Randy Chandler
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico, Central America and South America. They are characterised by their large, perforated, heart-shaped leaves, which develop distinctive holes (botanically known as fenestrations) as the plant matures. These holes allow light to filter down to the plant's lower shoots. In the wild, Swiss cheese plants can grow to towering heights of up to 20 metres, but when kept as houseplants, they will eventually reach several metres tall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Swiss cheese plant |
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa |
| Common name for smaller species | Monstera adansonii |
| Type | Climbing plant |
| Native region | Southern Mexico and South America |
| Height | Several metres tall |
| Leaf size | Up to three feet wide |
| Leaf colour | Dark green |
| Leaf texture | Glossy |
| Light requirement | Bright, indirect light |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7 |
| Repotting frequency | Every 2-3 years |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs, and children |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese plants can grow to 20 metres in the wild
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are characterised by their distinctive holes, or fenestrations, on their broad, dark green, glossy leaves. They are native to the jungle floors of southern Mexico, Central America, and South America, where they grow in tropical rainforests, mid-mountainous regions, and lowland areas. In their natural habitat, Swiss cheese plants can grow to impressive sizes, reaching up to 20 metres in height.
These plants are vigorous climbers, using their aerial roots to anchor themselves to nearby trees or woody vines for support. In a domestic setting, Swiss cheese plants can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, or they can be left to hang and trail like a vine. They are relatively easy to care for and can make a stunning statement piece in the home, with their large, perforated leaves creating a tropical vibe.
Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. They thrive in moderate humidity and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5 and 7. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During the growing season, they can be fed with a balanced liquid fertiliser, but this should be reduced during the dormant winter months.
Pruning is also important for Swiss cheese plants. Light and regular pruning will help maintain the shape and encourage bushy growth. If the plant becomes too large for its space, it can be pruned back in the spring, but it may produce smaller, less mature leaves until it settles again. Swiss cheese plants are toxic, so it is important to wear gloves when handling them and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Overall, Swiss cheese plants are impressive and robust plants that can add a touch of tropical beauty to any space. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and grow to impressive sizes, both in the wild and in the home.
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They are climbers and need support to grow
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, 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 their natural habitat, they use aerial roots to anchor themselves to adjoining trees or woody vines. These roots also help them access water and nutrients.
When growing Swiss cheese plants indoors, it is important to replicate these conditions by providing a stake or trellis for support. A moss-covered pole is ideal, as the plant can root into it. This will also help to keep the plant upright, as Swiss cheese plants tend to become top-heavy as they grow bigger.
If you don't want to use a stake or trellis, you can leave the aerial roots as they are, but they may grow to very long lengths if there is nothing for them to grab onto. Alternatively, you can prune the roots, but this is unlikely to cause long-term harm to the plant.
Swiss cheese plants can also be left to hang and trail like vines. However, they will eventually need to be pruned if they get too large for their space.
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They require bright, indirect light to grow
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, are native to the jungle floors of South America and Mexico, where they grow in tropical rainforests. In their natural habitat, they thrive in shady, low-light conditions, with light filtering through their leaves to reach their lower shoots.
When growing Swiss cheese plants indoors, it is important to replicate these light conditions as closely as possible. Swiss cheese plants require bright, indirect light to grow and produce their distinctive holes, or fenestrations. A lack of light can cause the plant to become leggy, and new leaves may not split or develop fenestrations. Placing the plant near a window can help to provide bright, indirect light. A south-facing or west-facing window is ideal, but direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves. If placing the plant near a window that receives direct sunlight, such as a south-facing or west-facing window, it is important to filter the light. This can be done by using a sheer curtain to diffuse the harsh afternoon light. Alternatively, the plant can be placed in a brighter room away from the window, where it will still receive indirect light.
In addition to light, other factors such as soil, water, temperature, and humidity are important for the healthy growth of Swiss cheese plants. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5 and 7 is ideal. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, and it is better to underwater than overwater to prevent root rot. Swiss cheese plants prefer a temperature range of 18-27°C (65-80°F) and moderate to high humidity levels of around 60% or more.
By providing Swiss cheese plants with the right light conditions and caring for their soil, water, temperature, and humidity needs, they can grow into spectacular, large plants with distinctive fenestrated leaves.
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They are tropical plants native to South America
Cheese plants, officially known as *Monstera deliciosa*, are native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, particularly southern Mexico and Panama. They are a climbing plant species that can grow up to 20 meters or 60 feet in their natural habitat. In domestic settings, they typically reach around 5 to 8 feet in height. These plants are characterized by their large, distinctive, heart-shaped leaves with deep lobes and holes, which have earned them the common name "Swiss cheese plant." The unique leaf shape is an adaptation to the low light levels on the rainforest floor, allowing sunlight to reach older, lower leaves, and providing a way for raindrops to fall onto leaves below, ensuring efficient water usage.
Monstera deliciosa is a member of the Araceae family, which includes other well-known houseplants such as peace lilies and anthuriums. They are epiphytic plants, which means they grow on other plants, usually trees, using them for support but not for nutritional purposes. In the wild, cheese plants climb up the trunks of trees, using their aerial roots to anchor themselves, and their leaves to climb towards the canopy, where they can access more sunlight. The roots of epiphytic plants also serve another important purpose—they absorb nutrients from organic matter that collects around them, such as decaying leaves and fallen branches.
The tropical origins of cheese plants mean they thrive in warm, humid environments with indirect sunlight. In their native habitats, they benefit from the consistent warmth and high humidity provided by the rainforest. While they can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, too much direct sun can scorch their leaves. Therefore, in cultivation, they are often grown as houseplants or in shaded gardens, mimicking the dappled light of their natural environment. Providing them with a moss pole to climb also replicates their natural growth habit and can encourage larger leaves.
The iconic leaves of cheese plants are one of their most appealing features. As the plant matures, the leaves develop the characteristic holes (called fenestrations) and slits that give the plant its name. Young plants have smaller, entire leaves, and as they age and climb towards the canopy, the leaves become larger and more deeply lobed and perforated. The development of these holes is another adaptation to the rainforest environment, reducing the impact of strong winds and allowing the plant to shed excess water during heavy rain. The mature leaves of a cheese plant can grow to be over 2 feet long and wide, adding to the impressive display of these tropical beauties.
In addition to their striking foliage, cheese plants also produce an unusual fruit. The fruit of the *Monstera deliciosa* is edible and has been described as tasting like a combination of pineapple and banana. It is no surprise, then, that the plant's specific epithet is *deliciosa*, which means "delicious" in Latin. However, the fruit is only produced by mature plants, and those grown outside of their native range rarely fruit. In the wild, the cheese plant's fruit is an important food source for various animals, including bats and birds, which help disperse the seeds and ensure the survival and propagation of this remarkable tropical species.
Cheese plants have become increasingly popular in recent years, not only for their bold and exotic appearance but also for their air-purifying qualities. Their ability to tolerate lower light conditions and relatively easy care requirements make them well-suited to indoor spaces. For those seeking a more compact version, there are now many cultivars available, offering a range of leaf shapes, sizes, and variegation patterns to suit a variety of aesthetic preferences and space constraints. Whether grown as a houseplant or admired in its natural habitat, the cheese plant is a fascinating and beautiful example of tropical flora.
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They are easy to care for and can survive without much effort
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are easy to care for and can survive without much effort. They are ideal for both beginner and experienced plant parents. These plants are native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America and South America, where they can climb up to 20 metres high. In a domestic setting, they will still grow into a spectacular, architectural focal point, eventually reaching several metres tall, with huge glossy leaves that create a tropical jungle vibe.
Swiss cheese plants are happiest when allowed to dry out a bit. Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. It's better to underwater your plant than overwater, as too much moisture can lead to root rot. Swiss cheese plants like indirect light, such as by a west- or east-facing window, or in a brighter room away from the window. They are used to the dim jungle floor, so they can thrive in a range of light conditions, but they are not huge fans of direct sunlight, as this can burn their leaves. Lack of light can also cause the plant to become leggy.
Swiss cheese plants can be kept in their original pot for a year or two, after which they should be repotted every few years. They tend to become top-heavy as they grow bigger, so choose a pot that is weighty enough to not topple over. Take care with the pot size too – choose one that will comfortably accommodate the rootball, yet is only a few centimetres larger than the previous pot. Avoid using a significantly larger pot, as overpotting causes the compost to stay wet for too long, risking root rot.
Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers, with aerial roots growing downward from the stems. In the wild, it will use these roots to push itself up onto an adjoining tree or woody vine. Providing stake support is crucial to keep it from escaping too far from its container. A trellis or stake can help it grow more compactly. You can also train or tie your plant onto a moss pole, into which it will eventually root if the moss is kept moist. This will also provide support to keep these top-heavy plants upright.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese plants, or Swiss cheese plants, can grow quite large—up to several metres tall—if given proper care. In the wild, they can tower up to 20 metres high. They are fast-growing vines that climb with the help of a trellis or moss pole, or can be left to hang and trail.
Swiss cheese plants can usually be kept in their original pot for a year or two, after which they should be repotting every few years. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots emerging from the drainage holes or the plant outgrowing its pot. Choose a pot that is weighty enough to not topple over and only slightly larger than the previous one, as overpotting can cause root rot.
Swiss cheese plants need bright, indirect light to grow and for their leaves to develop holes (fenestration). Place them near a south, east, or west-facing window, or in a brighter room away from the window. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
