Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii)

Care Sheet List

Known for its distinctive holes (fenestrations) in the leaves, the Swiss Cheese Plant is a popular and relatively easy-to-care-for climbing plant. Note that this is not truly a philodendron, but a monstera.

Lighting

The Swiss Cheese Plant prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, while too little light can lead to smaller leaves and fewer fenestrations. An east or north-facing window is great, or a position a few feet from a south or west-facing window.

Watering Routine

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. They like consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Empty any excess water from the saucer. Reduce watering in winter. If the leaves start to curl or droop, it's often a sign of thirst.

Fertilizer Requirements

During the spring and summer growing season, fertilize your Swiss Cheese Plant every 2-4 weeks.

• Type: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
• Commercial Recommendation: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid) or Schultz Liquid Plant Food are good options. Dilute these commercial concentrates to achieve approximately 50-100 ppm N in your final solution. This is often equivalent to using them at "half strength" or "full strength" of the package's recommended dose.
• DIY Fertilizer Suggestion: For robust foliage growth, use your homemade 3-1-2 liquid fertilizer concentrate (High Nitrogen) or a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate.
  • For 3-1-2 concentrate (30,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Light to Moderate Feeding" rate, using 1.67 ml to 3.33 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~50-100 ppm N). See recipe details.
  • For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Moderate Feeding" rate, using 10 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~100 ppm N). See recipe details.
• Avoid: Do not fertilize in fall and winter.

Misting Requirements

Swiss Cheese Plants love high humidity, which encourages larger leaves and more prominent fenestrations. Mist your plant daily or every other day, especially if your home is dry. A humidifier placed nearby or a pebble tray can also significantly increase humidity.

Pot Size and Soil Type

• Pot Size: Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than its current pot. Since they are climbing plants, providing a moss pole or trellis for support will encourage vertical growth and larger leaves. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
• Soil Type: A well-draining, airy potting mix is crucial. A mix designed for aroids (a type of plant family) or a regular potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir will work well to provide good aeration and drainage. Aim for a mix that holds some moisture but doesn't stay waterlogged.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning: Swiss Cheese Plants can become very long and leggy over time. Prune back long vines to encourage bushier growth. You can cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf emerges from the stem).
• Propagation: Swiss Cheese Plants are incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with 2-3 leaves and a node, and place it in water or moist soil. Roots will often form within a few weeks.
• Toxicity: Keep out of reach of pets and small children, as Swiss Cheese Plants are considered toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.