Monstera adansonii, the Adanson's monstera, Swiss cheese plant,[1] or five holes plant, is a species of flowering plant from family Araceae which is widespread across much of South America and Central America.[2] Monstera adansonii is classified as a hemi-epiphyte vine and can be found in tropical forest with hot and high humidity conditions. Other regions this plant may be found in are the West Indies, Antigua, Grenada, Saba, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Tobago, and Trinidad. Currently, there are four recognized subspecies of Monstera adansonii subsp. adansonii, M. adansonii subsp. blanchetii, M. adansonii subsp. klotzschiana and Monstera adansonii subsp. laniata The species are quite common near river valleys at lower elevations.
The common name "Swiss cheese plant" is also used for the also very often cultivated species Monstera deliciosa.[1]
Monstera adansonii is known for its beautiful heart-shaped leaves. The leaves have a somewhat thick, waxy texture, and contain large oval-shaped perforations, which lead to its common name of "swiss cheese plant". It grows to be 3–5 feet tall as a houseplant and up to 13 feet as a vine. The Adanson's monstera is an easy to care for houseplant, that likes bright indirect sunlight and well draining soil.[3] [4] There are some cultivars with variegated leaves, including 'Archipelago'.[5]