Unbeknownst to many, a Swiss cheese plant (aka Monstera deliciosa) is not only an aesthetically pleasing piece of greenery, but also a plant with its own unique character. It is surprisingly easy to grow, and can make for a great houseplant with an interesting look and a quirky personality. In this article, we will explore how to successfully grow and care for your own Swiss cheese plant.
Contents
Soil
The Swiss cheese plant thrives best in soil that is slightly acidic but well-draining with a pH of around 6.0 – 6.5. Choose a potting mix containing compost, vermiculite, coco coir, or bark to provide plenty of air and moisture for optimal growth.
Sunlight and Temperature
Your Swiss cheese plant loves bright, indirect sunlight and a humid environment. Place it near an east or west-facing window if possible, and keep up with regular misting to maintain the humidity. To keep your plant healthy, a temperature of 16 – 24ºC (65 -75ºF) is recommended.
Water
Water your Swiss cheese plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet. Be sure to cut down on the watering frequency in winter when the plant is dormant. Feeling the potting mix and looking for wilting or dry leaves is usually the best way of knowing when your plant needs to be watered.
Fertilizer
To keep your Swiss cheese plant growing and to encourage good leaf growth, it’s important to use the right fertilizer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, usually spring into early fall. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength, as Swiss cheese plants are quite prone to fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Every now and then it’s a good idea to prune the plant, which helps keep the plant shapely and encourages healthier growth. Use sharp scissors to prune off dead or diseased leaves, and use a knife to remove aerial roots and stems.
Propagation
Swiss cheese plants can be propagated quite easily. aerial root cuttings and stem cuttings are the two most common, and require a bit of patience. Follow the steps below to get started:
- Choose stems or aerial roots to propagate. Do not cut from the plant’s main stem.
- Cut the stem or root into pieces with at least two nodes, making sure each piece is between 3 and 5 inches in length.
- Let the cut parts of the aerial root dry for 1-2 days.
- Prepare a pot with a soil mix of equal parts perlite and compost.
- Plant the piece in the soil.
- Keep the soil moist at all times for the next 2 weeks. After that, water every 3-5 days.
- Your new plant should be ready in a few months!
Troubleshooting
Brown or yellowed leaves indicate over-watering or too much direct sun. Yellow leaves might also mean a nutrient deficiency. Reduce watering and/or the amount of sun your Swiss cheese plant receives to resolve the problem.
Growing a Swiss cheese plant is not only a task that brings great rewards, but also one of the easiest and most enjoyable activities you can do in relation to plant care. From choosing the best soil to pruning and propagating, with a little bit of effort and some proper techniques, you’ll be able to give your Swiss cheese plant a long and healthy life.