The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a robust house plant with bright glossy leaves covered in natural fenestrations. While this plant looks like it does an admirable job taking care of itself, proper care turns this humble houseplant into a fantastic showstopper!
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Location Matters: Pick the Right Spot!
Swiss Cheese Plants are native to tropical rain forests and absolutely love humid, warm environments. They grow best in bright, indirect sunlight or in semi-shade. Avoid moving your plant around a lot and avoid direct sun. This is a floral diva that needs lots of pampering in the right location!
That being said, an indoor spot with constant temperature between 65 - 80 F and good air flow will put a smile on your Swiss Cheese Plant’s face!
Water & Care: Not Too Much… Not Too Little!
When plants get thirsty is the most common mistake amongst plant enthusiasts! Make sure to water your Swiss Cheese Plant thoroughly but infrequently to avoid root rot. Let the top layer of soil dry between waterings and aim to only water the plant every 7 - 14 days during the growing season.
Fertilizer is a ‘treat’ – not a necessity. Use a fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for healthy growth during the warm months, then resume fertilizing during the cooler months at half strength – simply because, the growth rate is lower during this period.
Temperature: The cozier the better!
Swiss Cheese Plants enjoy an even temperature throughout the year, but avoid placing in areas with direct heat. Your plant may be unbothered by 70 or 80 degree days, but an occasional spike may cause a bit of fuss. If your monstera is feeling Too Hot to Handle, simply mist your plant or a nearby window with some cold water!
Environment: A bit of humidity and some fresh air.
Your Swiss Cheese Plant should be comfortable in humidity of 40%-60%, and if your indoor environment doesn’t provide that humidity level then there are a few things you can do to amp it up. Group your plants together or place a humidifier near them! Dutch children in need of a snack may tell you that you can also put a plate of water under the pot which surely does the trick, but make sure that your Swiss Cheese Plant is on a pot with holes where excess water can escape!
Taking good care of your Swiss Cheese Plant requires some TLC, but following these golden rules will ensure that your plant will be the life of the party for years to come! With the right care, your Swiss Cheese Plant will show off its rich green foliage and let its delicious fruit make your friends and family drool over it. Plus, you’ll get to brag about how you tamed this exotic flower into growing at home!