Patrick Oconnell
The Swiss Cheese Monstera, or Monstera deliciosa, is a unique and beautiful plant that can be a great addition to your home or garden. While it is generally easy to care for, there are some specific things to keep in mind to ensure your plant thrives. In this guide, we will cover all the essential aspects of Swiss Cheese Monstera care, including watering, light, soil, and more, so that you can provide the ideal environment for your plant to grow and flourish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Watering | Water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Use 0.5 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot |
| Sunlight | Place the plant less than 3 feet from a window to maximize growth. Keep it out of direct light |
| Soil | Well-draining soil with lots of organic matter such as coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite |
| Repotting | Repot after the plant doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first |
| Propagation | Can be propagated by the stem method. Make a cut above the node (where the leaf emerges) and place the cutting in water until roots are 2" long, then transplant |
| Humidity | Keep in a humid area but do not mist as this can create the perfect environment for harmful fungi |
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What You'll Learn
Water when the top two inches of soil are dry
Watering your Swiss cheese monstera plant is a delicate balance. The plant prefers slightly moist soil but does not like to sit in waterlogged or consistently wet conditions. It is important to let the top one or two inches of soil dry out before watering again. You can check this by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it is dry at this depth, it is time to water. Water your plant thoroughly until the soil is moist, and water begins to run out of the drainage holes of the container.
Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting mix, which will help to trap moisture in the soil without becoming waterlogged. A well-draining terracotta container will also help to regulate moisture. It is important to remember that the frequency of watering depends on the size of the pot, temperatures, and humidity of your specific environment. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering due to increased activity. In the dormant season of fall and winter, reduce the frequency of watering, as the plant's water requirements decrease.
It is also important to note that the Swiss cheese monstera plant is forgiving when it comes to watering. They tolerate even the most neglectful of plant owners and are a great plant for those new to growing houseplants. However, it is crucial to find a balance, as yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering. If you notice this, adjust your watering routine to let the top one or two inches of soil dry before watering again.
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Keep in a humid area, but don't mist the leaves
The Swiss Cheese Monstera is a plant that generally prefers dry environments. It is recommended to keep it in a humid area, but this does not mean that you should mist its leaves. Providing extra humidity or misting the plant allows water to linger on the leaves, which can create an environment conducive to the growth of harmful fungi. This can cause diseases in the plant.
Instead of misting, you can try other methods to increase humidity for your Swiss Cheese Monstera. One way is to place a humidifier near the plant, which will help to maintain a moist environment without directly wetting the leaves. Another option is to create a pebble tray by placing the plant pot on a tray of water. Ensure the pot is not directly in the water, as this will help the water evaporate and create a humid environment around the plant.
You can also try grouping your Swiss Cheese Monstera with other plants to create a humid microclimate. Place your plant alongside other plants to increase the overall humidity in their shared space. Additionally, you can place your plant in a well-lit bathroom, where the humidity tends to be higher due to regular showering and bathing.
While it is important to maintain humidity for your Swiss Cheese Monstera, it is crucial to avoid misting the leaves directly. If you notice that the leaves are dry, it is better to increase humidity through these indirect methods rather than misting. By following these suggestions, you can provide the necessary humidity while also protecting your plant from potential issues caused by water lingering on its leaves.
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Place in bright, indirect light
To provide bright, indirect light for your Swiss cheese monstera, place it within one to two feet of a window. The closer your plant is to the window, the more light it will receive. An east-facing or west-facing window is ideal, as long as the plant is not in the direct path of sunlight. If your plant is in the direct path of sunlight, you can block the sun with a sheer curtain.
If you don't have an east-facing or west-facing window available, you can still provide bright, indirect light by placing your plant where it can see as much of the sky as possible. This may be in a room with a large window or multiple windows, as more windows will provide even more light. If your window faces north, your plant will receive moderate indirect light right in the window, but the light will quickly drop off to low light deeper into the room. If your window faces south, your room may have blasting direct sun, but exterior obstructions such as trees or buildings can generally reduce the light in a room. A white wall outside a north-facing window, for example, will reflect southern light into the room.
The amount of light your plant receives will also depend on the season. In the winter, the intensity of the sun diminishes, and in the summer, it becomes more intense. Light durations fluctuate seasonally, with less light during the winter and more during the summer. Generally, plants have seasonal watering adjustments based on this cycle.
It's important to note that bright, indirect light does not mean shade. A spot considered "bright indirect light" is not just any place away from direct sun. At some point during four hours of direct sun, a plant in the shade may be hit by the sun's rays. This still counts as "bright indirect light", but it depends on the size of your windows.
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Repot after the plant doubles in size or once a year
Repotting your Swiss cheese monstera is an important part of its care. You should repot the plant after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever happens first. This is because, by the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil, it will likely have grown enough to need a larger pot.
Fresh potting soil contains all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you don’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
When repotting, ensure you use a good soil that contains lots of organic matter, such as coco coir, as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil will help with this.
Swiss Cheese Plant can be propagated by the stem method. To do this, make a cut just above the node (the break in the stem where the leaf emerges). Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are around 2 inches long, then transplant it into well-draining soil. Alternatively, you can place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water it when the soil is dry.
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Propagate by cutting above the node and placing in water until roots emerge
The Swiss Cheese Plant can be propagated by the stem method. This is a simple process that starts with making a cut just above the node—the break in the stem where the leaf emerges. The node is key to the successful propagation of your Swiss Cheese Plant, as it is from here that new roots will sprout.
Once you have made your cut, place it in a jar or container filled with water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and clean. Roots should begin to emerge within a few weeks. Once the roots are around 2 inches long, you can transplant your cutting into a pot with well-draining soil.
If you prefer, you can place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water it when the soil is dry. However, using water to propagate your cutting is generally the more successful method.
The Swiss Cheese Plant is generally easy to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. It prefers dry environments and well-drained soil. It also needs ample sunlight to thrive and should be placed less than 3 feet from a window.
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Frequently asked questions
The Swiss Cheese Monstera should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water when the top two inches of soil are dry. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of the pot and the amount of sunlight the plant receives.
Swiss Cheese Monstera does best in well-draining soil that contains lots of organic matter such as coco coir, as well as perlite or vermiculite to aid with drainage.
Repot your Swiss Cheese Monstera after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil provides all the nutrients the plant needs, so fertiliser is not necessary.
Swiss Cheese Monstera should be placed less than three feet from a window to maximise growth. However, it should not be placed in direct sunlight, and bright, indirect light is best.
