When it comes to caring for a Swiss Cheese Plant, even the most experienced gardener may feel like they need a map of the Swiss Alps. After all, the Swiss Cheese Plant (or Monstera deliciosa) is a tropical species native to Mexico and Central America, and needs careful attention in order to thrive. Whether it’s a potted houseplant or a large statement piece on a balcony, caring for a Swiss Cheese Plant can be easy if you take the time to provide the right environment for it.
The first step in caring for a Swiss Cheese Plant is to find the right spot for it. As a tropical species, the Swiss Cheese Plant requires bright, indirect light and temperatures between 60-85℉ (15-29℃). If it gets too cold, its leaves will start to brown and droop, so be sure to take precaution when preparing for the cheesy cold-weather months.
Once the perfect spot is found, you’ll want to make sure there is plenty of soil and airflow, as too much moisture can damage this beauty’s delicate foliage. Be sure to pick a potting mix that is well-draining and consider adding perlite or other draining materials like expanded clay pellets to help. It’s also important to make sure that your Swiss Cheese Plant is given plenty of water, so if you don’t want a soggy cheese, make sure to keep the soil relatively moist but not saturated.
Since it’s a fast-growing plant, you’ll need to prune your Swiss Cheese Plant from time to time. If the leaves start to yellow and become sparse, you know it’s time to give it a trim. Prune the tips of the leaves, as well as any stems that become too long. This will help encourage new growth and can help to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
When you buy a Swiss Cheese Plant, you’ll get the complete cheese-making experience. That’s why it’s important to feed your plant with the proper nutrients. A balanced fertilizer should be added to the soil once a month or so, taking care to avoid the leaf buds to prevent any burning. Additionally, spaying the plant with lukewarm water on a regular basis will help to keep it healthy and dusted-off.
The Swiss Cheese Plant’s vining nature means that it will require occasional support in order to remain upright, so it’s a good idea to invest in a trellis or stake for your plant to climb on. This will help your plant mature more quickly and get more of the sunlight it needs, plus it will help give your home a more Swiss-themed-cheese-factory kind of vibe.
Caring for a Swiss Cheese Plant may sound a bit intimidating, but with the right environment and correct care regimen, you can easily make a great home for this quirky little plant. With the right amount of love and attention, you will be able to reap the rewards of a bountiful harvest of sweet cheese-y fruits.