Monstera adansonii 'Monkey Mask'

Pot diameter: 16cm

Monstera Monkey Mask Care

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 extra attention.

💧 Watering

Water when the substrate in the top 1/2 of the pot is dry. Unlike its big sister (Deliciosa), Monkey Mask is more sensitive to overwatering, which leads to yellowing leaves.

Signal: When very thirsty, the leaves will dull slightly and droop, but don't let it completely "dry out".

Use standing 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 badly burn its more delicate perforated leaves.

It can also grow in partial shade, but the leaves will be smaller, the perforations less pronounced, and the stems will stretch unpleasantly towards the light.

Ideal placement is near an east-facing window or 1–2 meters from a south/west-facing window.

🌡️ Temperature and air

The ideal growing temperature is 18–26 °C.

It does not 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 start to brown and dry out.

Tip: It thrives near a humidifier or if grown as a climber on a moss pole that is kept moist.

🌿 Fertilization

During the growing season (March–October), fertilize every 14 days with a liquid fertilizer for leafy houseplants.

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 that the roots can breathe.

An aroid mix is ideal: 1 part houseplant substrate, 1 part perlite, 1 part pine bark (or coconut chips). Its roots will easily rot in ordinary garden soil.