use gloves, as Acuminata leaves have razor-like edges and can potentially cause injuries.
Finally, when it’s time to grow monstera acuminata, water your plant thoroughly after replanting. Ensure not to overwater, as overwatered monstera acuminata can result in root rot.
Then, keep it in a light spot where it can receive plenty of indirect light or even fluorescent lighting if necessary. Once you complete these steps, enjoy watching your healthy Acuminata grow!
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
