The ideal indoor temperature range for Monstera deliciosa is between 60 and 85 degrees. Although it will adapt well to dry indoor environments, it favours high humidity levels. You can sprinkle it sometimes to increase humidity if you truly want to take care of it, but it’s not absolutely necessary. When watering a Swiss cheese plant, make sure the water drains out the bottom of the pot. No plant enjoys wet feet! ), then hold off on watering again until the top few inches feel dry. Avoid overwatering this plant—this is a common mistake. Monstera deliciosa prefers a little bit of dryness in the soil. If you’d like, feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser in the summer and then forgo feeding it in the winter while it’s dormant.
Monstera deliciosa can be brought outside during the summer or left outside in warm climates (it’s frequently planted as a landscaping plant in warm climates like Florida). Never place it in full sunshine; instead, place it in filtered shade to prevent the leaves from burning. Before the temperature drops into the 40s, bring it back inside.
Small plants can be supported by a pole covered in moss, which they will climb, as a stake. As the plants develop, the size of the leaves grows. If you don’t stake, your plant will grow more sprawling, which is also acceptable. Although the Swiss cheese plant rarely bears fruit indoors, it does so in the wild.
Why does the Swiss Cheese Plant have holes and cuts in its leaves?
In the dense rainforest, the openings let sunshine through. Due to the holes’ ability to let through strong breezes and heavy showers, the Swiss cheese plant is also able to resist severe winds and torrential downpours.
I’ve heard the Monstera Deliciosa produces flowers. Is this true?
It is true that the Monstera Deliciosa blooms in its native habitat or a region that is quite close to it. Its flowers are white in colour and have a spadix in the centre. Since the temperature and light conditions of their natural habitat are unlikely to be matched in the UK, it is extremely uncommon to see them bloom indoors.
What are the silvery/grey things hanging out of my pot?
These roots are aerial, and they are searching the atmosphere for moisture. These are completely normal and pose no threat. If you want, throw them in the saucepan. Alternatively, if you routinely water your plant, it won’t need to draw water from these roots, so you can just clip them off. Don’t worry, the plant won’t be harmed by this.
Why are my Monstera leaves turning yellow?
Overwatering is the most frequent cause of yellow leaves in Monstera plants. Make sure you only water your plant once a week or less. Before rehydrating the soil, always make sure it has dried out. Be careful in the winter because it’s easy to unintentionally overwater your green beauties due to the decrease in light levels.
Why is my Swiss Cheese Plant leaning over?
Your Monstera is probably growing toward the light if it is leaning over. To promote more equal growth, try bringing it closer to the light source and rotating it frequently. Check out our moss pole, which can help offer your Monstera some additional support as it becomes larger and may need some assistance keeping upright.
Does my Monstera need repotting?
As we’ve already said, the Monstera Deliciosa grows quickly. After living in his present pot for six to nine months, he might be ready for a larger house.
You can determine whether your plant is prepared for a new container in a number of ways. First, gently remove your plant from the ceramic container; if the roots are poking through the plastic pot, a new container is required. Other warning indicators to watch out for are slowed plant development and a plant that appears to be outgrowing its container.
Check out our blog post about repotting your houseplants for a complete rundown on what to watch out for and how to rehome your plant. It is important to note that we strongly advise repotting in the spring or summer, when your plant will experience the majority of its growth. The immediate planting of a Swiss Cheese Plant into a ceramic planter is not advised. Prior to locating a fashionable pottery or basket to house it in, we strongly advise repotting into a larger plastic pot.
Check out our fantastic selection of pots and baskets if you believe your Monstera is ready for a new container.
Why is my Monstera crying?
This happens after you have given your Monstera a sizable drink and is a natural process. Your resourceful plant is simply using the guttation process to expel some of the extra water through its leaves. The tears are joyful ones!
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any further queries concerning your Monstera or any of your other green beauties. Until then, my dear plant friends.
Do Swiss cheese plants require much maintenance?
Although this epiphyte plant, which is a native of the South American jungles, blooms, it is generally planted inside for its lovely foliage and the height it may reach. It’s a plant that, when it matures, takes centre stage in a space.
Strong winds and severe downpours (I mean extremely heavy) are reported to cause the holes and cuts in the leaves, which are thought to help the plant survive successfully in its natural rain forest habitat. Due to their size and the power of the weather, leaves without these cuts and holes would readily break.
The Swiss cheese plant is relatively simple to maintain, but if the proper circumstances and care instructions are not followed, the plant’s leaves can develop an extremely unappealing appearance (see plant problems below).
Aerial roots: To sustain the plant’s growth, this species has aerial roots. If you want the plant to grow particularly tall, you can place the roots, which hang from a stem, on a moss stick, which is a plastic tube covered in netting and filled with peat.
The monstera deliciosa is mainly grown indoors for its glossy, thick green leaves. Each leaf that forms into a heart first appears as a whole leaf before starting to develop its slits. The plant will begin to sprout these leaves when it is just a few inches tall, but they do not develop the slits until the plant has grown more. This species resembles a palm tree in appearance.
Fruit and flowering: The cheese plant produces flowers in its native environment or in an environment that closely resembles it. It’s really uncommon to see them bloom indoors. These flowers have a spadix in the middle and are of the spathe kind.
After the flowers have finished blooming, the fruit that resembles a sweetcorn cone is produced. It is possible to tell when these are ready to be consumed, and if you eat them before they are fully ripe, they may irritate your mouth. The fruit is noted for taste excellent, hence the name deliciosa.
Displaying and growing: These look great in spacious rooms, hallways, workplaces, and other locations that can accommodate their size and maintenance requirements. They will need to be trained in order to grow tall, which is rather simple when utilising a moss stick. You can buy moss poles online or in garden supply stores, which is certainly a less expensive option if you don’t have the time or materials to make your own. A moss pole is used to mimic how a plant that grows in the natural by climbing (climbing shrub) trees (epiphyte) gets its support and moisture from them.
Is it simple to maintain Swiss cheese plants?
Swiss cheese plants require warm, humid conditions, which are generally easy to produce. What tells you that your Monstera adansonii is content? The leaves of a healthy Swiss cheese plant will be deep green, waxy, and unblemished.
How can you tell whether your Monstera is content?
How can you prevent your Monstera from drowning? We’ve discussed a little bit about how to avoid overwatering it. Once you get to know your Monstera and understand all of its behaviours, you’ll notice lots of indicators that it needs water. Some of them may not come as a surprise because the indications that a Monstera needs watering are also quite similar to those that other plants exhibit.
Your Monstera’s Soil Is Dry
The primary indication that a Monstera needs watering is dry soil. A Monstera deliciosa shouldn’t thrive in arid conditions, despite the fact that it’s vital to allow the soil dry up a little bit between waterings. Although too-dry soil won’t immediately kill a plant, it will hinder its capacity to grow effectively.
Since every plant and indoor environment is unique and can necessitate a different amount of time between waterings, routinely testing the soil will enable you to determine when your Monstera needs to be watered. Using your finger is the simplest method for doing this!
If the soil is dry after sticking your finger in it for about an inch, water the plant. Don’t water your Monstera just yet if it’s moist or still wet.
Your Monstera is Leaning Over
Although it is an unusual indicator, I have observed a leaning Monstera in my collection. An underwatered Monstera will begin to sag in a manner that causes the leaves to droop, which is similar to wilting. On a little Monstera, this is much simpler to see, although it can be seen on bigger plants as well.
Always examine the soil before watering because leaning plants might occasionally be an indication of a different problem, such as overwatering. Never add more water when the earth is damp; dry soil indicates that it is time to water.
Your Monstera should bounce back within a few days after receiving a thorough watering if the cause of drooping is too little water. As much stress as possible should be avoided allowing the Monstera to become this dry as it will stunt the plant’s growth.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Curling
Leaf curling is just another sign that a Monstera needs watering. The leaves of a Monstera that needs water will start to curl inward, making them appear smaller and less wide.
This is a temporary problem that almost always goes away with some time and some good watering! If the soil is dry, check it and give it a nice, thorough watering. Within a few days, the leaves ought to resume their regular state.
If they don’t, there might be another problem going on. Before watering once more, take some time to run a diagnostic.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Brown, Yellow, or Dead
An alarming sign may be the yellowing of your Monstera’s leaves. Dark green, waxy leaves are present on a healthy, happy Monstera (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green).
Some discoloration is expected because older Monstera leaves gradually turn yellow and drop off as they become older. However, you have an issue if you notice many sections of the plant with yellow, brown, or dead leaves or new leaves.
In addition to underwatering, additional issues that might cause leaf discoloration include overwatering, excessive or insufficient sunshine, or parasites. Don’t water the plant right away; instead, take the time to inspect it for any signs of these issues.
Although older growth will occasionally die off, you should take immediate action if any leaf loss is accompanied by other symptoms like drooping or discolouration. The soil’s moisture content should always be checked as the initial step. Water the soil deeply if it is dry. Look for indications that your plant may have been overwatered if the soil is wet.
Your Monstera Isn’t Putting Out Fenestrated Leaves
With adult Monsteras that haven’t started fenestrating or that produce leaves with holes in them, a lack of fenestration can become a problem. Fenestrations are nearly always a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.
This can occasionally be brought on by inadequate sunlight. Examine the surroundings of the plant to rule that out. Monsteras require six to twelve hours a day of bright indirect sunlight. Try transplanting the plant to a brighter location if it isn’t receiving this much light.
Set a smart alarm to remind you to inspect the soil if lighting isn’t the issue and you think your Monstera needs extra water. This will assist you in forming the practise of routine plant maintenance. You can establish the ideal watering balance by making sure the soil is moist enough many times per week. Be careful not to overwater, though!
Do I need to spray my Monstera?
Monstera Deliciosas may tolerate low to high levels of indirect, dappled light. Their leaves may burn and scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Low light conditions will inhibit growth.
Make sure your Variegated Monstera Deliciosa gets enough of bright indirect light if you have one.
Water
You should spritz your Monstera Deliciosa frequently and water it once a week. In the winter, when you may only need to water your plant every two weeks, let the soil dry up in between waterings.
Humidity
Because Monstera Deliciosa prefers a humid atmosphere, we advise often wetting its leaves. To boost the humidity of the air around your plant, you might also place it close to other plants.
Additional care information
From a stem and leaf cutting, you may quickly reproduce your monstera deliciosa in water. Make sure to make the cut just below a stem node.
The Monstera Deliciosa’s huge leaves are readily covered in dust over time. Use a moist towel to routinely wipe them.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves may indicate that your Monstera Deliciosa has experienced moisture shock or has received too much light.
Browning leaves are a sign that your plant has been receiving insufficient light or has been exposed to low humidity.
Where should my Swiss cheese plant be placed?
Finding the ideal location for your Swiss cheese plant is crucial. The leaves will scorch under too much direct sunlight. If there is too much shade, the leaves won’t pierce. The best location is near a window in good lighting and is only a few feet away. Avoid placing it close to a radiator or an air conditioner. Give it plenty of space because it will become extremely big.
Swiss cheese plants can survive in temperatures as low as 10C but will only thrive in temps over 18C.
How to plant a Swiss cheese plant
Plant in a large, drainage-holed pot with peat-free, all-purpose, or house plant compost inside of it. Around the root ball, there should be at least 1 inch of compost.
Caring for a Swiss cheese plant
Swiss cheese plants require little maintenance. The time of year and the environment in the space will determine how frequently you should water your Swiss cheese plant. Instead of watering according to a schedule, water anytime the compost’s top inch or two are dry. Make sure to let all of the water run off after that. Wintertime plants require less watering, especially if they are kept in a cool environment. In the spring and summer, give the plant a monthly feeding with a house plant food.
The stems of the plant must be tied into a support, such as a moss or coir pole, as it develops and becomes floppy. These are available online or in garden centres.
Aerial roots, which are long, white roots that emerge from the plant’s stems, will also develop on the plant. These aid the plant in clinging to trees in the wild. Trimming the aerial roots off if you find them unsightly is OK because your plant will be obtaining its nutrition from the roots in the compost. To support the plant, you can also tuck them into the compost or let them climb the moss pole.
If the roots are starting to protrude from the pot, repot in the spring using plant compost or all-purpose compost. Scoop up as much of the compost from the top of the pot as you can and replace it with fresh material if the plant grows too large for you to handle it comfortably.
To keep them looking glossy and to aid in the plant’s ability to breathe, occasionally wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth. Your plant will benefit from a sprinkling of its leaves if it is in a warm environment.
How to propagate a Swiss cheese plant
Taking cuttings from a Swiss cheese plant is simple. Choose a stem in the spring or early summer that has an aerial root starting to grow further down. Look for a white or brown bud next to a leaf. This will serve as the new roots. Make a cut that is about an inch below the aerial root with a sharp knife or secateurs. Check to make sure the aerial root is immersed before placing the stem in a clear, deep container with a few inches of water. Place in a well-lit area away from the sun and replace the water every few days. Within a week or two, new roots should begin to emerge. The cutting should have developed a respectable bundle of new roots that are about four inches long after about six weeks. You can now put the new plant in a pot filled with fresh, all-purpose, or house plant compost. water, allowing any extra to drain.
Growing Swiss cheese plants: problem-solving
If the leaves on your Swiss cheese plant aren’t perforating, they might still be young; it’s common for a plant to have both cut and uncut leaves. Move to a brighter area if the larger leaves are not perforating because of a lack of light.
You have overwatered your Swiss cheese plant and the compost is too wet if it is “weeping” or has “tears” of water at the borders of its leaves. Water only when the soil starts to dry out, and allow any extra water drain away. Make sure the compost is just damp, not sopping wet.
Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, particularly if they are also wilting. It might also indicate that the plant needs to be fed.
Brown blotches on the leaves are probably the result of sunburn. Remove the plant from the sun’s direct rays.
Wilting leaves may indicate either inadequate or excessive irrigation. The plant needs water if the compost is starting to dry out. If it is soaked, you overwatered; let the soil air-dry. It may also indicate that the plant’s roots are becoming clogged and unable to absorb water. It’s time to plant it into a larger container if roots start to protrude from the bottom of the current one.
The simplest technique to fix a plant that has grown too large or out of shape is to prune it by removing some stems from the base. Because the sap may be harmful, wear gloves. Take a clipping or two instead, and give the original plant to someone with more room in their house.
Mealybugs might cause issues.
Watch out for insects on the undersides of leaves that resemble white, fluffy blobs. Use a cotton bud or moist towel dipped in a pesticide containing fatty acids or plant oils to wipe them off. Keep inspecting the leaves since mealybugs can be challenging to get rid of.
Scale insects, which are tiny, 6mm long, brown sap sucking insects, may also be seen. Remove using a cotton bud or piece of cloth dipped in a pesticide with fatty acids.