Andy Montoya
The Swiss cheese plant, or monstera adansonii, is a low-maintenance houseplant native to the jungle floors of South America and Central America. It is characterised by its distinctive holes on its broad, green leaves, which allow light to filter down to its lower shoots. Swiss cheese plants are fast-growing and can reach up to 2 metres high. They are generally easy to care for, but some plant owners report challenges with growing them. Here is a guide on how to care for your Swiss cheese plant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. No direct sunlight unless in winter. |
| Watering | Water regularly, but allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. |
| Soil | Well-draining soil. Peat-based potting mix with a soil pH between 5.5 and 7. |
| Temperature | Warm to normal room temperature. Anywhere between 15°C and 30°C. |
| Humidity | Thrives in high humidity (above 50%) but avoid misting the plant. |
| Fertilizer | Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. |
| Pruning | Prune lightly and regularly as needed. |
| Propagation | Cut above the node and place the cutting in water until roots are 2" long, then transplant into well-draining soil. |
| Common Issues | Mealybugs, spider mites, scale, whitefly, root rot, rust, powdery mildew, blight. |
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What You'll Learn
- Watering: Water regularly, but allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
- Light: Keep in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight
- Soil: Provide well-draining soil
- Common issues: Keep an eye out for pests and common diseases, such as root rot
- Propagation: Propagate by cutting just above the node and placing the cutting in water until roots emerge
Watering: Water regularly, but allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
Swiss cheese plants are generally easy to care for and are tolerant of neglectful plant owners. They are also quite forgiving when it comes to watering. However, it is important to water them regularly.
Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The exact number of days between waterings will depend on your environment. You can use a soil reader or soil moisture meter to determine if the top few inches of soil are dry. You can also simply check the soil with your finger.
When you do water your Swiss cheese plant, pour lukewarm water around its soil until it drains from the drainage hole below. Make sure your nursery pot has plenty of drainage holes to prevent your plant from sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
If your plant's leaves are yellow, this is usually a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Remove any yellow leaves and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
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Light: Keep in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the jungle floors of South America and Mexico, where they grow in the shadows of trees. As such, they can thrive in a range of light conditions, but they do best in bright, indirect light.
You should avoid direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves of your Swiss cheese plant. If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves will not develop their distinctive "holes", and it may drop leaves. To ensure your plant receives enough bright, indirect light, place it less than three feet from a window, ideally a south-facing one. You can also place it near a west-facing window, but you will need to use a sheer curtain to make the harsh afternoon light indirect. A warm, well-lit bathroom (free of drafts) is also a good spot for this tropical plant.
If you want to replicate your Swiss cheese plant's natural habitat, you can try creating a moss pole or buying a bamboo trellis to plant in the pot. Then, train the plant to start climbing by tying its aerial nodes to the pole or trellis with string or garden twine.
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Soil: Provide well-draining soil
Swiss cheese plants are happiest when allowed to dry out between waterings. This is because they are susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering. Root rot is a common disease that can be fatal to the plant. To avoid this, ensure your Swiss cheese plant is never sitting in soggy soil.
Well-draining soil is, therefore, a crucial component of caring for your Swiss cheese plant. When choosing a pot, opt for one with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. A well-draining terracotta container will help to regulate moisture. The soil should be kept moist but not soaked.
A good soil mix will contain lots of organic matter, such as coco coir, as well as perlite or vermiculite to aid with drainage. You can also add a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil. Peat-based potting mixes are another good option as they help trap moisture in the soil without causing waterlogging. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.
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Common issues: Keep an eye out for pests and common diseases, such as root rot
Swiss cheese plants may have to deal with a variety of common houseplant pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and whitefly. These pests rarely prove fatal and can be treated with nontoxic insecticides or neem oil.
Swiss cheese plants are also susceptible to common diseases such as root rot, rust, powdery mildew, and blight. Root rot is caused by overwatering and can be identified by yellowing leaves, a foul odour, and mushy, brown or blackened roots. To treat root rot, trim the rotten roots and replant in well-draining soil.
To prevent root rot, only water your Swiss cheese plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Use your finger to check the moisture level before watering and ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes. Choose a well-draining potting mix and elevate the pot to improve airflow and drainage. Regularly inspect your plant and soil for signs of overwatering or fungal growth.
Other common issues include leaf yellowing, which is often caused by overwatering. Make sure your plant is never sitting in soggy soil and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. If the leaves are curled or wrinkled, this may be a sign of underwatering.
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Propagation: Propagate by cutting just above the node and placing the cutting in water until roots emerge
Swiss cheese plants are easy to propagate and can be done so by the stem method. To propagate, follow these steps:
- Identify the node on the stem: The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges. It is a small bump or nub on the stem where leaves or aerial roots grow.
- Cut just above the node: Using a clean pair of pruning shears, cut just above the node, making sure your cutting has at least one node and two leaves for successful rooting.
- Place the cutting in water: Submerge the stem in a glass of lukewarm water, ensuring the leaves are not submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Wait for roots to emerge: Place the cutting in a bright, sunless windowsill. Within a few weeks, roots will begin to form and grow to about 2 inches long.
- Transplant into well-draining soil: Once the roots have reached the desired length, transplant the cutting into well-draining soil. You can also place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Swiss cheese plants are fast-growing vines that can quickly fill any corner of your home with their large, distinctive leaves. Propagation is an easy way to create new plants and ensure their healthy growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese plants need bright, indirect light to keep growing and for their leaves to develop holes. They can be placed in or near a south-facing window, or near a west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn their leaves.
Water your Swiss cheese plant regularly, but allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Water it until the excess dribbles out of the drainage holes.
Swiss cheese plants prefer well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Swiss cheese plants also grow well in peat-based potting mix.
