Monstera Adansonii Wide Form vs. Narrow: Key Differences and Similarities

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Monstera Adansonii

The Monstera adansonii is part of the Araceae family and is the second most popular houseplant in the Monstera genus after the Monstera deliciosa. The adansonii is a tropical plant that originates from Central and South America.

The adansonii is often confused with and considered the same plant as Monstera obliqua, Monstera friedrichsthalii, and Monstera acuminata.

It is known by many names, including:

·       The Monkey Mask Plant

·       The Trailing Split-Leaf Plant

·       The Swiss Cheese Vine

The Monstera adansonii comes in various forms, the most popular ones being the adansonii narrow and the adansonii wide (also called round form).

Monstera Adansonii

Similarities between the Adansonii Wide and Narrow Forms

The two forms of the Monstera adansonii plant share many similarities, which makes it difficult to differentiate between the two adansonii. Some of these similarities are mentioned below.

Root System

The adansonii has aerial roots that can grow upwards, collecting moisture and nutrients from the air. These roots help anchor the Monstera plant to any structure, such as a tree or a moss pole.

Leaf Color

One of the main reasons the two adansonii forms are difficult to differentiate is the leaf color. The juvenile adansonii has lighter leaves in both forms, while the mature adansonii has dark green leaves.

Monstera Adansonii

Growing Habits

The Monstera adansonii grows on the ground and climbs on trees. The two forms of the adansonii share similar growth characteristics.

As juvenile plants, the two forms will creep on the soil and look for a structure to climb onto. As the plant matures, they start to climb the structure to great heights. There is, however, a difference in how much these plants climb. This difference is mentioned later on.

Care requirements

The two Monstera adansonii share similar care requirements, so you do not have to worry about caring for the two plants separately. Some of these requirements are mentioned below.

Light

The two Monstera do well in bright indirect light and can get damaged if placed in direct sun for too long, making the leaves turn brown. Place the plants near a south-facing window or in a room that does not receive direct light.

Watering

The Monstera adansonii only needs to be watered once every two weeks. A general rule for watering is to check the top two inches of the soil; if it feels dry, you can water the plant. Over watering the plant can develop root rot and yellow leaves.

Monstera Adansonii

Soil and Potting Mix

The swiss cheese vine plant does well in a pot with drainage holes in well-aerated soil. Generally, a soil mix with coco peat moss or perlite, balanced fertilizer, is a good choice for the vining plant. Alternatively, an aroid mix with a slow-release fertilizer can also be a good choice.

Temperature

The swiss cheese vine plant requires medium to high temperatures (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit) and does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures.

This allows you to place the plant near the kitchen or bathroom.

Humidity

The adansonii is a tropical plant that experiences high humidity levels of around 50% to 80% in its natural habitat. You can maintain the humidity levels using a humidifier, misting the plant, or using a pebble tray.

USDA Zone

You can grow the two adansonii in USDA hardiness zone 10b to 12.

Repotting

Repot both adansonii once every two years in a clay pot that is at least two inches bigger in diameter than the previous one. The young plants need to be repotted more frequently.

Monstera Adansonii

Differences

Despite their many similarities, these forms do differ in some characteristics. Plant enthusiasts use these characteristics to differentiate between the two adansonii forms. Some of these differences are mentioned below.

Leaf Shape and Structure

One of the most significant differences between the two adansonii forms is the plant’s leaves. As the name suggests, the two differ in how the adansonii leaves look.

Monstera adansonii narrow form has an elongated shape and unequal leave. The length of the leaf extends to twice the width, and the leaf tips are pointed, giving the leaf a narrow shape.

Furthermore, the adansonii narrow form leaves are unequal in size depending on the side of the plant; for example, the right side can have smaller leaves than those on the left. This characteristic is mainly due to the light received by the plant.

Monstera adansonii wide form has broader and larger leaves, and the leaf’s tips point slightly. The heart-shaped wide leaf varies in shape, with some being more round than others, but the wide leaf length is half the width.

Leaf Texture

The texture of the two adansonii forms differs completely. While the Monstera adansonii wide leaf has a glossy and smooth texture, the leaves of the Monstera adansonii narrow form are more crinkled.

Fenestrations

Fenestrations are a defining feature of the Monstera plants and refer to holes that develop in the Monstera leaves. The leaves of the wide form of adansonii have more holes than the leaves of the narrow form.

The holes on the leaves of the wide form are more symmetrical. It has larger holes than the narrow form leaves. The holes appear roundish, while the smaller holes in the narrow form are more elongated and narrower.

Growth Pattern

The swiss cheese vine plant, like most plants of Monstera, is epiphytic. However, the growth of the two adansonii differs. While the adansonii narrow form grows upwards to considerable heights, the wide form grows horizontally into a bush. This is one of the most deciding differences between the two adenosine plants.

Light Requirement

The amount of bright indirect light required by the two adansonii is different. The narrow form of the plant requires less light than the wide form. This is because there is less chlorophyll in the leaves of the narrow form, and so too much direct sunlight could damage the plant.

Important to Know

The care requirements for the Monstera adansonii plants are similar, and you do not have to worry a lot when caring for the plants. However, before buying the swiss cheese vine, there are many things you should know.

Variegated Monstera Adansonii

A rare and costly third form of the adansonii plant in the variegated Monstera adansonii albo. The variegated form comes in different shades of colors in the leaves, mainly cream-colored or white.

Monstera Adansonii

Swiss Cheese Vine Varieties

The Monstera adansonii has more main varieties that differ vastly from one another. These varieties are:

1.       Monstera laniata

Found mainly in Southern America. The very young plant has a curved leaf blade, and the leaves tend to have around four elliptical holes.

2.       Monstera adansonii var. adansonii

It is found in Central America and is known for its pale yellow spade, which is larger than the spadix. Its leaves have around five elliptical holes.

3.       Monstera adansonii var. klotzchiana

It is found mainly in Brazil and is known for leaves that are four times larger in length than width.

4.       Monstera adansonii subspecies blanchetii

It is found mainly in South America and is famous for having more than 15 perforations in mature leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.      Are Monstera adansonii rare?

The adansonii is not rare. It is the second most common Monstera houseplant after the Monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant)

2.      Should I buy the Monstera adansonii narrow form or the Monstera adansonii round form?

Choose the narrow form if you want a thinner plant that grows to great heights. Choose the wide form if you want a Monstera that resembles a bush.

3.      Is Adansonii Toxic?

Both forms of the adansonii are moderately toxic to pets. Although Monsteras are generally considered safe for humans, their toxicity can pose a threat to the health of dogs and cats. If pets come into contact with these plants, they may display different symptoms, including mouth irritation, swelling, and discomfort in the lips, tongue, and mouth. In addition, affected animals may experience excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulties in swallowing.