Kamil Perry
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are large, low-maintenance houseplants native to the jungle floors of South America. They are characterised by their large, heart-shaped leaves, which develop distinctive holes as the plant ages. Swiss cheese plants are easy to care for and propagate, making them ideal for beginner plant owners. They can grow up to three feet wide and thrive in moderate to high temperatures, preferably between 15 and 30°C. They prefer bright, indirect light and should only be watered when the top half of the soil is completely dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves. |
| Watering | Water when the top half of the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. |
| Temperature | Swiss cheese plants prefer moderate to high temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. |
| Humidity | These plants love humidity. Keep them away from dry air and cold breezes. |
| Potting | Use a porous pot with drainage holes. Repot every two years or when roots start to poke through the holes or soil line. |
| Pests | Swiss cheese plants rarely get pests, but mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects may occasionally appear. |
| Propagation | Propagate in spring by taking a 4-6 inch stem cutting after a leaf node and planting in moist soilless potting mix. |
| Toxicity | Swiss cheese plants can be mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and young children. |
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What You'll Learn
- Watering: water when the top half of the soil is dry
- Light: bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight
- Temperature: thrives in moderate to high temperatures, between 15-30°C
- Humidity: loves humidity, so keep in a steamy bathroom or use a humidifier
- Repotting: repot every two years in a slightly larger container
Watering: water when the top half of the soil is dry
Swiss cheese plants are native to the jungle floors of South America and are known for their distinctive holes on their broad, green leaves. They are easy to care for and can survive without much effort, making them ideal for beginner plant owners.
When it comes to watering your Swiss cheese plant, it is important to allow the top half of the soil to dry out before watering again. This is because Swiss cheese plants prefer to be on the drier side and are not super fussy about watering. You should water your plant when the top two inches of soil are dry. It is also a good idea to use a porous pot, such as one made from terracotta, to allow extra moisture to evaporate and prevent root rot.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure your plant's nursery pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. If you notice that the leaves of your Swiss cheese plant are turning yellow, this may be a sign that you are overwatering or underwatering your plant, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
In addition to proper watering techniques, it is important to provide your Swiss cheese plant with the right light conditions. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light but avoid direct sunlight as it can burn their leaves. They also love humidity, so consider placing them in a steamy bathroom or using a humidifier nearby.
By following these watering guidelines and providing the right light and humidity conditions, you can keep your Swiss cheese plant healthy and happy.
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Light: bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the shadowy jungle floors of South America. They are easy to care for and can survive without much effort, making them ideal for beginner plant parents.
When it comes to light, bright, indirect light is ideal for Swiss cheese plants. They can thrive in a range of light conditions, but it's best to avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch or burn their leaves. If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may start to drop off, or its distinctive cut-outs may not develop. To increase light exposure, place your plant in a brighter spot, but do this gradually to avoid shocking the plant with too much bright light all at once.
If you're propagating a Swiss cheese plant, place the cuttings in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. This will help them develop roots more effectively.
When choosing a location for your Swiss cheese plant, avoid areas near draughty windows or radiators, as these plants don't like dry air or cold breezes. Instead, opt for a humid environment, such as a steamy bathroom, and consider using a humidifier or grouping your plant with others to increase humidity.
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Temperature: thrives in moderate to high temperatures, between 15-30°C
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, are native to tropical regions and thrive in moderate to high temperatures, specifically between 15-30°C. They are not fans of dry air or cold breezes, so they should be kept away from areas with drafts or radiators. However, they do love humidity, so a steamy bathroom could be the perfect spot for your plant. If you want to increase the humidity around your plant, you can try using a humidifier, placing other houseplants close by, or relocating your Monstera to a pebble tray filled with water.
Swiss cheese plants are generally low-maintenance and easy to care for, but they do require the right conditions to thrive. They grow quickly and will need a sturdy pot to accommodate their growth spurts. You'll know it's time to repot your plant when its roots start to poke through the drainage holes or the soil line. To prevent root rot, make sure your plant's pot has plenty of drainage holes, and only water your plant when the top half of the soil is completely dry.
Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light but can thrive in a range of light conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn their leaves. If your plant is not getting enough light, its distinctive cut-outs may not develop, and its leaves may start to drop off. However, too much bright light all at once can harm your plant, so it's important to increase light exposure slowly and gradually.
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Humidity: loves humidity, so keep in a steamy bathroom or use a humidifier
Swiss cheese plants are native to the tropical regions of South America, where they thrive in humid environments. As such, they love humidity and will do well in a steamy bathroom or if you use a humidifier. You can also try placing your Swiss cheese plant in a pebble tray filled with water to increase the moisture around it.
If your Swiss cheese plant is not getting enough humidity, its leaves may start to droop or fall off. Brown leaf edges are another common sign of low humidity. To prevent this, try to maintain a humid environment for your plant, whether through a humidifier or by placing it in a steamy bathroom.
It is important to note that while Swiss cheese plants thrive in humidity, they are also susceptible to root rot if their roots are constantly wet. Therefore, it is crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure that your plant is in a well-drained pot.
In addition to humidity, light is also an important factor in the care of Swiss cheese plants. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves. If your plant is not getting enough light, its distinctive cut-outs may not develop, and its leaves may start to fall off.
Overall, Swiss cheese plants are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive with some simple care practices, such as maintaining humidity and providing bright, indirect light.
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Repotting: repot every two years in a slightly larger container
Repotting is an important part of Swiss cheese plant care. These plants are fast growers and can quickly outgrow a small planter. You should plan to repot your Swiss cheese plant every two years in a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix. Choose a container that is just slightly larger than the plant's root ball.
You will know it's time to repot if roots start to poke through the drainage holes, or start to poke up through the soil line. If the soil dries out quickly, this may also be a sign that it needs repotting. The best time for repotting is in the spring.
When repotting, situate the plant at the same depth as it was in its previous container, using a peat-based potting mix. You can also use a multi-purpose compost. Make sure the new container has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Swiss cheese plants are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to avoid overwatering.
If you are repotting a cutting, you should wait until it has well-formed roots before transferring it to a larger pot.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no set rule for watering Swiss cheese plants. However, it is recommended to water them when the top half of the soil is completely dry. They are happiest when allowed to dry out a bit.
Swiss cheese plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They are used to the dim jungle floor and can also survive in a range of light conditions, but direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn their leaves.
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering or underwatering. If the stems are turning black, this also indicates overwatering. If the leaves are curling or wilting, your plant may not be getting enough water.
