Swiss cheese plants, or monstera deliciosa, are a true gift from the mountains of Switzerland to any home. They’re delightful, juicy plants that are easy to care for and bring some Swiss mountain air, cheese, and chalet vibes to your place. But when it comes to Swiss cheese plants, one of the most common questions is: how much light does it need?
When it comes to light, the Swiss cheese plant is a master of adaptability. They’re native to the shady Mountain forest edges of Switzerland, so they’re able to survive both direct and indirect sunlight. However, when grown indoors, they prefer a spot that does not receive direct sunlight.Contents
Intermediate Lighting
The best way to provide your Swiss cheese plant with light to ensure its growth is by providing it with intermediate lighting. This means finding a spot in your house that receives around 3-4 hours of natural light a day and placing your Swiss cheese plant there. This type of light should mimic the natural forest light it was accustom to in its native of Switzerland.
Partial Sunlight
You can also give your Swiss cheese plant partial sunlight, as long as it’s a spot where it won’t get direct sun rays. A spot that receives 3-4 hours of morning or evening sun should be enough to keep your plant healthy and make it thrive.
Indirect Sunlight
For those spots in your house that don’t receive direct sunlight, but still get some sun throughout the day, indirect sunlight is your best option. This will also provide your Swiss cheese plant with enough light to grow and live a long happy life, without putting it at risk of being burned by direct sunlight.
Get Creative with Artificial Lighting
If your house has any rooms that don’t receive any natural sunlight at all, you can give your Swiss cheese plant the light it needs by using artificial lights. A great combination to help your Swiss cheese plant thrive is a combination of LED full spectrum lights and fluorescent grow lights which will simulate natural outdoor light.
Distance from the Light Source
No matter the type of light you’re using, it’s important to keep your Swiss cheese plant at least 1-2 feet away from the light source to prevent it from getting burned.
Light On/Light Off
The general rule for Swiss cheese plants is to give them 12 hours of on and off light. When you provide your Swiss cheese plant with artificial light, make sure to keep it at 12-17 hours on and 7-8 hours off to stimulate natural sunlight and let your plant rest.
In summary, Swiss cheese plants are a delightful addition to any home and they don’t require too much effort to care for them. As long as you give your Swiss cheese plant the proper light, it will be happy and will bring you cheese vibes and Swiss chalet atmosphere straight from the heart of the Alps. So go ahead grab your Swiss cheese plant, and give it the light it needs to make your home shine with Swiss-Pride.