Patrick Oconnell
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a beautiful, low-maintenance houseplant known for its lush, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. These leaves develop holes as the plant matures, resembling Swiss cheese, and can grow to be up to three feet wide. Native to the jungles of South America, the Swiss cheese plant is a fast-growing vine that can climb up to towering heights of 20 metres in the wild. In this guide, we will explore how to grow and care for your very own Swiss cheese plant, adding a touch of exotic beauty to your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Swiss cheese plant |
| Genus | Monstera |
| Species | deliciosa, adansonii, obliqua, borsigiana, epipremnoides |
| Native environment | Jungle floors of South America |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Temperature | Moderate to high (15-30°C) |
| Humidity | High (above 50%) |
| Watering | Regular, but allow soil to dry out first |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic, pH 5.5-7 |
| Pot | Well-draining terracotta container |
| Fertilizer | Balanced houseplant fertilizer, N-P-K of 5-2-3 |
| Propagation | From cuttings in water, soil, or air layering |
| Toxicity | Poisonous to pets and humans |
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Soil and fertiliser
Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting mix, which helps to retain moisture in the soil without causing waterlogging. The soil should be consistently moist but not soaked. A well-draining terracotta container will help regulate moisture. Swiss cheese plants can be grown in a mixture of water and soil, or with the air-layering method. If planting directly in soil after cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
The soil should be airy and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 7. Well-drained soil is important because overwatering can cause root rot. Water your Swiss cheese plant no more than once a week, and always let the topsoil dry out completely before watering again. However, the watering frequency may vary based on environmental conditions, so it's essential to monitor the soil's moisture level regularly. You may need to water more frequently during the growing season, typically in spring and summer. Be careful in the dormant period of fall and winter, and water moderately.
Swiss cheese plants enjoy higher humidity levels, mimicking their native tropical environment. Aim for humidity levels between 60-80% to create an ideal environment for robust growth. If indoor air is dry, consider putting a water tray or a humidifier near the plant to enhance humidity. Misting the leaves occasionally is also an option.
Fertilize your Swiss cheese plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, once it is well-established. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K of 5-2-3 should be applied monthly during the growing season (May to September).
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Light and temperature
Swiss cheese plants (Monstera deliciosa) are native to the jungle floors of South America, where they grow beneath a canopy of large trees. This means they prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight but only a few hours of morning sun—not blazing-hot afternoon sun. If the new leaves on your monstera are not splitting, this is a sign that your plant is not getting enough light.
When it comes to light, Swiss cheese plants are fairly adaptable. They can thrive in a range of light conditions, but they are not huge fans of direct sunlight, as this can burn their leaves. They will, however, struggle to develop their characteristic leaf holes if grown in low light. A Swiss cheese plant will be happiest in a spot with plenty of medium light.
Swiss cheese plants enjoy higher humidity levels, mimicking their native tropical environment. Aim for humidity levels between 60-80% to create an ideal environment for robust growth. If indoor air is dry, consider putting a water tray or a humidifier near the plant to enhance humidity. Misting your Monstera’s leaves occasionally is also an option.
Swiss cheese plants like moderate indoor temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Celsius). Avoid exposing them to sudden temperature drops or drafts, as these can stress the plant. Providing a consistently warm environment replicates its native habitat, contributing to the plant’s overall well-being and vitality.
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Propagation
Swiss cheese plants are very easy to propagate by stem cuttings. To propagate in water, cut a 4-6 inch section of a monstera stem (half an inch) below a node using sterilized pruning shears. Include any aerial roots present in the cutting and remove most of the lower leaves on the stem cutting. Place your cutting in a glass of water, submerging the node and aerial root. Replace the water every 3-4 days to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Change the water every 3 to 5 days, or when the water becomes cloudy. It takes about 2 months for thick, white roots to grow before planting.
Propagating in soil is the most common and straightforward method. Cut a healthy stem with at least one node and aerial root using sharp pruning shears or a knife. Select a pot that's around 5 inches deep with draining holes and fill it with moist, well-draining soil. Dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone to promote faster root development. Then, use a pencil or your finger to make a hole in the soil. Insert the cutting into the hole and cover the node and the stem's bottom with the soil. Gently pack the potting soil around the cutting to ensure it stands straight. Keep the soil moist and place the plant in a sunny location with indirect light. Cuttings can take around 4-5 weeks to root in the soil.
Moss is another great propagation medium for Swiss cheese plants, especially for more delicate monstera plants like variegated species. Fill a clear glass with moist sphagnum moss. Place your cutting in the moss and set it in indirect light. Propagating with these materials is about the same as with moss, just add about 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) of water to your glass.
After propagating, it is important to look out for any potential issues and keep a close eye on your plant for a couple of months. A recently propagated plant is always more vulnerable to certain problems. For example, the leaves of your Swiss cheese plant cuttings may turn yellow or brown due to too much sun exposure or not enough humidity.
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Common pests
Swiss cheese plants are generally pest- and disease-free and easy to care for. However, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases, especially when grown indoors. The most common pests that affect Monstera plants are spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, whitefly, and fungus gnats.
Spider mites are tiny pests that cause yellow stippling on leaves. To get rid of them, increase humidity and wash the leaves with water or use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs are identified by the cottony deposits they leave on the leaf axils or undersides. Remove them with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped pests that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap and weakening the plant. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap.
Scale insects appear as hard, brown bumps on leaves and stems. Scrape them off manually and treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Fungus gnats lay their eggs in wet soil and tend to live in the top layer of soil in the pot. To get rid of them, put out sticky traps and let the soil dry out completely to kill the larva, then adjust your watering schedule.
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Toxicity
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a beautiful and lush houseplant that can add a contemporary, jungly feel to your home. However, it's important to be aware of its potential toxicity. All parts of the Monstera plant are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The toxic principle in the plant is insoluble calcium oxalate, which can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation in the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
When growing a Swiss cheese plant indoors, it's crucial to keep this toxicity in mind, especially if you have pets that may come into contact with the plant. Place the plant in an area that is out of reach of curious pets and consider hanging it from the ceiling or placing it on a high shelf. You may also want to consider growing the plant outdoors in your garden, away from indoor pets.
In addition to keeping pets away from the plant, proper care and maintenance are essential to prevent common issues associated with the Swiss cheese plant. While the plant is relatively low-maintenance, it requires bright, indirect light to grow and develop its distinctive holes, known as "fenestration." Protect your plant from direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Proper watering is also crucial for the health of your Swiss cheese plant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes.
Finally, the Swiss cheese plant thrives in high humidity, ideally above 50%, and warm temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 27°C). Consider placing the plant in a warm, well-lit bathroom or using a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity if needed. By following these care tips and being mindful of the plant's toxicity, you can safely enjoy the beauty and charm of the Swiss cheese plant in your home.
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