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Plant Care Guide > Swiss Cheese Plant

How to Care for Swiss Cheese Plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Symbolism

Health, longevity, respect for one's elders

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Partial sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

Basic Care Guide

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How to Water Swiss cheese plant?

Swiss cheese plant needs an average amount of water, and it is important to avoid overwatering the plant as this can lead to root rot. Because of this, you should water your swiss cheese plant once a week, although it may need additional watering during hot weather. A good way to determine if your swiss cheese plant needs watering is to check that the soil is slightly dry first. Swiss cheese plant enjoys a humid environment, so along with watering, lightly spray the leaves every other day to keep the plant from drying out.

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What is the best way to water my Swiss cheese plant?

There are plenty of viable ways to supply your Swiss cheese plant with water. If you grow your plant in an indoor pot, for the Swiss cheese plants in small pots, you can bring your potted plant to your kitchen sink. Then, use the faucet to add water to the container. By holding the pot in your hands, you should easily notice when the water begins to run through the pot’s drainage holes, at which point you can stop watering. The cold temperature will hurt the plants' root system, so please don't do this during winter or in cold climates. Most of the time, watering via your faucet is permissible for the Swiss cheese plant. However, if the local tap water contains a high proportion of fluorine, chlorine or salts, you should consider using rainwater or lake water.

Also, since the Swiss cheese plant can respond well to overhead watering and watering directly into the soil, you can use a watering can, hose, or just about any tool you’d like to water it.

What should I do if I water my Swiss cheese plant too much or too little?

If you discover that you have underwatered your Swiss cheese plant, your first step towards remedying the situation is to give your plant some water. Water deeply until excess water runs from the container’s drainage hole, or if you grow outside, water until the soil has become entirely moist. If you find your Swiss cheese plant is receiving too much water, begin by reducing your watering schedule. You also want to address the soil and container your Swiss cheese plant grows in. If either the soil or the container makes it difficult for water to drain efficiently, your plant will likely become overwatered again. Resolve the issue by moving your plant to looser soils and/or a container with bigger drainage holes or a more porous material. Also check the location of the plant. If the plant is in places like a corner, then it is recommended to move it to a window or around a door to enhance ventilation. Making sure the plants are in a well-ventilated location can reduce the occurrence of overwatering to some extent.

How often should I water my Swiss cheese plant?

The Swiss cheese plant is not a species that requires consistent soil moisture. Instead, it is better to allow this plant’s soil to become dry between waterings. If you are like the many gardeners who grow Swiss cheese plants in containers, you can judge whether or not it is time to add water by how dry the soil within the container is. For instance, if about top half of the soil in your container has become dry, it is time to add water. You can feel it by inserting your fingers or sticks into the soil or with soil moisture meter. For those who grow the Swiss cheese plant outdoors, you can plan to do your watering about once every other week, provided it has not rained recently.

How much water does my Swiss cheese plant need?

After waiting for the first several layers of soil surrounding your Swiss cheese plant’s root to become dry（top half of the soil）, it is time to add enough water to make them moist again. The amount of water it takes to achieve that goal depends on if you use a container, how large that container is, and how large your plant itself is. For a small Swiss cheese plant growing in a small to a medium-sized container, one to two cups may be enough to dampen the soil sufficiently. As you would expect, the volume of water you supply should increase for a larger plant. The best way to make sure your plant has received enough water is to stick your finger or a trowel into the soil and feel whether it is entirely moist. Alternatively, you can water until you see excess water draining from the holes at the bottom of your container.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Swiss cheese plant enough?

Overwatering and underwatering are both bad for the health of your Swiss cheese plant. These two issues also manifest themselves in subtly different ways when they occur. Swiss cheese plant that receives too little water may begin to develop yellow leaves. Underwatering may also cause the leaf margins to become brown and brittle. By contrast, Swiss cheese plant that gets overwatered will often show yellow and brown marks on its leaves at the same time. Overwatering can also lead to diseases like root rot, some of which may also be visible on your plant. However, if you know the signs of overwatering and underwatering, you stand a good chance of correcting both issues.

How should I water my Swiss cheese plant through the seasons?

During spring and fall, your watering schedule for the Swiss cheese plant will remain relatively the same, which will involve watering this plant about once every week. During summer, you may find that the hot weather causes your plant to need more water than usual, especially if it grows where there is a considerable amount of daily light exposure. In the winter, if it's hard to find some warm places for you plant, your Swiss cheese plant will enter a dormant growth phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. At this time, you may get by without watering your plant at all. If you do choose to water during winter, you should not do so more often than once every two to three weeks.

How should I water my Swiss cheese plant at different growth stages?

After planting a new, young Swiss cheese plant or after transplanting an older Swiss cheese plant, you will probably need to give this plant more water than usual. Young plants often need consistent soil moisture during the early stages of their growth to help them adapt to their new growing locations. Transplants also need more water for a brief time to overcome transplant shock. In either case, you may need to water multiple times per week until your plant has exhibited continuous healthy growth. In most situations, your water should be moderate and should never be significant enough to cause overwatering.

What's the difference between watering Swiss cheese plant indoors and outdoors?

There are a few reasons why you may need to water an indoor Swiss cheese plant more often than one that grows in the ground outdoors. First, indoor growing settings tend to be drier than outdoor ones, often due to the effect of air conditioning units. While thw size of the pot and the soil determines the warer accumulating ability. Additionally, when your plant grows indoors, it will rely on you entirely for its water By contrast, Swiss cheese plant that grows outside can receive water from rain. If you are in an area with high rainfall, you may not have to give it extra watering. When there is not enough rain, you should water additionally to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely.

How to Fertilize Swiss cheese plant?

It is recommended to feed your swiss cheese plant once a month in summer and spring with a water-soluble fertilizer. In the fall and winter, stop feeding your plant as it will not be in a growing stage. A top tip is to flush the soil after 6 months of feeding to remove any salt build-up, which can affect your plant's health.

Swiss cheese plant is a lovely foliage plant that grows throughout hardiness zones 10, 11, and 12. However, many gardeners choose to grow this plant indoors to enliven their favorite indoor living spaces. While many plants can impress with their blooms, the Swiss cheese plant will catch your eye with its unique leaf shapes and textures. However, if you want your Swiss cheese plant to live its best life, you need to know how to take care of it. Part of your care routine should include proper fertilization. Below are a few answers to the most important questions about fertilizing a Swiss cheese plant.

All plants rely on soil nutrients to facilitate their growth, and the Swiss cheese plant is no exception. However, it is not always a guarantee that the soil in which your plants grow will have all of the nutrients required. Fertilization and soil amendments help ensure that the plants in your garden not only have the basic nutrients they need but also that they get the nutrients that are specifically necessary to them. Swiss cheese plant needs fertilizer to ensure that its roots and stems continue to develop in a healthy way throughout the growing season. Fertilization will also help a Swiss cheese plant a set of leaves that looks fantastic, which is especially important for this plant since its foliage is its main point of ornamental appeal.

A Swiss cheese plant will need the greatest amount of fertilizer during the seasons in which it is actively growing. This active growth phase typically spans most of the months that make up spring, summer, and early fall. Once winter ends, you should plan to feed your Swiss cheese plant about once every two to four weeks. Continue feeding at this rate until the fall months arrive. Once fall arrives, you can reduce your fertilization rate, reducing the amount of fertilizer you give gradually until you cease feedings entirely in anticipation of winter, when the Swiss cheese plant will have far less active growth.

The fertilizer for a Swiss cheese plant has a specific blend of nutrients, each of which is present in relatively low amounts. An ideal fertilizer will have an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2. However, a general-purpose fertilizer that has an even blend of nutrients can work well in some cases. Still, even when using a balanced fertilizer, the ratio number representing the volume of each nutrient should be at 10 or lower. The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Swiss cheese plant while you supply water.

The fertilizer that you purchase for your Swiss cheese plant will likely come with application instructions that you should follow in most cases. However, for a Swiss cheese plant, you should always fertilize just before or while you are watering the soil, as this will prevent the fertilizer from burning the plant's roots. If you use a slow-release granular fertilizer, you should sprinkle it on the soil and then provide water immediately after. If you use a liquid-based fertilizer, you should dilute it with water, apply it to the soil, then supply a bit more water. Diluting your fertilizer by at least half is especially important in spring and fall when the plant's growth is ramping up and decelerating, respectively.

Since it is advisable to fertilize your Swiss cheese plant every few weeks throughout the growing season, overfertilization is not often an issue. However, it remains possible for this to occur. If you overfertilize your Swiss cheese plant, you may notice accumulations of excess fertilizer on the soil’s surface and foliage discoloration. Fertilizer burn is the most common issue you should worry about when feeding a Swiss cheese plant. This issue occurs when you overfertilize, fail to dilute your fertilizer, or when don’t water during and after fertilization. In any of those cases, the fertilizer can draw moisture out of your plant’s roots, causing it to dry out. Often, fertilizer burn will manifest with browning and yellowing of this plant’s leaves.

Throughout most of the year, including spring, summer, and most of the fall, you should continue feeding your Swiss cheese plant regularly. The only exception to this is if you notice that your Swiss cheese plant has received too much fertilizer or if you have managed to fertilize your Swiss cheese plant incorrectly, causing fertilizer burn or some other issue that you'll need to remedy before returning to a regular feeding schedule.

The only time of year when you should not fertilize a Swiss cheese plant is during winter. If you grow this plant indoors in an area where the winters are cold, it will enter a dormant phase during the winter. Feeding this plant during its dormant phase is not only unnecessary and unhelpful to this plant's growth, but it is also very likely to cause fertilizer burn.

Why do I need to fertilize my Swiss cheese plant?

Swiss cheese plant needs fertilizer to ensure that its roots and stems continue to develop in a healthy way throughout the growing season. Fertilization will also help a Swiss cheese plant a set of leaves that looks fantastic, which is especially important for this plant since its foliage is its main point of ornamental appeal.

When is the best time to fertilize my Swiss cheese plant?

Once winter ends, you should plan to feed your Swiss cheese plant about once every two to four weeks. Continue feeding at this rate until the fall months arrive. Once fall arrives, you can reduce your fertilization rate, reducing the amount of fertilizer you give gradually until you cease feedings entirely in anticipation of winter, when the Swiss cheese plant will have far less active growth.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Swiss cheese plant?

What type of fertilizer does my Swiss cheese plant need?

The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Swiss cheese plant while you supply water.

How do I fertilize my Swiss cheese plant?

If you use a slow-release granular fertilizer, you should sprinkle it on the soil and then provide water immediately after. If you use a liquid-based fertilizer, you should dilute it with water, apply it to the soil, then supply a bit more water. Diluting your fertilizer by at least half is especially important in spring and fall when the plant's growth is ramping up and decelerating, respectively.

What happens if I fertilize my Swiss cheese plant too much?

Fertilizer burn is the most common issue you should worry about when feeding a Swiss cheese plant. This issue occurs when you overfertilize, fail to dilute your fertilizer, or when don’t water during and after fertilization. In any of those cases, the fertilizer can draw moisture out of your plant’s roots, causing it to dry out. Often, fertilizer burn will manifest with browning and yellowing of this plant’s leaves.

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Swiss cheese plant?

Swiss cheese plant loves a sunny spot in your home. It is recommended to place your swiss cheese plant in a location which receives lots of indirect sunlight with a little bit of partial shade. Swiss cheese plant has "muscles" so it can adjust its leaves to be closer to the light when it needs it, or further away when it doesn't.

A good tip is to gently wipe the leaves every 2 weeks with a damp cloth to help it photosynthesize and rotate the plant every month to make sure all leaves have time in the sun.

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What type of sunlight does Swiss cheese plant need?

Swiss cheese plant typically needs full, indirect sunlight in order to thrive indoors. This means that the plant should be exposed to bright sunlight that doesn’t hit it directly from a window or another light source, like a grow light. You can easily protect it from direct sunlight by placing a sheer curtain between your Swiss cheese plant and the window, or by placing it behind a part of the window with a dark screen.

How can I avoid damaging new Swiss cheese plant with sunlight?

If this is your first time bringing your Swiss cheese plant home, then it might be a good idea to try to ease it into the sunlight it needs, rather than place it in bright, indirect light right away. Over the course of two weeks or so, you can slowly move your plant into the sunlight to avoid shock or burning of the leaves from sudden intense light exposure. By easing it into the light, your Swiss cheese plant is much more likely to adapt to your home environment well.

How can I tell if Swiss cheese plant is getting too much light?

Swiss cheese plant is one that can easily sunburn with too much sunlight. In the wild, these plants only receive mild, dappled light, filtered down from tree canopies. While they need more light than that to grow in our homes, too much can certainly cause issues. If your Swiss cheese plant is getting too much light, you’ll notice that the foliage begins to look bleached or washed out, the tips of leaves may turn yellow or brown and crispy, and it may even grow too quickly to support itself.

What should I do if my Swiss cheese plant gets light damage?

Sunburn for plants is much less severe than sunburn for people. While it may look unsightly, crispy, burnt leaves can be removed if they’re too far damaged to recover, or over half of the leaf is damaged. However, you can also try trimming back the leaves just to remove any sunburn damage in an effort to save them, if there’s not too much discoloration. Move your Swiss cheese plant away from its light source to avoid future light damage.

Does Swiss cheese plant need different light during different growth stages?

While some plants may be ready to face the sweltering sun straight out of the ground, Swiss cheese plant needs some time to build itself up enough to tolerate bright light. Propagated cuttings should receive only moderate indirect light, while new leaves during the growing season should be shielded a bit as well. The tender new leaves are more prone to sunburn than any other part of the plant.

How can I tell if Swiss cheese plant isn’t getting enough light?

Fortunately, plants can communicate in their own language to convey whether they have adequate sunlight or not. Like most plants, your Swiss cheese plant will tell you if it isn’t getting enough sunlight. The most visible sign is when your plant becomes particularly dark, or there is no new growth on the plant from one season to the next. You’ll also notice that leaves that do grow in may remain smaller than others, since there isn’t enough light to photosynthesize to support large new leaves.

How much sunlight should Swiss cheese plant get each day?

Depending on how bright the sunlight is that your Swiss cheese plant gets, the number of hours in a day may vary. If you have your plant in bright, indirect light, then there’s no need to try to restrict or increase the amount of time your plant gets this light each day. However, if light is less bright or further away from your Swiss cheese plant, then you can try to aim for at least eight hours of full light per day.

How to Prune Swiss cheese plant?

Swiss cheese plant does not need much pruning, apart from removing dead foliage. Pruning can also be used to manage growth. When grown outside, it can reach up to 3.5 m tall, and when grown indoors, it can reach up to 2 m high. If the plant is well cared for, it can increase in size fairly quickly so it is crucial to manage the growth based on the size you would like to keep the plant.

It is best to prune the swiss cheese plant in Spring before the active growth season and to cut any aerial roots which do not support the plant. To prune, simply snip the entire leaf and stem back to the main stem of the swiss cheese plant. Additionally, wear gloves before you start pruning the plant as sap from swiss cheese plant can be an irritant to those with sensitive skin.

Is pruning necessary for my Swiss cheese plant?

It is helpful to lightly prune this plant periodically during the spring and summer. When performing this light pruning, you should search for leaves that have wilted, become discolored, show signs of disease, or have died completely. Remove dead or damaged leaves by cutting their petioles, or trimming off stems that have died. This will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Some gardeners also choose to remove the flower buds of the Swiss cheese plant. However, removing flower buds before they open is a strictly aesthetic decision that will emphasize the beauty of this plant’s showy leaves.

When should I prune my Swiss cheese plant?

You can prune your Swiss cheese plant any time you notice dead, diseased, or damaged leaves during the growing season. Once you notice such a leave, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. you can cut its stem just above the soil’s surface to remove it. Such pruning can take place as needed during spring and summer. Also, this plant can bloom any time between spring and fall, and some gardeners choose to remove flower buds before they have a chance to open. Removing unopened flower buds allows this plant to focus most of its growing energy on its beautiful leaves. However, pruning in this manner does not necessarily influence the plant’s overall health.

How do I prune my Swiss cheese plant?

Pruning the Swiss cheese plant is as easy as waiting until you notice dead or damaged leaves on your plant. When you recognize these leaves, equip yourself with a pair of sharp and sterile hand pruning shears. Hand pruning shears will work best as larger tools like loppers will not be well suited to the precise cuts you need to make. Once you have a proper set of pruning tools, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Cut the stem just above where it exits the soil to remove it entirely. If you wish to stop this plant from flowering, you can use the same pruning shears to remove any buds before they open. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head.

What should I do after pruning my Swiss cheese plant?

Since pruning for the Swiss cheese plant should take place periodically throughout the season, what you do after pruning can vary. For instance, if you prune to remove selected leaves and stems from your Swiss cheese plant, you won’t need to do anything except continue your regular maintenance routine. At times, you may choose to remove healthier leaves and include them in a display of cut flowers and foliage. However, there is no crucial maintenance task to perform for this plant after typical pruning. The only thing to note is that when watering after pruning, you need to be careful not to touch the wound to prevent fungus from infecting the plant through the fresh wound. Placing Swiss cheese plant in a well-ventilated location will also help the wounds to dry out and heal in time. The timely replenishment of Swiss cheese plant after pruning will help the Swiss cheese plant to recover as soon as possible.

Are there any important tips when pruning my Swiss cheese plant?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. As you are pruning your Swiss cheese plant, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. If the overall growth of the plant is weak, the flowers need to be pruned back in time for flowering to be able to save nutrients for leaf growth and allow the plant to grow more vigorously.

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What is the Ideal Temperature Range for Swiss cheese plant?

Swiss cheese plant will thrive in warm environment with high humidity. It can be grown in gardens in Central America, but is typically a houseplant because it is better suited to being cared for indoors, except in the tropical areas. Temperatures between 18 to 30 ℃ will ensure that its leaves stay the rich dark green color that is loved by everyone.

If the temperature drops below 15 ℃, it will start to die. Without a humid environment and adequate water, swiss cheese plant will lose luster and turning brown from leaf edges.

What is the optimal temperature for Swiss cheese plant?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Swiss cheese plant require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Swiss cheese plant doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Swiss cheese plant need different temperatures for different seasons?

Swiss cheese plant does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Swiss cheese plant healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Swiss cheese plant?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Swiss cheese plant is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

What Soil is Best for Swiss cheese plant?

The optimum soil for swiss cheese plant is well-drained soil, which is slightly acidic with a pH value of 6.1-7.5. While swiss cheese plant can tolerate slightly sandy soil, it prefers moist loamy soil, which is rich in nutrients. If you have standard potting soil, then add in perlite to improve drainage and avoid root rot.

How to Propagate Swiss cheese plant?

While the swiss cheese plant can be grown from seeds, these can be very difficult to source and take a long time to grow. Growing the swiss cheese plant from seed can also be difficult as typically the swiss cheese plant must attach itself to a larger tree before it is 20 cm long to survive. Because of this, it is far easier to grow the swiss cheese plant from a cutting and should be grown in spring.

Creating a plant from a cutting is simple and easy to do by cutting a section off below a leaf node. This cutting should have a handful of healthy leaves and at least two aerial roots attached. Then place the cut end into a pot with soil, cover the roots with roughly 2 cm of soil and water regularly. Your plant should start developing roots in around 4-6 weeks.

The active growing season during the spring and summer is the best time to propagate Swiss cheese plant. During this period, the plants are generating a lot of energy for new growth and should have plenty of stems that can be used for propagation. They can also recover from having cuttings taken during this season than during the slower autumn and winter seasons. What you will need for breeding:

Sharp scissors or knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Pot(s) or nursery tray with drainage holes
All-purpose potting mix or seed starting mix
Clear plastic bag or a humidity dome for covering cuttings
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

Steps: Step 1: Prepare containers by filling them with moistened planting material leaving about half an inch of space from the top of the container. Step 2: Choose healthy parts for propagation. The cutting needs to have at least one leaf but should not have any flowers. Using your sterilized scissors, cut through the stem just below a leaf joint, because the root system usually grows from the there. The length of the cutting should not be too long, for once the cutting takes root, it has actually become an individual plant. No body wants a plant to grow long and thin from the beginning. Be sure to make a clean cut, and don’t crush the stem as that can leave the plant vulnerable to infection. Sterilize cutting tools between plants if you are taking multiple cuttings. Step 3: Pinch off the lower leaves on the cutting until there are just the top 4 to 6 leaves remaining. Dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting powder (if using) according to the directions. Step 4: Make a hole in the soil for each cutting, and place the cutting inside so that the soil line is at the lower leaves. Press soil around the cutting, then repeat until all cuttings are planted and then water thoroughly. Step 5: Cover the container with the humidity dome or a clear plastic bag. Place it in a location where the cuttings can get light but no direct sunlight, as this can be too intense for cuttings. Water occasionally and do not let the Swiss cheese plant dry out. If there is too much humidity, remove the cover periodically to allow some evaporation.

Most species will begin to produce roots in about 3 weeks, After rooting, the plant will gradually grow new leaves, at which time you can start to harden off the Swiss cheese plant. Hardening off involves gradually exposing the Swiss cheese plant to more sunlight and removing the cover so that they have time to adjust before being moved permanently outside. Hardening off should usually take about 1 to 2 weeks depending on the outdoor conditions and the type of Swiss cheese plant. After this period, Swiss cheese plant can be planted in containers or directly in the ground.

How to Plant Swiss cheese plant?

plant your swiss cheese plant in a deep container that is twice the size of the main root ball. The container should have drainage holes to help avoid the swiss cheese plant developing root rot. Lightly press the soil once planted.

It's recommended to repot your swiss cheese plant every 1-2 years in spring before the growing season, and increase the pot size by around 5 cm across to encourage growth.

When Swiss cheese vine (Monstera obliqua) is grown outdoors, it will attach itself to trees to be supported as it grows. When grown as a houseplant, it will need support to assist its growth once it has more than two or three leaves. This support can be through a moss-covered plant pole or bamboo stake.

How to Harvest Swiss cheese plant?

While the swiss cheese plant can bear fruit from the age of six when growing in its natural habitat, it very rare for a houseplant. The fruit that it produces is known for being sweet and tasty when ripe, but if eaten before it is ripe, it can cause throat and skin irritation due to the oxalic acid it contains. Available to harvest in spring, you will know when the fruit is ripe because the outer skin, made up of green hexagonal scales, will start to fall off. It usually takes a full year for the fruit to ripen.

How to Transplant Swiss cheese plant?

To transplant swiss cheese plant, choose mid-spring to late-spring or mid-fall to late-fall, as these are the ideal seasons for root development. Select a location with indirect sunlight, and provide well-draining soil. When transplanting, be gentle with its delicate root system, ensuring a successful transition.

How to Repot Swiss cheese plant?

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

More Info on Swiss Cheese Plant Growth and Care

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Basic Care Guide

Common Pests & Diseases

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Water

Every week

Swiss cheese plant is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where it's accustomed to warm, humid environments with ample but indirect sunlight. Conditions in these regions feature frequent, light rainfalls led by high humidity levels, fostering the plant's adaptable hydration preferences. As such, swiss cheese plant requires consistent but moderate watering, resembling its origin's precipitation patterns, to thrive and retain its characteristic leaf fenestration.

Watering Techniques

Lighting

Partial sun

Swiss cheese plant prefers a moderate amount of light, exhibting a tolerance for lower light conditions. Originating from environments where it grew under the dappled glow of larger plants, exposure to excessive light may cause leaf scorching. In contrast, insufficient light may stunt growth and leaf development.

Best Sunlight Practices

Temperature

5 - 45 ℃

The swiss cheese plant plant originates from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where the temperature ranges from 68 to 86 ℉ (20 to 30 ℃). It prefers temperatures between 68 and 105 ℉ (20 to 41 ℃) in cultivation and can adapt to temperatures as low as 50 ℉ (10 ℃). During winter, it is recommended to keep the plant away from cold drafts.

Temp for Healthy Growth

Transplant

2-3 feet

Transplant Techniques

Overwinter

5 - 45 ℃

Swiss cheese plant hails from lush rainforests, naturally shielded from freezing winters. However, during brief cold snaps, it leverages its aerial roots for stability and reduced metabolic demand. In households, swiss cheese plant could appreciate a cooler room but never temperatures below 10°C. Gardeners should focus on reduced watering, increased humidity, and periodic checks for pests during winter, mimicking its natural subtropical environment.

Winter Techniques

Pruning

Spring, Summer, Autumn

With its iconic split leaves, swiss cheese plant thrives with regular pruning. Key techniques involve removing yellow or damaged leaves and trimming back overgrown aerial roots. The prime seasons to prune extend from early spring to late fall, aligning with active growth phases. Pruning during this period encourages lush foliage and maintains plant shape. Use sterilized tools to prevent disease, and always cut close to the main stem to promote efficient healing.

Pruning techniques

Propagation

Spring, Summer

Swiss cheese plant favors propagation during spring and summer using stem cuttings. This is a moderately challenging process. Success is indicated by new foliage growth. Keep the cuttings in a high humidity environment for optimal results.

Propagation Techniques

Wilting

Wilting is a detrimental plant disease, adversely affecting Swiss cheese plant, leading to loss of vigour and potentially mortality. The disease disrupts the plant's normal water transport system, causing severe dehydration and eventual decay.

Learn More About the Disease

Brown blotch yellow edge

Brown spot is a disease affecting Swiss cheese plant caused by a fungus called Bipolaris oryzae. It manifests as brown leaf spots causing aesthetic damage and potentially stunting growth. It is moderately infectious and poses a moderate risk to the plant's health, controllable via cultural practices and pesticide treatment.

Learn More About the Disease

Leaf rot

Leaf rot is a prevalent disease afflicting Swiss cheese plant, characterized by dark spots and wilting foliage. Resulting from multiple factors including overwatering and fungal pathogens, the disease can severely impact the plant's aesthetics and growth.

Learn More About the Disease

Caterpillars

Caterpillars is a pest problem affecting several plants, including Swiss cheese plant. It causes severe defoliation, damaging the ornamental value of the plant and its overall health. Control measures include both cultural practices and chemical treatments.

Learn More About the Disease

Thrips

Thrips are tiny pests that pose a significant threat to Swiss cheese plant due to their sucking habits leading to overall plant weakness. The ignorance of an early infestation can lead to serious damage to the plant.

Learn More About the Disease

Black blotch

Black spot is a fungal disease that affects several plants including the Swiss cheese plant. It causes dark spots on the leaves, eventually leading to their death and adversely affecting the plant's overall health and aesthetic appeal.

Learn More About the Disease

Toxic

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Swiss cheese plant has low severity toxicity to humans. It can cause contact dermatitis from contact with the sap of the plant, leading to skin irritation, redness, itchiness, mild pain, and inflammation. Ingestion of large quantities of any part other than the fruit of this plant may cause toxic reaction, due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals and other potential toxins. Symptoms of poisoning from eating the plant may include a burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and throat, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation and drooling, and diarrhea. Poisoning is most likely to occur from accidental contact with the sap. It is commonly grown as a houseplant and might also be encountered in forests in tropical areas.

Toxic Details

Feng shui direction

Southeast

Swiss cheese plant is often considered a valuable addition to a space seeking to balance energy. Its distinctive leaves may enhance a room's vitality, while its air-purifying properties contribute to overall harmony. When placed in the Southeast region, the plant's prosperity-enhancing characteristics can be amplified, potentially improving the area's abundance and positive energy flow.

Fengshui Details

Seasonal Care Tips

Feedback

Seasonal Precautions

This plant does not like winter conditions and cannot tolerate temperate below 15 ℃. Make sure to keep your indoor environment above this temperature and ensure that the soil does not become cold and wet. To prevent this, reduce the amount of water used when you water it and check the soil to make sure it is reasonably dry each time before you water it.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Spring is the ideal time to repot root-bound plants and propagate new ones by cutting off some of the trailing vines.

Water once every week or so when the soil is drying out and fertilize with balanced, all-purpose plant food.

Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight but be careful to not burn the leaves.

Spring is also a good time for propagation. Carefully remove a green stem and place it in water. When roots appear, transplant the cutting to a container.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

Check the soil weekly to see if it is drying out.

Continue feeding the plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and keep the plant out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

Check the plant and surrounding area for pests. Gardeners also want to check the leaves and stem for any signs of disease.

New growth can be removed from the parent plant for propagation. Place the cutting in water and replant when roots appear.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

Fertilize it on a monthly basis with an all-purpose fertilizer

Make sure the soil is kept moist through regular watering, giving the plant water whenever the soil becomes dry.

You can take cuttings and propagate more plants during this season as well, repotting fresh-cut stems and letting them grow.

Give your plant plenty of indirect light, which will continue to encourage growth throughout the season.

However, you must watch out for pests and other diseases, as with all other seasons of growth.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

At this time, provide less water and reduce or stop fertilization.

The plant will require no extra pruning, but will require strong indirect sunlight, so ensure it’s placed in an ideal location to keep the plant thriving and ready for spring.

It's best to ensure the plant isn't exposed to freezing temperatures and kept in warm indoor rooms. Otherwise, you can leave this plant alone until the weather warms up and the plant awakens.

Common Pests & Diseases

Feedback

Common issues for Swiss cheese plant based on 10 million real cases

Wilting

Brown blotch yellow edge

Leaf rot

Caterpillars

Thrips

Black blotch

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Swiss Cheese Plant and Their Toxicity

Feedback

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

The swiss cheese plant is moderately poisonous to dogs when chewed. All parts of the plant are toxic. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the tissues of the tongue, mouth, stomach, and throat. The crystals can even embed in the dog's stomach and intestines. Because the plant tastes bitter and quickly irritates its mouth, a dog typically only ingests a tiny bit before turning away.

Toxic to Cats

Chewing any part of the swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) will release calcium oxalate crystals, which are moderately toxic to cats. Such crystals irritate the mouth, causing pain and swelling. Ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Occasionally the airway will swell, rendering it difficult for the dog or cat to breathe. In such cases veterinary intervention may be necessary.

More About Swiss Cheese Plant

Feedback

Plant Type

Herb, Vine

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

6 m

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Flower Color

White

Cream

Leaf Color

Green

White

Flower Size

15 to 30 cm

Plant Height

3 to 20 m

Name story

Fruit salad plant

This plant not only has unique and beautiful leaves but it also has peculiar fruits that look like green hexagonal scales on the outer layer of maize. When these scales fall off, they emit a strong and sweet fruit aroma. Furthermore, its fruit tastes like fruit salad. Moreover, the word deliciosa also means delicious. So, it's called a fruit salad plant.

Swiss cheese plant

This plant has always been loved for its unique leaves. During the seedling stage, its leaves are intact as a whole. However, as it ages, the leaves begin to pop out holes and lobes. The older it gets, the larger the holes and the larger the leaves are. This makes its leaves very similar looking to the holes in cheese, so it will be called Swiss cheese plant.

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

It can improve indoor air quality and absorb carbon dioxide at night.

Garden Use

The swiss cheese plant is an excellent vertical greening plant with its large and uniquely-shaped leaves. It is prized for both its striking appearance and its hardy, low-maintenance nature, as well as its tall, easy growth. This understory native is best grown in the shade of large landscaping trees such as mahogany or gumbo limbo.

View More Info

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Common Problems

Feedback

Why does my swiss cheese plant not have holes?

Don't worry! If your plant in under 2 years old, it may not have any holes or just a single row of holes. If the plant is well-cared for then, you may see holes as the plant grows. When its leaves become larger, you should start to see more prominent holes.

Why are the leaves of my swiss cheese plant yellow?

If the leaves start to turn yellow, your swiss cheese plant may have had a little bit too much water. Simply reduce the amount of water you are giving to the plant, and in this case watering should be stopped.

If yellowing continues, it may be that the soil is lacking nutrients that your swiss cheese plant needs, so make sure to increase the amount of fertilizer that you are using.

Why are the tips of my swiss cheese plant turning brown?

Swiss cheese plant is a tropical plant, so if the environment is not humid enough, then the leaves may start to dry out and turn brown. If this is the case, simply spray your swiss cheese plant with water more often and increase the humidity. If the plant continues to turn brown, it may be time to repot the plant in a larger pot.

Caring for a New Plant

Feedback

The following pictures and instructions for tropical plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Tropical Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

Branches

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Stems

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

Leaves

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Check if the current outdoor temperature is too low or too high.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Suitable Light

Partial sun, Full shade

Insufficient light: Indoor plants can handle reduced light but not full shade. Periodically moving the plant to a sunnier spot can help compensate for nutrient depletion in dim conditions.

Transplant recovery: Shade, place in bright diffused light. Gradually increase light after 3 days without wilting. If transplanted/repotted or lost leaves, shade for a week. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Ideal Temperature

10℃ to 35℃

Temperature is too low or too high: Indoors usually meets plant needs. Don't place outside below 50℉ (10℃) or above 86℉ (30℃).

Ventilation

Well Ventilated

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower drop. Place plants in a well-ventilated location, such as a window.

Adapting Your New Tropical Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Transplanting is possible but not necessary. Clean the roots by removing any rotten or blackened roots. Be careful when removing the plant from its pot to keep the root system intact and avoid spreading the soil. If the roots are too tangled, gently spread them out and trim as needed. For planting, mix a small amount of well-rotted organic fertilizer into the bottom of the soil. Use loose and airy floral soil for planting and press the soil down slightly after planting. Water the soil promptly and thoroughly after planting.

Step 2

Pruning

Not usually needed. Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Step 3

Watering

Increase watering in the first week to keep soil moist. Water when soil is slightly dry, for at least 2 weeks. Avoid over-watering. Do not water when there is water on your fingers after touching the soil.

Step 4

Fertilizing

Add a small amount of base fertilizer during transplanting or repotting. No other fertilizer needed for the first month.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Swiss Cheese Plant

Repotting

Clean roots, avoid soil spreading, use organic fertilizer, plant in loose soil, water thoroughly.

Pruning

Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Add base fertilizer during transplanting. No other fertilizer is needed for the first month.

Sunlight

Regular sun exposure for indoor plants. Shade after transplanting/repotting, then gradually increase light if there is no wilting. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Swiss Cheese Plant

Repotting

Clean roots, avoid soil spreading, use organic fertilizer, plant in loose soil, water thoroughly.

Pruning

Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Add base fertilizer during transplanting. No other fertilizer is needed for the first month.

Sunlight

Regular sun exposure for indoor plants. Shade after transplanting/repotting, then gradually increase light if there is no wilting. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Feedback

Black cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common dandelion

*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common hackberry

Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a medium-sized deciduous tree, native to North America. It looks similar to elms and some other hackberry trees at first glance, but you can distinguish it by looking at the bark - if it is verrucous and has corky texture, then it is probably common hackberry.

Bloom Time

Spring

Common buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica, colloquially known as common buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe. This plant is hazardous to humans and most animals; all parts of it are mildly poisonous. The fast-growing common buckthorn is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.

Bloom Time

Spring

Arborvitae

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a small- to medium-sized evergreen conifer native to North America, and can be found in a variety of environments, including forested wetlands and along cliffs. Essential oils are produced using northern white cedar, and it also finds use as an ornamental plant. Due to its increasing popularity in landscaping, more compact plants have been used to develop smaller strains.

Bloom Time

Spring

Sugarberry

Celtis laevigata, commonly known as sugarberry, is a deciduous medium-sized tree native to North America. It is often found near water - on floodplains, along rivers and streams. There are many species of birds, small mammals, and insects that use sugarberry's fruits and leaves as a source of food, which makes it a very important part of the ecosystem.

Bloom Time

Spring

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How to Care for Swiss Cheese Plant

Symbolism

Health, longevity, respect for one's elders

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

Toxic to Human & Pets

Basic Care Guide

How to Water Swiss cheese plant?

Never miss a care task again!

Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.

What is the best way to water my Swiss cheese plant?

What should I do if I water my Swiss cheese plant too much or too little?

How often should I water my Swiss cheese plant?

How much water does my Swiss cheese plant need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Swiss cheese plant enough?

How should I water my Swiss cheese plant through the seasons?

How should I water my Swiss cheese plant at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Swiss cheese plant indoors and outdoors?

How to Fertilize Swiss cheese plant?

Why do I need to fertilize my Swiss cheese plant?

When is the best time to fertilize my Swiss cheese plant?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Swiss cheese plant?

What type of fertilizer does my Swiss cheese plant need?

How do I fertilize my Swiss cheese plant?

What happens if I fertilize my Swiss cheese plant too much?

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Swiss cheese plant?

A good tip is to gently wipe the leaves every 2 weeks with a damp cloth to help it photosynthesize and rotate the plant every month to make sure all leaves have time in the sun.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

What type of sunlight does Swiss cheese plant need?

How can I avoid damaging new Swiss cheese plant with sunlight?

How can I tell if Swiss cheese plant is getting too much light?

What should I do if my Swiss cheese plant gets light damage?

Does Swiss cheese plant need different light during different growth stages?

How can I tell if Swiss cheese plant isn’t getting enough light?

How much sunlight should Swiss cheese plant get each day?

How to Prune Swiss cheese plant?

Is pruning necessary for my Swiss cheese plant?

When should I prune my Swiss cheese plant?

How do I prune my Swiss cheese plant?

What should I do after pruning my Swiss cheese plant?

Are there any important tips when pruning my Swiss cheese plant?

Advanced Care Guide

What is the Ideal Temperature Range for Swiss cheese plant?

If the temperature drops below 15 ℃, it will start to die. Without a humid environment and adequate water, swiss cheese plant will lose luster and turning brown from leaf edges.

What is the optimal temperature for Swiss cheese plant?

Does Swiss cheese plant require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Swiss cheese plant need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Swiss cheese plant healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Swiss cheese plant?

What Soil is Best for Swiss cheese plant?

How to Propagate Swiss cheese plant?

Sharp scissors or knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Pot(s) or nursery tray with drainage holes
All-purpose potting mix or seed starting mix
Clear plastic bag or a humidity dome for covering cuttings
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

How to Plant Swiss cheese plant?

It's recommended to repot your swiss cheese plant every 1-2 years in spring before the growing season, and increase the pot size by around 5 cm across to encourage growth.

How to Harvest Swiss cheese plant?

How to Transplant Swiss cheese plant?

How to Repot Swiss cheese plant?

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

More Info on Swiss Cheese Plant Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide

Common Pests & Diseases

Explore More

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Propagation

Spring, Summer

Wilting

Brown blotch yellow edge

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Feng shui direction

Southeast

Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Spring is the ideal time to repot root-bound plants and propagate new ones by cutting off some of the trailing vines.

Water once every week or so when the soil is drying out and fertilize with balanced, all-purpose plant food.

Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight but be careful to not burn the leaves.

Spring is also a good time for propagation. Carefully remove a green stem and place it in water. When roots appear, transplant the cutting to a container.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

Check the soil weekly to see if it is drying out.

Continue feeding the plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and keep the plant out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

Check the plant and surrounding area for pests. Gardeners also want to check the leaves and stem for any signs of disease.

New growth can be removed from the parent plant for propagation. Place the cutting in water and replant when roots appear.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

Fertilize it on a monthly basis with an all-purpose fertilizer

Make sure the soil is kept moist through regular watering, giving the plant water whenever the soil becomes dry.

You can take cuttings and propagate more plants during this season as well, repotting fresh-cut stems and letting them grow.

Give your plant plenty of indirect light, which will continue to encourage growth throughout the season.

However, you must watch out for pests and other diseases, as with all other seasons of growth.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

At this time, provide less water and reduce or stop fertilization.

The plant will require no extra pruning, but will require strong indirect sunlight, so ensure it’s placed in an ideal location to keep the plant thriving and ready for spring.

It's best to ensure the plant isn't exposed to freezing temperatures and kept in warm indoor rooms. Otherwise, you can leave this plant alone until the weather warms up and the plant awakens.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Swiss cheese plant based on 10 million real cases

Wilting

Learn More About the Wilting

Brown blotch yellow edge

Learn More About the Brown blotch yellow edge

Leaf rot

Learn More About the Leaf rot

Caterpillars

Learn More About the Caterpillars

Thrips

Learn More About the Thrips

Black blotch

Learn More About the Black blotch

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Swiss Cheese Plant and Their Toxicity

* The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

Slightly Toxic to Humans

More Info About Toxicity

Toxic to Dogs

More Info About Toxicity

Toxic to Cats

More Info About Toxicity

More About Swiss Cheese Plant

Plant Type

Herb, Vine

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

6 m

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Flower Color

White

Cream

Leaf Color

Green

White

Flower Size

15 to 30 cm

Plant Height

3 to 20 m

Name story

Fruit salad plant

Swiss cheese plant

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

It can improve indoor air quality and absorb carbon dioxide at night.

Garden Use

View More Info

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Common Problems

Why does my swiss cheese plant not have holes?

Why are the leaves of my swiss cheese plant yellow?

If yellowing continues, it may be that the soil is lacking nutrients that your swiss cheese plant needs, so make sure to increase the amount of fertilizer that you are using.

Why are the tips of my swiss cheese plant turning brown?

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for tropical plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Tropical Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

Branches

Stems

Leaves

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Check if the current outdoor temperature is too low or too high.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Suitable Light

Ideal Temperature

Ventilation

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Partial sun, Full shade

Suitable Light

Insufficient light: Indoor plants can handle reduced light but not full shade. Periodically moving the plant to a sunnier spot can help compensate for nutrient depletion in dim conditions.

10℃ to 35℃

Ideal Temperature

Temperature is too low or too high: Indoors usually meets plant needs. Don't place outside below 50℉ (10℃) or above 86℉ (30℃).

Well Ventilated

Ventilation

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower drop. Place plants in a well-ventilated location, such as a window.

Adapting Your New Tropical Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Step 2

Pruning

Not usually needed. Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Step 3

Watering

Step 4

Fertilizing

Add a small amount of base fertilizer during transplanting or repotting. No other fertilizer needed for the first month.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Indoor

Requirements

Partial sun

Ideal

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Full shade

Tolerance

Less than 3 hours of sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Notes

Adequate sunlight promotes leaf maturity, resulting in larger leaves and an increased occurrence of leaf splits and small holes.

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s

Swiss cheese plant is a versatile plant that thrives in partial sunlight but can tolerate full sunlight in cooler weather. Although symptoms of light deficiency may not be easily noticeable, inadequate light conditions can affect their growth indoors.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your swiss cheese plant may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Slower or no new growth

Swiss cheese plant enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Solutions

1. To optimize plant growth, shift them to increasingly sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, enabling gradual adaptation to changing light conditions.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Symptoms of Excessive light in %s

Swiss cheese plant thrives with partial sun exposure but is more prone to sunburn. The intense sunlight during summer can cause leaf sunburn, making it important to provide adequate shade and protection.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

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How to Care for Swiss Cheese Plant

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Basic Care Guide

How to Water Swiss cheese plant?

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How to Fertilize Swiss cheese plant?

Fertilizer

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Know the light your plants really get.

How to Prune Swiss cheese plant?

Advanced Care Guide

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Propagation

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How to Repot Swiss cheese plant?

More Info on Swiss Cheese Plant Growth and Care

Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

Common Pests & Diseases

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More About Swiss Cheese Plant

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Common Problems

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Caring for a New Plant

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Health Troubleshooting

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Check Its Growing Conditions

Condition Troubleshooting

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How to Care for Swiss Cheese Plant

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Basic Care Guide