Monstera Deliciosa – Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss Cheese Plant was a 70’s cult classic, its retro-chic appeal makes it just as popular today and rightly so. Its large, glossy, heart shaped, leaves add fantastic impact with their perforations and lobes, which develop as the leaf matures.

It is actually a climber, using its aerial roots in its native rain forests to scale to enormous (monstrous) heights. Grown indoors it needs space and looks great in a hallway, conservatory or a corner of a modern living space.

Monstera deliciosa is easy to care for so long as it has moist, warm conditions. It is sometimes known as the Fruit Salad Plant.

Horty Hints

Growing old with grace! As your plant grows the lower leaves naturally turn yellow. Don’t panic, simply allow the plant to use them up, pulling them off when they have dried.

Stop the spotting! If you notice these big leaves start to spot, you might have fungal or pest issues. See our pests and fungus care guides for help.

Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove accumulated dust and maintain the Monstera’s newly polished look.

Light

Monstera deliciosa prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate moderate shade. Avoid direct sunlight however, as this may scorch the plant.

Watering

Water when the soil of your Swiss Cheese Plant has started to dry-out. Excess water will lead to large dry spots developing on the foliage.

Temperature

Likes warm conditions from 18-27°C. Anything lower than this will reduce the plant’s growth rate. It will tolerate 12°C and above. Avoid cold draughts.

Humidity

The Swiss Cheese Plant is happy with average to high humidity levels. Cannot cope in dry air situations. Consider misting occasionally for best results.

Feed

Feed once a month with a balanced fertiliser during the growing period.

View Plant Nutrition

Height & Growth Rate

Use a moss pole to support the plant (the roots will cling to this for support) or cut back if it gets too big. Slow to moderate growth, but depends upon the conditions.

Toxicity

The leaves are poisonous. Keep away from pets and children.

Origin

Monstera deliciosa is native to Mexico and Central America.

Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.

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