The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera Deliciosa) is a popular houseplant for its beautiful foliage and easy care. It has large, glossy green leaves with holes or splits in them resembling the look of Swiss cheese.
This vining plant can grow up to 6 metres long if given the right conditions. you’ll find it climbing up trees in its native habitat of Central America and Mexico.
This tropical plant can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. It will need lots of bright, indirect light and high humidity levels to thrive in your home environment. Water your Monstera Deliciosa when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away from the roots before giving it more moisture.
Swiss Cheese Plant at a glance
| Common Name | Swiss Cheese Plant |
| Scientific Name | Monstera Deliciosa |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 3 metres |
| Width (max) | 1 metre |
| Pet safe? | No |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Soil Ph | 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Native to | Central America |
Growing Swiss Cheese Plant indoors in Australia
In Australia, growing indoors has become increasingly popular as an effort to reduce the environmental impact of climate change. The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) is a great houseplant for those wanting to get started with indoor gardening.
It’s easy to grow and can survive in low light environments, making it perfect for anyone looking to spruce up their living space without having to put too much effort into taking care of it. Native to tropical areas like Mexico, Central and South America, Monstera Deliciosa can be grown indoors all around Australia with the proper environment and maintenance.
This plant gets its name from its unique leaves which have perforations that look like slices of Swiss cheese when mature.
Quick care tips
Are you looking for quick and easy tips to get your Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) to thrive? This popular houseplant may look intimidating, but with the right care it can add a touch of greenery and tropical excitement to any home. Here are some must-know secrets for keeping your Monstera happy and healthy.
First, make sure you are giving it the right amount of light. Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light so if possible place it in front of an east or west facing window or hang curtains between them and direct sunlight.
Secondly, water your Swiss Cheese Plant once a week during the growing season, then reduce watering frequency by half during cooler months – just check the soil first before adding more! Lastly, fertiliser is important for ensuring steady growth so apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks between April and September for best results.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) (Source)
Caring for your Swiss Cheese Plant
Plant care is essential for any type of plant, especially when it comes to the cantankerous yet beautiful Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). This large-leafed houseplant is native to Mexico and Central America, and it enjoys a warm, humid environment.
If you’re considering adding this iconic specimen to your own home or office space, here are some tips to keep in mind for proper plant care. First off, be sure to provide the Monstera deliciosa with plenty of indirect light.
It can tolerate direct sun for short periods of time but prefers bright shade or filtered sunlight throughout the day. Watering should also be done regularly—about once a week—but make sure not to over water as this can cause root rot.
Light
Light is a crucial element in the growing and care of any plant, especially the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa). It’s important to understand what type of light your Monstera Deliciosa needs in order to thrive.
These plants are native to tropical rainforests and should be kept in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it is best to avoid placing them near windows or other sources of direct sunlight.
If you live in an area with low-light conditions, then you may want to consider investing in grow lights for your Monstera Deliciosa. This versatile plant can also survive under artificial lighting, making it ideal for those who do not have access to natural sunlight. Fluorescent bulbs such as T5 bulbs or LED grow lamps can provide enough light for healthy growth and maintenance of a Swiss Cheese Plant.
Water
Water is a critical component to growing any plant, including the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa). This tropical species is native to rainforest habitats and with its large leaves, it can be an attractive addition to any home.
The key to keeping this houseplant healthy and vibrant is providing correct amounts of water for it. When caring for your Swiss Cheese Plant, the amount of water needed will depend on several factors including pot size, soil type, temperature and humidity levels.
In general though, you should aim to water your plant every 7-10 days during the summer months while allowing the top layer of soil dry out between watering sessions. It’s best not to let your plant become overly dry or too wet as either situation can cause damage or death in extreme cases.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is an important part of growing a healthy Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa). Providing the right type and amount of fertiliser can help ensure your plant’s continued growth and vitality.
Whether you are starting out with a new plant or trying to revive an existing one, proper use of fertiliser will have your Swiss Cheese Plant thriving in no time. When considering which fertiliser to use, it is important to remember that Monstera Deliciosas are tropical plants and require specific nutrients for optimal health.
A balanced liquid fertiliser formulated for houseplants should be used every two weeks during the active growing season from spring through fall. When using liquid fertilisers, dilute them by half when first applying them as full strength may burn the plant’s roots.
Temperature
Temperature is an important factor for successful growing of the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa). This hardy evergreen prefers an environment with consistent temperatures and moderate humidity.
The ideal temperature range for a Swiss Cheese Plant is between 70-80°F during the day, and about 10 degrees cooler at night. It’s important to keep in mind that temperatures below 60°F can cause permanent damage to your plants.
In addition to keeping your plants in the right temperature range, you should also avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near drafts from windows, air vents, and air conditioners which may disrupt their growth. If needed, you can use a humidifier or place them near other houseplants as this will help increase the humidity around them.
Humidity
Humidity is a key factor in growing a Swiss Cheese Plant, also known as Monstera Deliciosa. This tropical plant requires high humidity to grow and thrive, as it originates from tropical rainforest areas of Central America.
The ideal humidity for this plant should range between 60 and 70 percent. If the air around the plant is too dry, the leaves will start to get crispy or brown spots may appear on them.
To increase the humidity levels for your Swiss Cheese Plant, you can mist it with water daily or place several bowls filled with water around its pot. You can also use a humidifier near your plant to ensure that it receives adequate levels of moisture in its environment. Lastly, group plants together so they can create their own microclimate with higher levels of humidity than the rest of the room.
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is a natural part of the life cycle of the Swiss cheese plant, Monstera Deliciosa. This unique tropical plant is instantly recognisable with its iconic large heart-shaped leaves that feature small holes, giving it its signature ‘Swiss cheese’ look.
The lush green foliage and air purifying benefits make this an attractive houseplant for many homes and offices. But did you know that the Monstera deliciosa can also flower? These impressive flowers are very rarely seen as they tend to bloom only in their native habitat in subtropical climates.
However, if you have a healthy specimen growing in your home or office, you may get lucky enough to witness this beautiful bloom! The creamy white blooms emerge on long peduncles which appear at random times throughout the year and last anywhere from one day to several weeks depending on conditions.
Pests
Pests are a common problem for gardeners, but nowhere is this more true than with the iconic Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa). While these plants are incredibly beautiful and easy to care for, they can unfortunately become infested with pests like mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.
To avoid any potential damage to your plant, it’s important to inspect it regularly and take preventive measures. Fortunately there are some steps you can take to protect your Swiss Cheese Plant from pests.
Start by making sure that you don’t overcrowd the plant or let it sit in too much water; both of these conditions can attract unwelcome bugs. Furthermore, be sure to carefully check the undersides of leaves as well as any crevices in stems or other parts of the plant; this is where many critters like to hide!
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
Diseases are a common problem for many plants, including the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). This popular tropical species is no exception and can suffer from fungal and bacterial diseases just like other plants.
Being aware of the common problems this plant faces can help gardeners take preventive measures to keep their Swiss cheese plants healthy. Fungal diseases such as leaf spots and stem blight are some of the most common infections that affect Swiss cheese plants.
These fungi cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which may lead to wilting or premature leaf drop if left untreated. Gardeners should also be aware of pest infestations like mealybugs, which feed on sap from the leaves and stems and secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew that can attract ants and cause mold growth.
Soil
Soil is an important element of a healthy and successful Swiss Cheese Plant. Without the right type of soil, Monstera deliciosa plants are prone to nutrient deficiencies and root rot.
Proper soil for Swiss Cheese Plants (also known as Monstera deliciosa) should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. A good option is a mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite, topsoil or potting mix with some added compost or worm castings to increase the level of nutrients available to the plant’s roots.
Additionally, a layer of mulch on top can help retain moisture while adding more nutrition to the soil over time. When planting your Swiss Cheese Plant in the potting mix, make sure it’s not too deep—the highest point of its rootball should be just below the surface.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Pot Size is an important factor when growing the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa). When choosing a pot for your Monstera, it’s important to consider the size of the plant and its growth rate.
The larger the pot size, the more room there is for roots to grow and spread. A small pot can restrict root growth and prevent your plant from reaching its full potential.
Generally speaking, a large enough pot should be chosen so that you don’t have to re-pot too often. A good rule of thumb is that if you plan on keeping your Monstera indoors, choose a 15 cm diameter or larger. For outdoor plants, select pots with an 20-30 cm diameter.
Pruning your Swiss Cheese Plant
Pruning is an essential part of taking care of any plant, and the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) is no exception. Pruning your Swiss Cheese Plant encourages healthy growth and helps control the size of its large leaves.
Removing dead or damaged material also keeps your plant looking its best and can increase air circulation, which helps prevent mold or mildew build up. With a few simple steps, you can learn how to prune this popular houseplant like a pro.
Start by choosing a pair of sharp shears that are specifically used for pruning plants. Cut away any dead leaves or stems at their base; avoid cutting into living tissue as much as possible. You can also remove any long vines that may be growing outwards if desired–just make sure you leave some parts on for new growth to occur.
Propagating your Swiss Cheese Plant
Propagation is an important process for growing a healthy Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). This tropical foliage plant is known for its unique split leaves and vining habit, making it the perfect addition to any home.
Propagating monstera from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings can help you increase your collection without having to buy more plants. It’s not difficult to learn how to propagate monstera and with the right tools, anyone can do it! The best time of year to propagate Monstera deliciosa is in spring or summer, when the weather is warm and wet.
Make sure you use only clean pruning shears when cutting the stems or leaves so that you don’t spread any diseases between plants. After making your cuttings, set them aside at room temperature in a bright area but away from direct sunlight.
Is Swiss Cheese Plant poisonous?
The beauty of the Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Deliciosa, is that it can practically grow in any environment. In addition to its adaptability, it’s known for its large glossy leaves with beautiful holes and cuts.
However, this tropical plant can also be dangerous if not handled properly due to its toxic sap. For those wishing to bring this gorgeous plant into their home or garden, here’s some important information about the potential dangers of Monstera Deliciosa.
The content of Monstera Deliciosa’s sap includes calcium oxalate crystals which are highly poisonous if ingested or touched by humans or pets. Symptoms such as burning sensations around the mouth, nausea and vomiting may occur after consumption of parts of this plant.
Featured Image: Source
