Janda Bolong: A Unique Plant That Makes Your Home More Beautiful and Aesthetic

This ornamental plant once caused quite a stir in the plant world. Yep, the Swiss Cheese Plant!

Behind its beautiful appearance, the Swiss Cheese Plant also has an interesting story. From the origins of its curious name to the plant’s characteristics, which turn out to be quite easy to care for.

At a glance, it might look like a fragile plant, but in reality, Monstera adansonii is quite hardy and adapts well. With proper care, this plant can be a home decoration that makes the atmosphere feel fresher. Let’s get to know this hit plant a little better!

The Origin of the Name “Janda Bolong”

If you’re hearing it for the first time, the name “janda bolong” (literally “holed widow”) does sound unique, even a bit eccentric.

This nickname arose from the shape of its leaves, which have natural holes, as if the leaves were torn. In Indonesia, people began calling this plant “janda bolong” because the appearance of the leaves looks incomplete, but that is precisely where its uniqueness lies.

This name is not a scientific term, but rather a popular moniker that emerged from the simple observations of ornamental plant enthusiasts.

Although it sounds informal, the name stuck quickly and eventually became widely known among the public. Even when the ornamental plant trend surged a few years ago, the term “janda bolong” became very popular and is often used to refer to various types of plants from the Monstera genus that have perforated leaves.

**Getting to Know Monstera adansonii, the Scientific Name of the Swiss Cheese Plant**

In the botanical world, this plant is known by the scientific name Monstera adansonii. The name has its own meaning and history:

The genus Monstera comes from Latin, meaning “strange” or “unusual,” referring to the shape of its leaves which have natural holes.
The species adansonii is named after Michel Adanson, an 18th-century French botanist who made significant contributions to plant research and classification.

This plant was first scientifically described in the 18th century after European explorers discovered it in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Its natural distribution covers several tropical regions, such as:

Mexico
Panama
Brazil
various tropical forest regions in Central and South America

In its natural habitat, Monstera adansonii grows by climbing large trees to reach sunlight beneath the dense forest canopy. This plant is also an epiphyte, meaning it is a plant that can attach itself to other plants without taking nutrients from its host.

Due to its exotic and easily recognizable leaf shape, Monstera adansonii was subsequently widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and became increasingly popular in various countries.

The Popularity of Janda Bolong in Indonesia

The trend of janda bolong in Indonesia began to surge sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. As many people spent more time at home, caring for ornamental plants became a popular new hobby.

Of the many popular plants, Monstera adansonii was among the most sought-after due to its unique and easily recognizable leaf shape.

High public interest caused the price of this plant to skyrocket in the market. Some types were even sold at fantastic prices, especially rarer variants like the Monstera adansonii variegata. Many plant collectors were willing to spend large amounts of money just to get a single pot of the plant with a unique leaf pattern.

This phenomenon did not only occur in Indonesia. The trend of plants from the Monstera genus also increased in various countries, including the United States and several European countries. There are several factors that contributed to the popularity of this plant, including:

Increased interest in gardening during the pandemic, when many people were looking for relaxing activities at home.
Aesthetic and photogenic leaf shape, making it frequently used as an interior decoration element.
The influence of social media, especially platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where plant collectors share photos and tips on caring for Monstera adansonii.

Scientific Classification of Janda Bolong (Monstera adansonii)

In the botanical world, Monstera adansonii belongs to a group of tropical plants from the Araceae family, also known as the aroid family. This family includes many plants with unique leaf shapes and the ability to adapt to humid environments.

Here is a brief scientific classification of Monstera adansonii:

Kingdom: Plantae – A large group that includes all green plants capable of photosynthesis. Organisms in this kingdom use chlorophyll to convert solar energy into the chemical energy required for growth.
Division: Angiospermae – A group of flowering plants that have seeds enclosed within a fruit. Angiosperms are the most diverse group of plants on Earth and include most of the plants known to humans, including various food crops, ornamental plants, and trees.
Class: Monocotyledon – Plants that have one seed leaf (cotyledon) at the early stage of their growth. This group typically has characteristics such as parallel leaf veins, a fibrous root system, and a stem growth pattern that differs from dicotyledonous plants.
Order: Alismatales – An order of plants that mostly live in moist or aquatic environments, although some members also grow in terrestrial tropical forests. Many plants in this group have the ability to adapt to wet and shaded environmental conditions.
Family: Araceae – Known as the arum family, this family includes thousands of tropical plant species characterized by a spike-shaped inflorescence called a spadix, which is usually protected by a leaf-like bract called a spathe. Many members of this family are popular as ornamental plants due to their decorative leaf shapes.
Genus: Monstera – A group of tropical climbing plants famous for their large leaves that have natural slits or holes. Plants from this genus generally grow in the tropical forests of the Americas and often climb trees to reach sunlight.
Species: Monstera adansonii – A species known for its distinctive perforated leaves and a relatively smaller size compared to Monstera deliciosa. This plant has climbing abilities and often grows as an epiphyte in its natural habitat, attaching to tree trunks without taking nutrients from its host.

The Araceae family itself is one of the largest groups of flowering plants, with more than 3,000 species spread across various tropical regions of the world.

Many plants from this family are known as popular ornamental plants due to their decorative leaf shapes and their ability to grow well in humid environments.

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Popular Types of Janda Bolong (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Although often referred to by a single name, the janda bolong actually consists of several different types. Some are still within the Monstera genus, but they have leaf shapes, hole sizes, and growth patterns that are not always the same. These differences are what make some types rarer and highly sought after by ornamental plant collectors.

Here are some types of janda bolong that are quite well-known among plant enthusiasts:

1. Monstera adansonii variegata

The Monstera adansonii variegata variant is one of the most sought-after by ornamental plant collectors. Its main appeal lies in its unusual leaf color patterns.

Some of its distinctive features include:

leaves have a combination of green with white or cream patches
the variegated pattern occurs due to genetic mutations that reduce chlorophyll content in parts of the leaf tissue
holes in the leaves are usually smaller and appear neat

Because the white parts of the leaves lack chlorophyll, this plant tends to be more sensitive to direct sunlight. Therefore, Monstera adansonii variegata should be placed in a bright area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

The uniqueness of its color pattern gives this plant a fairly high market value in the ornamental plant trade.

2. Monstera obliqua

Monstera obliqua is often considered one of the rarest types of janda bolong in the ornamental plant world. This plant is famous for its very thin leaf structure with very large holes.

The main characteristics of Monstera obliqua include:

leaves are very thin and fragile
the size of the holes in the leaves can cover most of the leaf surface
the leaf structure appears more “hollow” compared to other Monstera types

Because of their similar appearance, this plant is often confused with Monstera adansonii. In reality, Monstera obliqua is much rarer and usually requires more stable environmental conditions to grow well.

In its natural habitat, this plant grows as a vine on large trees in humid tropical forests. If cultivated at home, it is important to maintain high humidity, indirect lighting, and a growing medium with good air circulation.

3. Monstera friedrichsthalii

Monstera friedrichsthalii is often considered a variation of Monstera adansonii due to their quite similar appearance. However, this species has several characteristics that distinguish it.

Its main features include:

leaves that are longer and more elongated in shape
the hole pattern on the leaves is more regular and neatly arranged
its growth tends to be vining like other tropical plants

This species is quite popular because its care is relatively easier compared to some other rare variants. This plant is also more tolerant of changing environmental conditions, making it suitable for beginners who are just starting to care for ornamental plants.

Even so, basic care such as regular watering, sufficient lighting, and periodic fertilization is still necessary to keep the leaves healthy and prevent them from yellowing.

4. Monstera epipremnoides

The next species is Monstera epipremnoides, which is known for having larger leaves compared to some other types of Janda Bolong.

Some prominent characteristics of this plant include:

leaves that are wider and thicker
the holes on the leaves appear more symmetrical and regular
the leaf shape at a glance resembles Monstera deliciosa, but with a greater number of holes

This plant can grow quickly if it receives suitable environmental conditions. Usually, Monstera epipremnoides will vine better if provided with a support such as a moss pole or a wooden stake.

Because its growth is quite active, periodic pruning is also necessary to keep the plant’s shape neat and prevent it from spreading too much.

Benefits of Janda Bolong (Monstera adansonii)

Here are some benefits that can be gained from the Janda Bolong plant:

Helps freshen indoor air: Like green plants in general, Monstera adansonii performs photosynthesis, which produces oxygen. The presence of plants indoors can help keep the air feeling fresh.
Creating a more calming atmosphere: The presence of green plants is often associated with positive psychological effects. Looking at green leaves can help relieve stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of calm after daily activities.
Helping to maintain air humidity: Plants release water vapor through the process of transpiration. This process can help increase the humidity of the surrounding air, especially in air-conditioned rooms that tend to be dry.
Helping to reduce indoor dust: The sufficiently wide leaf surface allows this plant to capture dust particles floating in the air. If the leaves are cleaned regularly, the plant can help maintain the cleanliness of the surrounding air.
Beautifying home interior decor: The perforated leaves of Monstera adansonii provide a unique tropical impression. This plant is often used as a natural decorative element in modern interior design because of its artistic shape and ease of integration with various room concepts.
Providing a natural feel indoors: The presence of ornamental plants can make a home atmosphere feel more vibrant and less monotonous. Tropical plants like Monstera adansonii are often used to bring a natural feel to living rooms, workspaces, and even bedrooms.
Becoming a relaxing hobby: Caring for plants can be an enjoyable yet calming activity. Many people make plant care a way to fill their spare time and reduce boredom.
Potentially increasing productivity: Some studies show that the presence of plants in a workspace can help improve focus and comfort while working or studying.
Becoming a high-value collector’s plant: Some Monstera varieties, especially those with variegated patterns or unique leaf shapes, are often sought after by ornamental plant collectors. Certain types even have a high market value due to their rarity.

How to Care for Janda Bolong (Monstera adansonii)

The Monstera adansonii plant is known to be quite adaptive as long as it receives an environment suitable for the characteristics of tropical plants. With proper care, its leaves can grow lush and retain the signature holes that are its main attraction.

Here are some important things to consider when caring for this plant:

Sufficient but indirect lighting: Monstera adansonii prefers bright, indirect light. This plant is suitable for placement near a window with sheer curtains or in a room that receives adequate natural light. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow or burn.
Regular watering: Watering is usually sufficient when done about 2–3 times a week, depending on environmental conditions. Ensure the growing medium is not too wet, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. A simple method often used is to water when the top of the growing medium begins to feel dry.
Growing medium with good drainage: This plant requires a loose growing medium that is capable of draining water well. A mixture of soil, burnt rice husks, cocopeat, or perlite is often used so that the roots receive enough air and do not easily become waterlogged.
Periodic fertilization: To support the growth of new leaves, this plant can be fertilized regularly. Liquid organic fertilizer, foliar fertilizer, or a mild dose of NPK fertilizer is usually applied about once every two weeks during the growth period.
Pruning to maintain plant shape: Damaged, yellowing, or wilted leaves should be pruned to keep the plant healthy. Pruning also helps keep the plant’s shape neat and stimulates the growth of new shoots.
Using a support or climbing pole: In its natural habitat, Monstera adansonii is a vine that climbs tree trunks. When grown at home, this plant will grow better if provided with a support such as a moss pole or wooden stake to help guide its growth.
Maintaining environmental humidity: This tropical plant loves fairly humid air. If the air is too dry, especially in air-conditioned rooms, the leaves can occasionally be misted with water to help maintain the surrounding humidity.
Controlling plant pests and diseases: Some pests that often appear on ornamental plants are mealybugs, mites, or fungi. Regular leaf inspections are important so that pest infestations can be handled immediately before they spread to other parts of the plant.

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The Unique Charm of the Janda Bolong Plant

With its unique perforated leaves, the janda bolong (Monstera adansonii) truly possesses a charm that is hard to overlook. This plant is not only beautiful as home decor, but it is also quite easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and ornamental plant collectors.

From the origin of its name and its diverse varieties to its uncomplicated care routine, everything makes the janda bolong remain an attractive plant to keep. If you want to bring a unique and fresh touch of green into your home, this plant could be the perfect choice!