Andy Montoya
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as the monstera, is a low-maintenance houseplant native to the jungle floors of South America. It is characterised by its distinctive holes and notches on its leaves, which allow light to filter down to the lower shoots. Swiss cheese plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a range of light conditions, although they prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they should be kept out of direct or hot sunlight to avoid burning their leaves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Can be placed near a south-facing window, or a west-facing window with sheer curtains |
| Watering | Water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot |
| Temperature | Moderate to high temperatures |
| Humidity | Misting the leaves can help keep the plant hydrated and remove dust from the leaves |
| Soil | Well-drained soil. Allow the plant to dry out a little between waterings |
| Common issues | Yellow leaves indicate over-watering or under-watering |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Watering: water when the top two inches of soil are dry, but don't overwater
- Light: bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight
- Temperature: Swiss cheese plants prefer moderate to high temperatures
- Humidity: mist the leaves to keep the plant hydrated and mimic its natural habitat
- Toxicity: keep the plant away from pets and children, as it is mildly toxic
Watering: water when the top two inches of soil are dry, but don't overwater
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, are native to the jungle floors of South America and are used to warm, humid environments. They are relatively low-maintenance plants and are perfect for beginners.
When it comes to watering, you should allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before watering your Swiss cheese plant again. You can also check if your plant needs water by lifting the pot—if it feels light, it's time to water. Make sure your nursery pot has plenty of drainage holes to avoid your plant suffering from soggy, rotting roots.
Swiss cheese plants like their soil slightly moist and are generally happy to dry out a bit between waterings. However, they don't like to be too dry, so make sure you don't underwater them. If the leaves of your plant are yellow, this is usually a sign of over or underwatering. You can also mist your plant's leaves to keep it hydrated and help it retain dust-free leaves to absorb sunlight effectively. However, this should not replace regular watering.
Remember, these plants are used to living in the dimly lit jungle, so while they can thrive in a range of light conditions, they are not fans of direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
Swiss Cheese: What's in a Name?
You may want to see also
Light: bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, are native to the jungle floors of South America and thrive in a range of light conditions, but direct sunlight should be avoided. These plants are used to the vegetation of the rainforest blocking the sunlight, so they are accustomed to indirect light. The holes in the leaves of the Swiss cheese plant are an adaptation to allow sunlight to reach the lower shoots.
To keep your Swiss cheese plant happy, place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. A south-facing or west-facing window is ideal. If you only have the option of east-facing or north-facing windows, a west-facing window is preferable, as the morning sun is less harsh than the afternoon sun. You can also try adding a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may start to drop off, or its distinctive fenestration (holes) may fail to develop. If you notice these signs, try moving your plant to a brighter spot, but do so gradually to avoid shocking the plant with too much bright light all at once.
While Swiss cheese plants can tolerate a range of light conditions, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the leaves. If you want to put your plant outside during the summer, make sure it is not in direct or hot sunlight.
Swiss Cheese Plant: Is It a Monstera?
You may want to see also
Temperature: Swiss cheese plants prefer moderate to high temperatures
Swiss cheese plants are tropical plants, native to the jungle floors of South America, where they thrive in warm, humid environments. They are accustomed to moderate to high temperatures and can tolerate a range of light conditions, but they are not fans of direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
These plants prefer bright, indirect light to keep growing and for their leaves to develop their distinctive holes, or fenestrations. A spot near a south-facing window is ideal, or a west-facing window if you can filter the harsh afternoon light with a sheer curtain.
Swiss cheese plants can be left to climb with the help of a trellis or moss pole, or they can be allowed to hang and trail like a vine. They can be kept indoors or outdoors, but they should be kept out of direct or hot sunlight if kept outside.
Swiss cheese plants are generally low-maintenance and can be left to dry out a bit between waterings. They are not super fussy about watering and can be left to sip water until it dribbles out of the drainage holes in their pots. However, if the leaves turn yellow, this is a sign of overwatering or underwatering, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
The Art of Choosing Swiss Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Humidity: mist the leaves to keep the plant hydrated and mimic its natural habitat
Swiss cheese plants are native to the jungle floors of South America, where they grow up trees, clinging on with their roots. In their natural habitat, they can grow up to 20 metres high. These plants are easy to care for and are generally pest- and disease-free. They can be mildly toxic to pets, so keep them out of the reach of cats and dogs.
Swiss cheese plants need bright, indirect light to keep growing and for their leaves to develop holes. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves. They grow best in peat-based potting mix, which will help to trap moisture in the soil without causing it to become waterlogged.
When it comes to watering, Swiss cheese plants are very forgiving. Simply pour lukewarm water around the soil until it drains from the hole below. This will give the plant a thorough soak and wash out any excess nutrient salts from previous feedings. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
To mimic the humidity of its natural habitat, you can mist the leaves of your Swiss cheese plant. However, this is not necessary, as typical humidity levels in most homes are fine for these plants. If you do choose to mist your plant, do so sparingly, as water on the foliage can promote and spread disease.
Swiss Cheese Cubes: Sam's Club's Best-Kept Secret
You may want to see also
Toxicity: keep the plant away from pets and children, as it is mildly toxic
Swiss cheese plants are toxic to pets and children, so they should be kept away from curious cats, nosy dogs, and young children. All parts of the Monstera plant are toxic to pets, so be cautious when growing them indoors. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant, call your veterinarian right away.
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is a large, big-leafed plant native to the jungle floors of South America. It is characterised by distinctive holes and notches on its leaves, which allow light to filter down to the lower shoots. These holes develop in response to adequate light exposure.
The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, and its leaves can burn in direct sunlight. It prefers moderate to high temperatures and high humidity. It is important to allow the soil to dry out before watering the plant thoroughly.
Swiss cheese plants are low-maintenance and can be left to climb or trail like a vine. They are perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home without requiring extensive care. However, due to their toxicity, they should always be kept out of reach of pets and children.
Preventing Swiss Cheese Mold: Tips for Keeping it Fresh
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bright, indirect light is ideal. If the plant does not get enough light, it may start to drop leaves or the distinctive holes in its leaves may not develop. Place it near a south-facing window, or a west-facing window with a sheer curtain to diffuse the harsh afternoon light.
Water your Monstera when the top two inches of soil are almost completely dry. They like things on the drier side and can be mildly toxic to pets and children, so be sure to avoid overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot.
Yes, but avoid placing it in direct or hot sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.
Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom to prevent root rot. As the plant grows, you may need to repot it into a larger container.
