Kamil Perry
Swiss cheese plants (Monstera deliciosa) are known for their lush, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as the plant matures, resembling Swiss cheese. They are native to the jungle floors of South America and can be grown as houseplants. In this article, we will discuss how to care for your Swiss cheese plant during the winter, when the plant is dormant and grows slowly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering | Water when the top inch of soil is dry; water no more than once a week; water moderately in winter |
| Soil | Well-draining; peat-based potting mix; soil pH between 5.5 and 7 |
| Temperature | Moderate to high temperatures; between 15°C and 30°C; above 50% humidity |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in the growing season; reduce to once a month in winter |
| Repotting | When roots outgrow the container or when you notice a decline in health; at least once a year |
| Common issues | Root rot due to overwatering; sensitive to misting |
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What You'll Learn
Watering: water moderately, ensuring soil is moist but not soaked
Swiss cheese plants are generally easy to care for and are forgiving when it comes to watering. They can tolerate some neglect and are suitable for those new to growing houseplants. However, it is important to water them correctly to keep them healthy.
Water your Swiss cheese plant moderately, ensuring the soil is moist but not soaked. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again. The frequency of watering will depend on the environment and season. During the growing season, typically spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently. In the dormant period of fall and winter, space out waterings and be careful not to overwater.
The Swiss cheese plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. Watering techniques such as top watering or bottom watering can help saturate the soil effectively and mimic natural rain. Ensure your plant pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and promote proper soil drainage.
Signs of overwatering include leaf discolouration and root rot. Always monitor your plant's soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
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Light: bright, indirect light is best
Bright, indirect light is best for your Swiss Cheese Plant. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of your plant, so a south-facing or west-facing window is ideal. If you don't have access to these window orientations, placing your plant less than 3 feet from a window will maximise its potential for growth. You can also put it near a west-facing window if you add a sheer curtain to make the harsh afternoon light indirect.
Swiss Cheese Plants are native to the shadowy jungle floors of Central and South America, where the openings in their leaves allow light to filter down to their lower shoots. This process is known as 'fenestration'. In their native habitat, they grow up trees, clinging on with their roots. In the wild, they can reach up to 20 metres high, but even in the average home, they can grow to at least 2 metres high and 2.5 metres wide.
If the new leaves on your Swiss Cheese Plant are not splitting, this is a sign that your plant is not getting enough light. A happy, healthy plant should have lots of splitting on the leaves.
Swiss Cheese Plants are generally easy to care for and can live for years in the right conditions. They are also very forgiving when it comes to watering. They can tolerate neglectful plant owners and are a great plant for those who are new to growing houseplants or are frequently away from home.
To keep your plant healthy, it's important to keep its leaves free of dust using a clean, damp cloth occasionally. If the leaves start to spread so much that they droop, use a moss pole or trellis to keep them upright.
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Humidity: Swiss cheese plants thrive in high humidity
Swiss cheese plants are native to Central America and thrive in high humidity (above 50%) and warm temperatures of 60°F to 85°F. They are tropical plants and prefer moderate to high temperatures. Anywhere between 15°C and 30°C is suitable. They do not like dry air or cold drafts, so keep them away from radiators and drafty windows.
You can increase humidity by placing the plant in a warm, well-lit bathroom, free of drafts, or by adding a pebble tray or using a humidifier. However, providing extra humidity or misting your plant can create an environment for harmful fungi to grow, so be cautious.
Swiss cheese plants are naturally climbing plants and can be trained to climb indoors with the help of a moss pole or trellis. They are vigorous climbers, with aerial roots growing downward from the stem, which brace against the ground or any available support. In the wild, they use these roots to push themselves up onto adjoining trees or woody vines.
In the winter, Swiss cheese plants go dormant, and their growth slows down. They should be watered moderately and less frequently than during their growing season, which is typically in spring and summer.
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Fertilizer: use a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season
Swiss cheese plants are generally easy to care for and can live for years with the right conditions. They are forgiving when it comes to watering and can tolerate neglectful plant owners. However, they do require fertiliser to thrive.
Fertilise your Swiss cheese plant during the growing season, typically in the spring and summer months, with a balanced liquid fertiliser. You can use a balanced houseplant fertiliser with an N-P-K of 5-2-3. Dilute the fertiliser to half strength and apply it once a month or every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. In the dormant season, such as fall and winter, reduce fertilisation to once a month as the plant's growth slows.
It is important to note that fresh potting soil usually contains all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it is refreshed yearly, you may not need to use fertiliser. Additionally, potting mix typically already has slow-release fertiliser in it, so it is crucial to wait until the plant is well-established after potting it before applying any additional fertiliser.
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Common issues: overwatering can cause root rot
Swiss cheese plants are generally low-maintenance and easy to care for. However, one common issue is overwatering, which can cause root rot. Root rot is a serious condition that can quickly kill your plant. It occurs when the roots of a plant are exposed to too much moisture, causing them to rot and turn mushy. Overwatering can also lead to leaf yellowing and wilting, and dark spots on the leaves.
To prevent overwatering, it is important to allow the topsoil of your Swiss cheese plant to dry out completely before watering again. The frequency of watering will depend on the environmental conditions, so it is crucial to regularly monitor the soil's moisture level. During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently. However, in the dormant period of fall and winter, you should reduce watering and only water moderately.
It is also important to ensure proper soil drainage to prevent waterlogging. Use a well-draining pot and soil mixture to allow excess water to escape. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing your Swiss cheese plant, as this can lead to salt buildup, which can damage the roots. Always dilute fertilizer to half strength when applying it every two to three weeks during the growing season.
If you notice that your Swiss cheese plant is showing signs of overwatering, such as leaf yellowing or wilting, take immediate action. Reduce the frequency of your watering and ensure that your pot and soil have proper drainage. Move your plant to a warm, bright location with indirect light to help it recover. With proper care and attention, your Swiss cheese plant can bounce back to its healthy state within a few weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese plants go dormant in winter and you should water them moderately. Water no more than once a week, and only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Swiss cheese plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place the plant less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximise light exposure.
Reduce fertiliser application to once a month in winter, as the plant's growth slows.
