Meet the Swiss Cheese Plant: A Houseplant with Personality
Let’s be honest: some houseplants are just green blobs that sit in the corner and sulk. But the Swiss Cheese Plant, scientifically known as Monstera adansonii, is not one of them. With its dramatic, hole-punched leaves (that resemble Swiss cheese, hence the name), this tropical beauty is like that effortlessly cool friend who never misses a style beat.
Originating from the lush rainforests of Central and South America, this vining plant has stolen hearts across Instagram and living rooms alike. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or someone who once killed a cactus (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), this guide will help you raise a happy, healthy Monstera Adansonii.
Let’s get into the leafy goodness, shall we?
Also Read : How to Grow a Fiddle Leaf Fig Indoors (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Location, Location, Location: Choosing the Right Spot for Your Swiss Cheese Plant
Let’s play a little game. Ask yourself: If I were a rainforest plant, what kind of environment would I thrive in? Bright, warm, and humid, right? Ding ding ding!
Light Preferences
Monstera Adansonii prefers bright, indirect light. Think of filtered sunlight—like what it would get under the canopy of a jungle. Direct sun can scorch those gorgeous leaves, while too little light can cause leggy growth (a.k.a. the plant equivalent of a bad haircut).
Got a north- or east-facing window? Perfect. West-facing? Move it a few feet back. South-facing? Add sheer curtains to protect your green friend from sunburn.
Pro Tip: If your Swiss Cheese Plant starts stretching out with large spaces between the leaves, it’s probably not getting enough light. Give it a better view.
Temperature and Humidity
If your house is colder than your ex’s heart, you may need to turn up the heat. These plants love warmth—65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) is ideal.
Humidity? The more the merrier. Think bathroom-with-a-shower energy.
Humidity Boosters:
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Group your plants together (hello, plant party!)
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Use a humidifier
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Place a pebble tray with water under the pot
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Mist occasionally (but don’t go overboard)
Soil & Potting: Don’t Just Dump It in Dirt
Here’s a dirty secret: not all soil is created equal. Monstera Adansonii needs a well-draining mix. Why? Because soggy roots = sad plant.
Best Soil for Swiss Cheese Plant
Think light and airy with excellent drainage. The goal is to mimic rainforest soil, which is rich but drains fast.
Mix your own magic:
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1 part potting soil
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1 part orchid bark
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1 part perlite or pumice
You can also buy a pre-mixed aroid soil, but where’s the fun in that?
Pot It Like It’s Hot
Always choose a pot with drainage holes. This is non-negotiable. No one likes sitting in water, not even a rainforest plant.
When potting:
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Gently loosen the root ball.
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Plant it at the same depth it was in the previous pot.
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Water thoroughly after potting.
And yes, your Monstera Adansonii might sulk for a few days after repotting. Give it some time—it’ll forgive you.
Also Read : How to Grow and Care for Pothos Indoors & Outdoors (Even in Water!)
Watering Your Swiss Cheese Plant: Strike the Right Balance
Watering might sound simple, but oh boy, it’s where most plant crimes are committed.
Too much water? Root rot.
Too little? Crispy leaves.
Too inconsistent? Drama queen plant behavior.
How Often to Water?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. But a good rhythm is:
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Water every 7–10 days in summer
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Every 10–14 days in winter
Check the top 2 inches of soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
The Goldilocks Method
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Water deeply until it drains from the bottom.
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Dump out any excess water from saucers.
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Don’t water again until the top is dry.
Bonus Tip: Use room-temperature water. Cold water is a nasty surprise for tropical roots.
Feeding Time: Fertilizing for Big, Bold Leaves
Want those iconic holey leaves to show off? Then you need to feed your Swiss Cheese Plant like a champ.
Best Fertilizer for Monstera Adansonii
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Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
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Dilute it to half strength.
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Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
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Hold off in winter (your plant is basically chilling and watching Netflix).
Over-fertilizing can burn roots and lead to yellowing leaves, so don’t go overboard. Think brunch buffet, not all-you-can-eat disaster.
Pruning & Training: Shaping Your Swiss Cheese Star
Let’s talk glam squad. Your Swiss Cheese Plant benefits from a bit of trimming and training to look its best.
Pruning
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Cut off leggy, yellowing, or damaged leaves.
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Use sterilized scissors or shears.
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Snip above a node (that little bump where leaves and roots grow from).
Pruning encourages bushier growth and helps the plant focus energy on healthy leaves.
Training & Climbing
This plant is a natural climber. In the wild, it scales trees using aerial roots.
Help it out by offering:
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A moss pole
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Trellis
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Coco coir pole
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Bamboo stakes
Secure the vines loosely with garden tape or string. As it climbs, it’ll reward you with larger, more fenestrated leaves.
Propagating Swiss Cheese Plant: Because One is Never Enough
Let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want more Swiss Cheese Plants? The good news: they’re super easy to propagate.
Steps to Propagate Monstera Adansonii
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Choose a healthy vine with at least one node and one leaf.
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Cut just below the node using a sterilized blade.
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Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss.
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Keep it warm and in bright, indirect light.
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Roots will appear in 2–4 weeks.
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Transfer to soil when roots are 2–3 inches long.
Now you’ve got yourself a new plant baby. Share it, gift it, or create your own indoor jungle.
Troubleshooting: Swiss Cheese Plant Drama and What to Do
Even the best plant parents face hiccups. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common issues.
Yellow Leaves
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Overwatering is the usual suspect.
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Check soil moisture and drainage.
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Adjust your watering routine.
Brown Leaf Edges
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Could be low humidity or salt buildup.
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Increase humidity and flush the soil monthly.
Leggy Growth
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Your plant is stretching for light.
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Move it closer to a window or add a grow light.
Pests: The Unwanted Guests
Keep an eye out for:
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Spider mites
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Mealybugs
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Fungus gnats
Combat them with neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. And remember, prevention (clean leaves, healthy soil) is key.
Decorating with Monstera Adansonii: Because Style Matters
This isn’t just a plant—it’s a statement piece.
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Let it trail from a hanging basket for boho vibes.
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Train it up a moss pole for vertical drama.
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Place it in a ceramic pot with a pop of color.
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Mix with other tropicals like pothos, philodendrons, or calatheas for a jungle corner.
Need a Pinterest-worthy plant moment? Monstera Adansonii delivers.
Fun Facts: Bet You Didn’t Know This About Swiss Cheese Plant
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It’s not the same as Monstera deliciosa (that’s the big one with split leaves).
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In the wild, it uses aerial roots to latch onto trees and climb like a viney ninja.
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Its holes (called fenestrations) help light pass through to lower leaves in the jungle.
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It can grow up to 13 feet tall in the wild—but don’t worry, yours will behave indoors.
Conclusion: Growing a Swiss Cheese Plant is Like a Relationship—Nurture It and It’ll Flourish
Raising a Monstera Adansonii isn’t about being perfect—it’s about paying attention, providing the right care, and enjoying the process. Whether it’s climbing gracefully up a pole or trailing from your bookshelf, this plant brings personality, beauty, and a touch of the tropics to your home.
So, grab your watering can, find that bright window, and let your Swiss Cheese Plant live its best jungle life. Because honestly? A home filled with green, happy plants just hits different.
Now you’re not just a plant parent—you’re a Swiss Cheese Plant whisperer. 🌿
