Monstera Adansonii vs Monstera
Monstera adansonii vs Monstera deliciosa
Same genus, both with iconic perforated leaves — but a 2m hanging vine vs a 3m floor statement, and shoppers regularly mix them up at nurseries.
Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine) and Monstera deliciosa (the original Swiss Cheese Plant) share a genus, a family, and the same calcium-oxalate toxicity to pets — but they grow into completely different plants. Adansonii is a fast-growing trailing/climbing vine with small (15-25cm) heart-shaped leaves full of oval holes, ideal for hanging baskets and tight shelves. Deliciosa is a 3m floor statement with massive (60cm+) leaves that develop dramatic split fenestrations as the plant matures. Buyers see the holes and assume they are the same plant — they are not, and the wrong pick means either an undersized vine in your big empty corner or a 3-metre giant trying to live on a hanging hook.
Quick verdict
| Use case | Winner |
|---|---|
| For pet households | Neither — try a different plant |
| For first-time plant owners | Either works |
| For low-light rooms | Either works |
| For drought / forgetful watering | Monstera |
| For small spaces | Monstera Adansonii |
Side-by-side details
| Trait | Monstera Adansonii | Monstera |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water frequency | Every 7–10 days | Every 7–10 days |
| Humidity needs | 50–80% | 40–70% |
| Drought-tolerant | No | No |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Mature height | 240 cm | 300 cm |
| Growth pattern | vining | vining |
| Pet safety | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Pet safety side-by-side
Monstera Adansonii
Toxic to cats and dogs
Cats: moderate severity
Dogs: moderate severity
Monstera
Toxic to cats and dogs
Cats: moderate severity
Dogs: moderate severity
Our take
Pick Monstera adansonii for hanging baskets, shelves, or any spot under 1.5m of vertical space — it stays compact and trails beautifully. Pick Monstera deliciosa only if you have floor space for a 2-3m plant on a moss pole and want true split-leaf drama. Neither is pet-safe; the calcium oxalate crystals are identical.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for, Monstera Adansonii or Monstera?
Monstera Adansonii (easy) and Monstera (easy) are similar in difficulty.
Is Monstera Adansonii or Monstera safer around cats and dogs?
Neither is pet-safe — pick a different plant. Monstera Adansonii: Toxic to cats and dogs. Monstera: Toxic to cats and dogs. Pet safety data is sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can Monstera Adansonii or Monstera handle low light?
Both handle low light. Monstera Adansonii prefers bright indirect. Monstera prefers bright indirect.
How often should I water Monstera Adansonii compared to Monstera?
Monstera Adansonii: every 7-10 days. Monstera: every 7-10 days. Neither is drought-tolerant — both need consistent watering.