Andy Montoya
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are climbing plants native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and South America. They are characterised by their large, heart-shaped leaves, which develop holes as the plant matures, resembling Swiss cheese. In their natural habitat, Swiss cheese plants climb by producing roots from their stems, which attach to trees, helping to support their growth. When grown as houseplants, they can be trained to climb a stake, trellis, or moss pole, which provides support and encourages larger leaves with more holes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climbing | Yes |
| Light | Bright, indirect light or partial shade light |
| Watering | Once every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings |
| Soil | Peat-based potting mix |
| Temperature | 64-81°F |
| Fertilizer | Balanced houseplant fertilizer |
| Pruning | Light and regular |
| Support | Stake, trellis, or moss pole |
| Growth | Vigorous |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings or air layering |
| Common Name | Swiss Cheese Plant |
| Scientific Name | Monstera adansonii |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are indeed vigorous climbers. In the wild, they can climb up to over 70 feet with the help of their aerial roots, which grow downward from the stem and brace against the ground or any available support. They use these roots to push themselves up onto adjoining trees or woody vines.
When grown as houseplants, they can reach up to eight feet tall with the help of a support pole, trellis, or moss pole. Providing stake support is crucial to keep the plant from escaping its container. You can also use plant ties to attach the stem to the stake until it starts climbing on its own.
If you want your Swiss cheese plant to climb, it's important to provide it with the right growing conditions. These plants prefer bright, indirect light or partial shade, moderate humidity, and moderate temperatures between 64 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require well-drained soil and consistent watering, allowing the topsoil to dry out completely before watering again.
By providing the necessary support and optimal growing conditions, you can encourage your Swiss cheese plant to climb and thrive, resulting in larger, more mature leaves with the distinctive holes that give the plant its name.
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They can be left to hang and trail like vines
Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers, but they can also be left to hang and trail like vines. In their native environment, they grow like vines, scrambling up trees to reach more light. They produce roots from their stems, which attach to the trees, supporting their climbing growth.
If you want to encourage your Swiss cheese plant to climb, you can provide a stake, trellis, or moss-covered pole for it to grow upward. This will also provide support to keep these top-heavy plants upright. Once the plant starts climbing, it will often produce larger, more mature leaves with more holes (fenestrations).
However, if you prefer the look of a hanging plant, you can leave your Swiss cheese plant to trail. Allowing your plant to hang and crawl can result in smaller leaves and a more compact form. If you choose this option, be aware that the longer stems may not produce as large of leaves.
Whether you choose to let your Swiss cheese plant climb or hang, it's important to provide the right care. Swiss cheese plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and moderate temperatures. They prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil, and watering once a week is usually sufficient. These plants are relatively low-maintenance and can be a stunning addition to your home decor.
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They grow best in bright, indirect light
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera adansonii, are tropical climbing plants that thrive in bright, indirect light. They can be placed near a south-facing or west-facing window, benefiting from the light while avoiding direct sunlight. If you opt for a west-facing window, consider using a sheer curtain to diffuse the harsh afternoon light.
In their native environment, Swiss cheese plants grow beneath a canopy of large trees, receiving bright, indirect sunlight. This preference carries over to their cultivation as houseplants. While they can tolerate a few hours of morning sun, they should be shielded from blazing-hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf damage.
To ensure your Swiss cheese plant receives optimal lighting conditions, you can place it in a well-lit room with indirect light. An east-facing window can also provide suitable lighting conditions, allowing your plant to flourish.
It is important to note that Swiss cheese plants may not develop their characteristic leaf holes, known as fenestrations, if grown in low-light environments. These fenestrations allow light to pass through to the lower shoots in their natural habitat. Therefore, providing sufficient bright, indirect light is crucial for the plant's aesthetic appeal and growth.
By following these lighting recommendations, you can create an ideal environment for your Swiss cheese plant to thrive and showcase its distinctive features.
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They can be grown with a trellis or moss pole
Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers, with aerial roots growing downward from the stem. In the wild, it uses these roots to push itself up onto an adjoining tree or woody vine. You can replicate this in your home by providing a trellis or moss-covered pole for the stems to root into.
To add a trellis to your Swiss cheese plant's pot, place it in the centre of the pot to give your plant a structure to climb on. You can also use a wooden, metal or plastic stake instead of a trellis.
If you would prefer to use a moss pole, add one to the centre of the pot. You can use tiny claw clips for plants to help direct the air roots to grow into the moss. The moss pole should be kept moist, and the plant will eventually root into it.
If you are using a trellis or stake, you may need to use plant ties to attach the stem until it starts climbing by itself.
Swiss cheese plants can also be left to hang and trail like a vine. If left to trail, the longer stems may not produce as big of leaves.
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They are easy to care for and are low-maintenance
Swiss cheese plants are easy to care for and are low-maintenance. They are fast growers and are known to be vigorous, robust, and healthy plants when given the correct growing conditions. They are native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and South America, where they grow like vines, climbing up trees to reach more light.
In your home, you can replicate this environment by providing a stake, trellis, or moss-covered pole for the plant to climb. This will also provide support to keep these top-heavy plants upright. You can also attach the plant to the pole using tiny claw clips or plant ties until it starts climbing on its own.
Swiss cheese plants grow best in bright, indirect light, or partial shade light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight but only a few hours of morning sun. They prefer moderate temperatures between 64–81 °F (18–25 °C) and moderate humidity.
These plants don't require frequent watering. Water them no more than once a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. However, the watering frequency may vary based on the environment, so it's important to monitor the soil's moisture level regularly. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure proper soil drainage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers. In the wild, they climb up trees using their roots.
You can add a stake, trellis, or moss pole to the centre of the pot to give your Swiss cheese plant a structure to climb on.
If you don't give your Swiss cheese plant something to climb, it will grow along the floor towards a light source, which could be a trip hazard.
If you let your Swiss cheese plant climb, it will grow bigger leaves.
Yes, you can put your Swiss cheese plant outside in the summer. Just make sure it's not in direct or hot sunlight.
