Randy Chandler
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a popular houseplant known for its lush, glossy leaves and distinctive holes, resembling Swiss cheese. In the wild, these plants can grow to impressive sizes, reaching up to 70 feet or even 20 meters tall. However, when grown indoors, they typically top out at a more manageable height of around 3 to 8 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. Swiss cheese plants are relatively low-maintenance and make a bold statement in any space. They are also easy to propagate and care for, making them a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Swiss cheese plant, cheese plant, delicious monster, fruit salad plant, fruit salad tree, ceriman, ojal, hojadillo, monster fruit, monsterio delicio, monstereo, Mexican breadfruit, windowleaf, balazo, Penglai banana, costilla de Adán, costela-de-adão, plante gruyère, piñanona |
| Scientific name | Monstera deliciosa |
| Native region | South America |
| Hardiness | 11 |
| Lowest temperature tolerance | -1 °C or 30 °F for a few hours |
| Steady minimum temperature | 13–15 °C or 55–59 °F |
| Growth cessation temperature | 10 °C or 50 °F |
| Light requirements | Bright, indirect light or sunlight |
| Humidity | High |
| Watering | Water when the top inch or two of soil dries out |
| Soil | Rich, loose, and well-draining |
| Fertilizer | Balanced houseplant fertilizer |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings or air layering |
| Height in the wild | Up to 20 meters or 70 feet |
| Height as a houseplant | 2-8 feet |
| Width as a houseplant | 1-3 feet |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese monsteras can grow up to 70 feet tall in the wild
Swiss cheese monsteras, or Monstera deliciosa, are known for their lush, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as the plant matures. These holes, known as "fenestrations," are thought to increase water absorption, limit wind damage, and reduce the impact of herbivores. In the wild, these plants are native to the tropical regions of South America, where they grow up trees, clinging to them with their roots.
When grown as houseplants, Swiss cheese monsteras typically reach a more manageable height of around three to eight feet tall. They are popular houseplants due to their striking appearance and ease of care. They are generally pest- and disease-free and can live for years with proper care.
To care for a Swiss cheese monstera, it is important to provide a stake, trellis, or moss pole for the plant to climb. They require bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch or two of soil dries out, as they do not tolerate overly moist soil. Swiss cheese monsteras are also susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so it is crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Overall, Swiss cheese monsteras are impressive plants that can grow to towering heights in the wild but are also adaptable to indoor environments, making them a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.
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They can reach 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide indoors
Swiss cheese monsteras, or Monstera deliciosa, are known for their lush, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that become perforated as they mature. They are native to tropical areas in South America, where they can grow to be 20 metres high and wide. In domestic settings, they can reach 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide, but they will need plenty of room to grow and something to climb, such as a stake, trellis, or moss pole.
Swiss cheese monsteras are easy to care for and can live for years in the right conditions. They are forgiving when it comes to watering and can tolerate neglectful plant owners. However, it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings and to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. They also prefer high humidity and bright, indirect sunlight.
Swiss cheese monsteras are fast growers and will need to be repotted every one to two years. They are vigorous climbers, with aerial roots that grow downward from the stem, bracing against the ground or any available support. In the wild, they use these roots to push themselves up onto adjoining trees or woody vines. Providing stake support is crucial to keep the plant from escaping its container.
Swiss cheese monsteras are one of the easiest plants to propagate. They can be grown from stem cuttings or air layering. To propagate using stem cuttings, cut off a piece of stem with at least one leaf and one node (the little brown bump on the stem where new growth occurs). Place the cutting in a glass of water with the node submerged, and keep the glass in bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, when roots start to sprout, place the cutting into a pot of new potting soil.
Swiss cheese monsteras make an impressive statement in any space and are generally pest- and disease-free. With their distinctive leaves and climbing habit, they add a contemporary, jungly feel to a room and are good air purifiers.
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They require bright, indirect sunlight
Swiss cheese monsteras, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to tropical areas of South America. In the wild, they can grow to be up to 70 feet (20 meters) tall, but when kept as houseplants, they typically reach a maximum height of eight feet. Their distinctive heart-shaped leaves with holes and notches earn them their common name, derived from the holes in Swiss cheese.
These plants require bright, indirect sunlight. They should be placed in a room that receives plenty of natural light throughout the day, but not directly in front of a window, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. A south-facing or west-facing window is ideal, but harsh afternoon light should be avoided by using sheer curtains or another form of filtration. The more light the plant receives, the larger its leaves will grow, and the more holes and splits will develop. This process, known as fenestration, allows light to reach the lower leaves of the plant.
Swiss cheese monsteras can tolerate a few hours of morning sun but should be protected from the blazing-hot afternoon sun. They grow best in temperatures above 60°F (15°C) and prefer high humidity. If the room is dry due to heating or air conditioning, a small humidifier or regular misting can help boost humidity.
While Swiss cheese monsteras are relatively low-maintenance, they do require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive and develop their characteristic leaf holes. They are adaptable and forgiving plants, making them an excellent choice for those new to gardening or frequently away from home.
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They need to be watered when the top inch or two of soil dries out
Swiss cheese monsteras, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are native to tropical areas and can grow to be quite large. In the wild, they can reach heights of up to 20 meters (around 70 feet). However, when grown indoors as houseplants, they typically reach a more manageable height of 2 to 8 feet tall and a width of 1 to 3 feet. They are fast-growing plants that require plenty of space and can quickly outgrow small planters.
Caring for a Swiss cheese monstera is relatively straightforward, and they are known to be forgiving plants when it comes to watering. They don't require constant moisture and can tolerate some neglect. The key to successful watering is to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. You should water your Swiss cheese monstera when the top inch or two of soil has dried out. This could be anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the environment and the type of pot used. It's important not to overwater these plants as this can lead to root rot, a fungal disease from which the plant usually does not recover.
To water your Swiss cheese monstera, simply pour lukewarm water around the soil until it drains out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This will give the plant a thorough soak and help wash away any excess nutrient salts from previous feedings. You can also water your plant by placing it in a sink or tub and giving it a good soak, allowing the excess water to drain away.
If you notice that your plant's leaves are turning yellow or the stems are turning black, this could be a sign of overwatering. On the other hand, if the leaves curl or wilt, it may be a sign that your plant needs more water. The frequency of watering will depend on the time of year, with most monsteras requiring more water during the summer months.
In addition to proper watering techniques, Swiss cheese monsteras require bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity to thrive. They prefer a steady temperature of at least 13-15°C (55-59°F), and their growth will slow down if the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F). They also benefit from having something to climb, such as a stake, trellis, or moss pole, as they are vigorous climbers in the wild. With the proper care and conditions, your Swiss cheese monstera will grow happily and healthily.
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They are easy to propagate
Swiss cheese monsteras are easy to propagate. There are two simple ways to propagate a Swiss cheese monstera: using stem cuttings or air layering. To propagate using stem cuttings, cut off a leaf and stem just after a node (where new growth occurs). Place the cutting in a glass of lukewarm water with the node submerged. Keep the glass in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. After a few weeks, when you see roots sprouting, place the cutting into a pot of new potting soil. It is also possible to grow Swiss cheese monsteras from seed, but it is important to find a reliable source for the seeds.
Swiss cheese monsteras are fast growers and can quickly outgrow small planters. They can reach at least 2m high and 2.5m wide, even in the average home. In the wild, they can reach up to 70 feet tall. They are vigorous climbers and will need something to climb on, such as a stake, trellis, or moss pole. They are generally pest- and disease-free and can live for years in the right conditions. They are very forgiving when it comes to watering and tolerate even the most neglectful of plant owners. However, it is important to not overwater them, as this can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and only water when the top inch or two of soil dries out.
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Frequently asked questions
In the wild, Swiss cheese monsteras can grow up to 20 metres high and wide. However, when grown indoors, they usually reach a maximum height of 8 feet and a width of 6 feet.
Swiss cheese monsteras are fast growers, and can increase in height by about 1 foot per year.
Swiss cheese monsteras are fast growers that can quickly outgrow a small planter. They need plenty of room to grow, so choose a pot that is at least 2.5 metres wide and 2 metres high.
Yes, Swiss cheese monsteras are vigorous climbers and will need something to climb on, such as a stake, trellis, or moss pole.
There is no set rule for watering Swiss cheese monsteras, but it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Water your plant when the top inch or two of soil is completely dry, and be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
