Frederic Melton
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical perennial plant celebrated for its unique and dramatic foliage. Its large, heart-shaped leaves develop distinctive holes and splits as they mature, resembling Swiss cheese and contributing to its popularity as a houseplant. In ideal growing conditions, the Swiss cheese plant can grow quickly, reaching an average height of between 3 and 8 feet when kept as a houseplant and up to 13 feet in its native habitat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Monstera deliciosa, Swiss Cheese Plant, Cheese Plant, Ceriman, Hurricane Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Cutleaf Philodendron, Delicious Monster, Fruit Salad Plant, Fruit Salad Tree, Mexican Breadfruit, Monstera adansonii |
| Native region | Central and South America, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Cuba, Panama |
| Indoor height | 3-8 feet |
| Outdoor height | 13 feet |
| Growth rate | 1-2 feet per year |
| Light | Bright, indirect light. No direct sunlight. |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral pH, peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage |
| Watering | Regularly, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings |
| Temperature | 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C) |
| Humidity | 60% or higher |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses |
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What You'll Learn
Indoors, Swiss cheese plants grow to 3-8 feet
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are celebrated for their unique and dramatic foliage. Their iconic leaves, with natural holes and splits, have made them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening enthusiasts seeking a touch of the tropics. The holes in the leaves resemble those found in Swiss cheese, hence the name.
When grown indoors, Swiss cheese plants can grow to between 3 and 8 feet long. In their native habitat, they can grow up to 13 feet. These plants are native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama, and thrive in the understory with dappled sunlight, which makes them well-suited for indoor conditions. They grow quickly, with an average growth rate of one to two feet per year in ideal growing conditions.
Swiss cheese plants need bright, indirect light to keep growing and for their leaves to develop holes. They should be placed near a south-facing or west-facing window, with a sheer curtain to diffuse the harsh afternoon light if necessary. They can be trained to grow up a moss pole, but they also look great when left on their own to grow long vines.
These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. They like evenly moist soil but not soggy, and watering should be reduced in winter. The ideal temperature range for Swiss cheese plants is between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), and they thrive in humidity levels of 60% or higher.
It's important to note that all parts of Swiss cheese plants are toxic to pets, so caution is advised when growing them indoors.
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In the wild, they can reach 13 feet
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical perennial plant native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Cuba, and Panama. It is characterised by its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that develop distinctive holes and splits as they mature, resembling Swiss cheese. This natural fenestration contributes to its common name and aesthetic appeal.
In its native habitat, the Swiss cheese plant can grow up to impressive heights of 13 feet. However, when kept as a houseplant, it typically grows to a more manageable size of between 3 and 8 feet long. The plant's growth rate is quite rapid, averaging 1 to 2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
The Swiss cheese plant thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to the dappled sunlight of its natural habitat. It is intolerant of direct sunlight, which can burn its foliage. It prefers a warm and humid climate, with ideal temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). The plant also requires well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil that is kept evenly moist but not soggy.
The Swiss cheese plant can be trained to grow up a moss pole or trellis, but it can also be left to grow long vines that trail like a vine. It is a popular choice for indoor gardeners due to its unique appearance and relatively straightforward care requirements. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic to pets, so caution is advised when growing them indoors.
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They need bright, indirect light
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical climbing houseplant with distinctive holes and notches on its large, heart-shaped leaves. These holes develop as the plant ages, resembling Swiss cheese and giving the plant its name.
As a houseplant, Swiss cheese plants need bright, indirect light to grow and for their leaves to develop holes. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage, so it's important to limit exposure to harsh afternoon light. Placing the plant near a south-facing or west-facing window is ideal, as this provides bright, indirect light. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, limit exposure to two to three hours of morning sun.
To create indirect light for your Swiss cheese plant, you can add a sheer curtain to diffuse the light or place the plant a few feet away from the window. You can also try placing it in a room with bright, indirect light, such as a room with a bright lamp or fluorescent lighting. Insufficient light will prevent the development of the characteristic leaf holes.
The Swiss cheese plant thrives in bright summer light and winter direct sun. In its natural habitat, it rarely grows in full sun and prefers a light dimmed by the foliage. It adapts well to indoor conditions, thriving in the understory with dappled sunlight.
When caring for your Swiss cheese plant, it's also important to note that it grows quickly and can reach between 3 and 8 feet long indoors, or up to 13 feet in its native habitat. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH soil and should be watered regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before moistening thoroughly.
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Swiss cheese plants are toxic to pets
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive leaves, which develop holes and splits as the plant matures, resembling Swiss cheese. While this plant is non-toxic to humans, it is highly toxic to pets. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous, including the bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems.
The toxins found in the Swiss cheese plant include calcium oxalate crystals and possibly proteinase, depending on the species. Ingestion of the plant can cause a range of symptoms in pets, such as an intense burning sensation in the mouth, throat, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, choking, swelling of the throat, and difficulty swallowing. In large quantities, ingestion can lead to severe digestive upset, extreme difficulty breathing, rapid shallow gasps, convulsions, renal failure, coma, and even death.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a Swiss cheese plant, it is important to act quickly. Rinse and flush your pet's mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining plant material. You can then give your pet yogurt, milk, cheese, or any other source of calcium to help relieve pain and precipitate some of the calcium oxalate crystals. It is also recommended to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline for further guidance and treatment options.
The severity of symptoms and the potential for long-term effects will depend on the amount ingested and the size of your pet. In some cases, massive ingestion of the plant can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even send your pet into shock. Additionally, the needle-like calcium oxalate crystals can cause skin irritation if your pet comes into contact with the cell sap.
It is important to be cautious when growing Swiss cheese plants indoors if you have pets. While these plants can make beautiful houseplants, they should be kept out of reach of curious animals to prevent accidental ingestion. Providing proper training and supervision can also help reduce the risk of toxicity in your pets.
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They can climb or trail like a vine
Swiss cheese plants, or monstera adansonii, are tropical climbing houseplants. They can either climb with the help of a trellis or moss pole, or they can be left to hang and trail like a vine. If you want to encourage your Swiss cheese plant to climb, you can add a stake or moss pole to the centre of its pot. This will give the plant a structure to climb onto.
In their native habitat, Swiss cheese plants can grow up to 13 feet tall. However, as houseplants, they will usually grow to between 3 and 8 feet long. They are fast-growing plants, with an average growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year in ideal conditions. If you are growing your Swiss cheese plant indoors, it is important to note that they need bright, indirect light to keep growing and for their leaves to develop holes. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage, so if you are unable to provide indirect light, it is best to limit their exposure to just a few hours of morning sun.
Swiss cheese plants are intolerant of direct sunlight and wet soil. They prefer interior environments with moderate light and average humidity. They need rich, well-drained soil that is not allowed to dry out completely. You should water your Swiss cheese plant regularly, letting the soil dry out before moistening it thoroughly. They grow best in peat-based potting mix, which will help to trap moisture in the soil without causing it to become waterlogged.
If you are repotting your Swiss cheese plant, it is recommended to do so in spring or summer when the plant will enjoy most of its growth. It is also advised not to plant Swiss cheese plants directly into a ceramic pot. Instead, you should first repot into a bigger plastic pot before placing the plant in a styling ceramic or basket.
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Frequently asked questions
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, can grow to be quite large, with distinctive heart-shaped leaves that resemble Swiss cheese. In its native habitat, it can grow up to 13 feet tall. As a houseplant, it typically grows to between 3 and 8 feet long.
The Swiss cheese plant grows quickly, with an average growth rate of one to two feet per year in ideal growing conditions.
The Swiss cheese plant thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. It should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy. It is also important to provide well-draining soil and a trellis or moss pole for the plant to climb.
The ideal temperature range for the Swiss cheese plant is between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C). It cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for more than a few hours, and growth will cease below this temperature.
The spring/summer is the best time to repot a Swiss cheese plant as this is when the plant will enjoy most of its growth. It is important to repot into a bigger plastic pot before finding a styling ceramic or basket to house the plant.
