Randy Chandler
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to Mexico and Central America, where they grow in tropical rainforests, mid-mountainous regions, and lowland areas. They are known for their distinctive holes and notches on their leaves, which develop as each leaf forms and are thought to increase sunlight exposure for the lower leaves. Swiss cheese plants are easy to care for and are generally pest- and disease-free. They require bright, indirect light, moderate humidity, and free-draining compost. They are also toxic to both humans and pets, so they should be kept out of reach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Sunlight | No direct sunlight |
| Temperature | 18–25°C (65–77°F) |
| Humidity | Moderate to high |
| Soil | Well-draining, chunky, aerated |
| Watering | Regular, but avoid overwatering |
| Fertilizer | Balanced houseplant fertilizer |
| Pruning | Regular, light pruning |
| Support | Moss pole, trellis, stake |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
| Pet-friendly | No |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese plants like bright, indirect light
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. In their natural habitat, they can grow up to 20 meters high by climbing trees. As such, they are well-adapted to indirect light and can even thrive in low-light environments.
When kept as houseplants, Swiss cheese plants will grow between 3 and 8 feet long, and they will grow faster in brighter conditions. To promote growth and the development of their distinctive holes, or fenestrations, Swiss cheese plants should be placed in a bright spot with indirect light. A south- or west-facing window is ideal, provided that harsh afternoon sun is filtered through a sheer curtain. Alternatively, they can be positioned away from a window in a bright room.
While Swiss cheese plants can tolerate lower light levels, they may not develop their characteristic leaf holes in such conditions. In very low light, the leaves will tend to have fewer holes. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
To provide adequate support for a Swiss cheese plant's fast-growing vines, it is recommended to use a moss pole, trellis, or stake. These structures also help to replicate the plant's natural habitat of climbing trees.
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They need moderate humidity and well-drained soil
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. In their natural habitat, they grow like vines, climbing up trees to reach more light. They can grow to an impressive height of 20 meters.
When kept as houseplants, they will need plenty of room and can reach up to 2 meters high and 2.5 meters wide. They are easy to care for and are generally pest- and disease-free. They are also very forgiving when it comes to watering.
Swiss cheese plants need moderate humidity and well-drained soil. They are native to tropical forests, so they thrive in humid environments. To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly or place the pot in a saucer of moist gravel. Grouping several tropical plants together can also help raise the humidity around them. However, if the air is too humid, the leaves may start to develop brown spots or edges. This can be a sign of low humidity, underwatering, or direct sunlight.
Well-drained soil is essential for Swiss cheese plants. They are from the vining aroid family and prefer free-draining and chunky soil. Plant them in a mix of houseplant soil and orchid soil (bark, clay bits, and soil) with some perlite added for extra drainage. Ensure that the lowest leaves are above the soil level, as they can rot if they get too damp.
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They grow quickly and need plenty of space
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the tropical rainforests, mid-mountainous regions, and lowland areas of Mexico and Central America. In their natural habitat, they can grow up to 20 meters high and wide. Even when kept as houseplants, they grow quickly and need plenty of space.
In ideal growing conditions, Swiss cheese plants can grow one to two feet per year, reaching between three and eight feet long. They are from the vining aroid family, so they like free-draining and chunky soil. They also need well-drained soil to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It is important to note that all parts of the Swiss cheese plant are toxic to pets, so be careful when growing them indoors.
Swiss cheese plants like to climb, so it is a good idea to offer them a moss pole, trellis, or stick to latch their aerial roots into. They can also be allowed to trail if that works better for your space. They need bright, indirect light to keep growing and for their leaves to develop holes, so place them near a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
Swiss cheese plants are easy to care for and are generally pest- and disease-free. They are also very forgiving when it comes to watering. They can be watered when the top inch or so of the potting soil is dry, which may be once a week depending on the light and humidity. They prefer high humidity, but they will adapt to average or dry indoor conditions.
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They are toxic to pets and humans
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. They are known for their distinctive holes and notches on their leaves, which develop as the plant matures. While these plants are easy to care for and are generally pest- and disease-free, they are toxic to pets and humans.
All parts of the Swiss cheese plant are toxic to pets, so it is important to keep them away from cats and dogs that may nibble on them. Ingesting any part of the plant can irritate their mouth, lips, and tongue and potentially cause more severe issues. The plant is also classified as poisonous when ingested by humans, so it is important to keep it out of reach of children and to wash your hands after handling the plant.
The toxicity of Swiss cheese plants is due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and other symptoms when ingested. These crystals are found in many other plants as well, and are considered toxic to humans and animals. While the symptoms of ingestion may vary depending on the amount consumed and the size of the individual, it is always best to seek medical attention if you or your pet ingest any part of a Swiss cheese plant.
Symptoms of ingestion in pets may include drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In more severe cases, ingestion may lead to kidney damage or even death. For humans, symptoms may include a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and vomiting. Ingesting large amounts of the plant material can lead to kidney damage and other serious health issues.
Overall, while Swiss cheese plants make beautiful and relatively low-maintenance houseplants, it is important to be aware of their toxicity to both pets and humans. By taking proper precautions and keeping the plant out of reach, you can safely enjoy its unique and interesting appearance.
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They can be grown outdoors in warm climates
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. In these warm climates, they can grow up to 20 meters high by climbing trees. As such, they can be grown outdoors in warm climates, but precautions must be taken to prevent them from becoming invasive and taking over the garden.
When growing Swiss cheese plants outdoors, it is important to provide them with the right light, water, soil, and support. Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light, similar to what they would receive in the tropical forests of their native habitat. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. They also require moderate humidity, which can be provided by misting the leaves or standing the pot in a saucer of moist gravel.
Well-draining, chunky soil is ideal for Swiss cheese plants, as it prevents the roots from being suffocated. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot, a common fungal disease that can be fatal for the plant.
To support their climbing growth habit, Swiss cheese plants can be provided with a moss-covered pole or trellis to climb. This replicates their natural habitat, where they climb trees and use their roots to attach themselves for support. By providing the right growing conditions, Swiss cheese plants can thrive outdoors in warm climates and develop their distinctive holes and notches on their leaves.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese plants like bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. They can tolerate low light levels, but the leaves may not develop their characteristic holes. Place the plant near a south-facing or west-facing window, or in a room away from the window.
Water your cheese plant regularly, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. Cheese plants are susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. They also prefer moderate humidity levels, so consider misting the leaves or placing the pot on a tray of moist gravel to increase humidity.
Cheese plants prefer well-draining, chunky soil. A mix of houseplant soil and orchid soil with added perlite can provide the necessary drainage and aeration for the roots. Ensure that the lowest leaves are above the soil level to prevent them from getting too damp.
