Bushra Griffith
The Swiss Cheese Plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a popular houseplant known for its lush, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that resemble Swiss cheese as they mature. This fast-growing plant is native to tropical rainforests in South America and Mexico, where it can reach impressive heights. As a houseplant, it typically grows between 3 and 8 feet long, but it may outgrow its pot and need repotting every year or two. Repotting is essential to the plant's health, providing fresh soil and space for its extensive root system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 1-3 years depending on growth rate and size |
| Time of year | Late winter or early spring |
| Soil type | Well-drained, rich, aerated, with good moisture retention |
| Soil components | Peat, coco coir, orchid bark, organic matter |
| Pot type | Accommodates a pole, has drainage holes, made from terracotta, clay, cement, or ceramic |
| Pot size | No more than one size larger than the previous pot |
| Root management | Trim roots by up to a third if desired |
| Aftercare | Water deeply, wait 1-2 weeks, then resume monthly feeding with liquid fertilizer |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a pot with good drainage and the right size
Choosing the right pot is crucial when repotting your Monstera Swiss Cheese plant. The plant has a tough and extensive root system that requires room to grow. It is important to select a pot with plenty of drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and potential overwatering, which can lead to root issues. Pots made from terracotta, clay, cement, or ceramic are good choices as these materials provide breathability and help regulate moisture.
The size of the pot is also an important consideration. While it may seem convenient to choose a pot that is several sizes larger than your current one, this can lead to water sitting in the potting medium for too long, resulting in root rot. Monsteras prefer their roots to be snug, so it is recommended to go up by only one pot size at a time. You can fill the base of the pot with a fresh, new potting mix, but avoid reusing the old mix.
When selecting a pot, it is also important to consider the weight, especially if you plan to move your plant around. Larger, heavier pots can be challenging to relocate. You may also want to choose a pot that complements your interior decor and suits your personal style.
Additionally, since the Swiss Cheese plant benefits from a totem pole, you should select a pot that can accommodate a pole and the size of this giant plant. The ideal pot will have good drainage, be the right size, and suit your aesthetic preferences.
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Prepare the right soil mix
Swiss cheese plants (Monstera deliciosa) are tropical plants that grow on the bottom of rainforest floors. They require rich, nutrient-dense soil that holds moisture yet doesn't become waterlogged. A standard good-quality potting soil is fine, with the addition of some peat moss.
The best type of soil for Swiss cheese plants is a well-drained mix rich in peat and organic matter. This mix mimics the plant materials that fall on them from above and provides the nourishment they need. You can also use coco coir, a more sustainable alternative to peat moss.
Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting mixes, which will help trap moisture in the soil without causing it to become waterlogged. You can also make your own mix by combining potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark to enhance drainage. Orchid bark increases the amount of air that reaches the roots, and as epiphytes or hemiepiphytes, their roots prefer access to a lot of oxygen.
You can use any water-retentive potting soil, but it's important to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. The goal is to provide a balanced environment that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain away effectively.
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Remove the plant from its old pot
Repotting a Monstera Swiss Cheese plant is essential for its growth and overall health. It should be done every year when the plant is young to encourage growth and freshen the soil. As the plant matures, it can be repotted every two to three years, depending on its growth rate and the root-bound condition.
When removing the plant from its old pot, start by gathering your tools, including clean scissors or pruners, fresh potting medium, and a clean pot. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, as too much soil around the roots can lead to root rot. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water accumulation and subsequent overwatering and root issues. Pots made from terracotta, clay, cement, or ceramic are suitable choices as they provide good breathability and help with moisture regulation.
Next, carefully remove the plant from its old pot by gently lifting it out. If the roots are pot-bound and difficult to remove, you can use clean scissors or pruners to cut away the excess roots. Be careful not to damage the healthy roots and stems during this process. Once the plant is free from its old pot, gently loosen the root ball by massaging it with your hands or using a gentle stream of water to wash away the old soil. This will help stimulate new root growth and encourage the roots to spread out in their new home.
After removing the plant from its old pot, it's important to inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light-coloured. If you notice any dark, mushy, or foul-smelling roots, trim them away with clean scissors or pruners. This will help prevent the spread of any potential root rot or disease and give the plant a better chance at establishing itself in its new pot.
Overall, removing the Monstera Swiss Cheese plant from its old pot is a delicate process that requires care and attention. By following these steps and providing a suitable new pot, you'll be well on your way to ensuring the continued health and growth of your beloved plant.
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Position the plant in its new pot
If you decide that you’ve gone up enough container sizes and don’t want to move up any further, you can remove the plant from its new pot, get rid of all the soil, and trim the roots back by about a third. Then, repot the trimmed monstera in the original container.
It is important to note that you should not go up more than one pot size. This is because too much soil around the roots can lead to water sitting in the potting medium for too long, which can cause root rot. Monsteras do best when their roots are snug.
When positioning the plant in its new pot, fill the base of the pot with fresh, new potting mix. Do not reuse the old mix. You can use any water-retentive potting soil, but it is recommended to mix potting soil with orchid bark in equal parts. Orchid bark increases the amount of air that reaches the roots, and as epiphytes or hemiepiphytes, their roots prefer access to a lot of oxygen.
After positioning the plant in its new pot, wait a week or two and then resume a monthly feeding with liquid fertilizer during watering.
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Water the plant
Watering your Monstera Swiss Cheese plant is a delicate process. Firstly, it's important to only water your plant when the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch. This is to prevent overwatering and root rot, which can be detrimental to the health of your plant.
When you do water your Monstera, water it thoroughly until the soil is moist and water begins to run out of the drainage holes of the container. This ensures that the entire root system is hydrated and that excess water is drained away effectively. It is recommended to use a well-draining pot with plenty of drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the pot and causing root issues.
The frequency of watering will depend on the environment and season. During the growing season, you may need to water your Monstera more often, but be cautious of overwatering as this can attract pests such as fungus gnats, which lay their eggs in wet soil. If you notice an infestation, let the soil dry out completely to kill the larvae, and then adjust your watering schedule.
If you have recently repotting your Monstera, water the pot deeply right after potting. Then, wait a week or two before resuming a regular watering schedule. If your monstera begins to wilt or curl a few days after repotting, this may be a sign that the root ball was disturbed too much during the process. Refrain from watering the plant further and only rehydrate the potting mix once the top quarter of the soil feels dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Repotting should be done every year when the plant is young to encourage growth and freshen the soil. Once the plant is mature, you can repot every two to three years.
If the roots have outgrown the pot and are coming out of the drainage holes, it's time to repot.
Choose a pot that has plenty of drainage holes and a depth deep enough to accommodate a thick stake or totem pole. Consider the weight of the pot, especially if you plan to move your Swiss Cheese.
Swiss Cheese plants require rich, nutrient-dense soil that holds moisture yet doesn't become soggy. A standard good-quality potting soil is fine, with the addition of some peat moss or coco coir.
Water the pot deeply right after repotting. Wait a week or two and then resume a monthly feeding with liquid fertilizer during watering.
