Andy Montoya
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical climbing houseplant known for its distinctive holes and notches on its leaves. In the wild, it uses aerial roots to climb up rainforest trees in Mexico and Central America. When grown as a houseplant, it can grow several metres tall, with huge glossy leaves that create a tropical jungle vibe. In this paragraph, we will discuss how to train a Swiss cheese plant to grow in your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as foliage can burn. |
| Soil | Well-drained, moist, peat-based potting mix. Soil pH between 5.5 and 7. |
| Watering | Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Soil should be moist but not soaked. |
| Temperature | 60°F to 85°F (18°C-25°C). |
| Humidity | High (above 50%). |
| Fertilizer | Balanced houseplant fertilizer with an N-P-K of 5-2-3, applied monthly during the growing season. |
| Pruning | Light and regular pruning as needed. Prune back in spring if the plant gets too large. |
| Propagation | Easily propagated by taking stem cuttings from spring to late summer. |
| Support | Requires support due to its climbing nature. Can use a stake or a moss pole for the plant to climb on. |
Explore related products
Soil and fertiliser
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, are native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and South America. They are easily recognisable by their large, heart-shaped leaves, which develop deep "Swiss cheese" lobes with holes, or fenestrations, over time.
Swiss cheese plants prefer well-drained, moist soil. A well-draining terracotta container will help to regulate moisture. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and then water regularly. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.
A rich potting soil made up of compost and peat will help with aeration and drainage. You can also add a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil to help with drainage. Most potting soils come with ample nutrients, which the plant will use to produce new growth. By the time the plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil, it will likely have grown enough to need a larger pot. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it's refreshed yearly, you shouldn't need to use fertiliser.
If you're growing your Swiss cheese plant on a moss pole, you can place the moss-covered pole into the pot with the plant. The moss contains water and micronutrients, providing the vine with moisture and food, and a second source of water. You can lightly tie the stems to the pole with string or pantyhose. Be sure to mist the moss pole regularly to keep it moist so that the plant's aerial roots can attach easily.
Preventing Swiss Cheese Mold: Tips for Keeping it Fresh
You may want to see also
Light and temperature
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera, are native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and South America. They are easily recognisable by their large, heart-shaped leaves, which develop holes (botanically known as fenestrations) as the plant matures. In their native environment, they grow like vines, climbing up trees to reach more light.
When growing a Swiss cheese plant, it is important to replicate these conditions as much as possible. They require bright but indirect light to grow—morning sun is best, as direct sunlight can burn the foliage. If the new leaves are not splitting, this is a sign that your plant is not getting enough light. A well-lit bathroom is a good spot for this tropical plant, as long as it is free of drafts. Place the plant less than 3 feet from a window to maximise the potential for growth.
Swiss cheese plants thrive in warm temperatures of 60°F to 85°F (18°C-25°C). They are sensitive to frost and should not be exposed to cold temperatures.
To provide support for the plant's climbing growth, you can use a moss-covered pole. The aerial roots will attach to the pole, providing the plant with extra nourishment and moisture.
Swiss Cheese and Migraines: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Pruning and repotting
Swiss cheese plants are climbers and can be trained to grow up a moss pole. The moss pole provides the support the plant needs as it grows. The aerial roots of the plant penetrate the moss and attach to it, allowing the plant to climb. The moss also provides the vine with moisture and food.
If your Swiss cheese plant is growing too large for its space, you can prune it back in spring. Pruning can also be done at any time if the plant appears too tall or when aerial roots become difficult to control. Use sterile pruning shears to cut back stems by no more than 25%. Cut just the stem right above a leaf node so that it stays in place. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed.
Swiss cheese plants can usually be kept in their original pot for a year or two. After that, they should be repotted every few years. 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, move the plant up a size, using a rich potting soil made up of compost and peat to help with aeration and drainage. Choose a pot that is weighty enough to not topple over and that will comfortably accommodate the rootball. Avoid using a significantly larger pot, as overpotting causes the compost to stay wet for too long, risking root rot.
American vs Swiss Cheese: A Cultural Conundrum
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Moss poles
A moss pole is a solid structure covered in moss, usually sphagnum moss, which can be purchased or made at home. It is inserted into the soil of the pot that the plant is growing in. The moss contains water and micronutrients, providing the plant with moisture and food. It is important to keep the moss moist by misting it occasionally, as this will encourage the plant's aerial roots to attach to the pole.
To install a moss pole, first soak the pole in water until it is thoroughly moistened. Then, dig a hole in the plant's pot just wide enough for the pole, being careful not to damage the plant's roots. Insert the pole into the hole until it is deep enough to stand upright and pack down the soil to secure it in place. Test the pole to ensure it is stable enough to support the weight of the plant.
Once the pole is in place, you can start to attach the plant's stems to it. Bring the stems up against the moistened moss and secure them with garden ties, yarn, or cotton string. If the stems are long, tie them in several places to make sure they are secure. The plant will then start to attach itself to the moss using its aerial roots and will continue to grow upward.
It is important to note that Swiss cheese plants are toxic to pets, so be cautious when growing them indoors if you have any furry friends.
Swiss Cheese and Blood Sugar: A Healthy Combination?
You may want to see also
Propagating
Swiss cheese plants are easily propagated by taking stem cuttings, from spring to late summer. Here is a step-by-step guide to propagating a Swiss cheese plant:
Step 1: Cut a stem cutting
Take a stem cutting, leaving a section of the stem attached, by cutting just after a leaf node. Remove the first leaf near the base of the cutting.
Step 2: Root the cutting
Root the cutting in water for about two to three weeks. You can also use rooting hormone if desired, but this is not necessary. Place the cutting in a glass of water and put it in a bright location.
Step 3: Transfer to a pot
Once the cutting has developed a good set of roots, transfer it to a pot filled with rich potting soil. The soil should be kept moist but not soaked. A well-draining terracotta container will help to regulate moisture.
Step 4: Care for the new plant
Keep the new plant in a warm, well-lit location, with indirect light and moderate humidity. Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Alternative method: Propagating with moss
Another way to propagate a Swiss cheese plant is by wrapping damp moss around a small aerial root and leaf axil, and holding it in place with string. Enclose this section in a clear bag, tied off at the top, with a few small air vents. Keep the moss moist and, within a few months, new roots should begin to develop.
Propagating Swiss Cheese Philodendron: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese plants are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures of 60°F to 85°F and moderate to high humidity (above 50%). They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained, moist soil.
Swiss cheese plants are climbers, so they benefit from being tied to a stake or a moss pole, which provides the necessary support and helps the plant grow tall.
Water your Swiss cheese plant when the top inch of soil is dry. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked. The plant prefers dry environments, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
