Pot diameter: 16cm
Caring for your Monstera Monkey Mask
Monstera adansonii (Monkey Mask) can be a bit fussy in a dry apartment, but its perforated leaves, which look like a work of art, are definitely worth the little bit of extra attention.
Watering
Water when the substrate in the top 1/2 of the pot is dry. Unlike its big sister (Deliciosa), the Monkey Mask is more sensitive to overwatering, which leads to yellowing leaves.
Signal: When it's very thirsty, the leaves will lose their luster and droop slightly, but don't let it dry out completely.
Use settled or rainwater at room temperature. Cold tap water can cause shock and brown spots.
Light
It thrives best in bright indirect light. Direct midday sun could unpleasantly scorch its delicate, perforated leaves.
It can grow in partial shade, but the leaves will be smaller, the holes less pronounced, and the stems will stretch out unattractiveley in search of light.
Ideally, place it near an east-facing window or 1–2 meters from a south/west-facing window.
Temperature and air
The ideal temperature for growth is 18–26 °C.
It cannot tolerate drops below 15 °C or drafts.
Air humidity: Unlike common plants, it loves humidity above 50%. If the air is dry, the leaf tips will begin to brown and dry out.
Tip: It thrives near a humidifier or if you grow it as a climber on a sphagnum moss pole that you keep moist.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (March–October), fertilize every 14 days with a liquid fertilizer for foliage houseplants.
The Monkey Mask grows very quickly, so it uses up nutrients in a flash. If new leaves start to pale, it's time for a snack.
Substrate
It must be very airy and permeable so the roots can breathe.
An aroid mix is ideal: 1 part houseplant potting soil, 1 part perlite, 1 part pine bark (or coconut chips). In standard garden soil, its roots will easily rot.
