How to grow Swiss cheese plants

What are Swiss cheese plants?

Botanically known as Monstera, these climbing plants come from the tropical forests of southern Mexico and South America. Only a couple of species are grown as houseplants, the most popular by far being Monstera deliciosa. This is the original Swiss cheese plant, so-called because of the holes in its leaves.

As a houseplant, it will grow into a spectacular, architectural focal point, eventually reaching several metres tall, with huge glossy leaves that create a tropical jungle vibe. There is also a smaller-growing species, Monstera adansonii, which is a little less vigorous but also less widely available to buy.

Swiss cheese plants are relatively easy to look after if kept at a temperature of 18–25°C (65–77°F), with moderate humidity, and in filtered or indirect light.

In their

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.

Choosing Swiss cheese plants

There are two main species of Monstera available as houseplants, both with tropical good looks that are sure to make them the centre of attention:

• Monstera deliciosa, the original Swiss cheese plant, is the most widely available and popular species. Usually bought when 30–90cm (1–3ft) tall, it can soon grow to reach the ceiling, so is ideal if you want a real statement houseplant. It can also be cut back if it starts to take over your home

• Monstera adansonii, also known as the Mexican breadfruit plant, looks similar, but is smaller in stature. It’s a good choice when space is limited, and is becoming more widely available

There are several cultivars too, including

Variegated means having leaves or other plant parts with streaks, blotches or patches of different colours. Typically, these would be a combination of two colours, such as green and gold or green and white.

Buying Swiss cheese plants

Monstera deliciosa is very popular and widely sold all year round by garden centres, houseplant retailers and online suppliers. The cultivars, especially the variegated ones, and the smaller species M. adansonii (see above), are less widely available and usually more expensive as a result. Online retailers tend to offer the widest range. 

When buying in person, select the healthiest-looking plant with unblemished leaves and no signs of damage. As this is a tropical plant, keep it well wrapped up when bringing it home in cold weather.

As they’re originally from shady tropical forests, Swiss cheese plants like indirect light, such as by a west- or east-facing window, or in a brighter room away from the window. Direct sun can scorch the leaves. In very low light, the leaves will tend to have fewer holes.

This plant is poisonous, so position it out of reach of children and pets.

Temperature

Keep this plant warm all year round, at 18–25°C (65–77°F), and away from cold draughts and direct heat, such as radiators.

Humidity

Swiss cheese plants come from tropical forests and like humid air. So mist the leaves regularly or stand the pot in a saucer over a larger tray containing moist gravel – as the water evaporates, it will moisten the air. Grouping several tropical plants together also helps to raise

The concentration of water vapour in the atmosphere. This affects the rate at which plants transpire (lose water from their leaf pores), which in turn affects how much water their roots absorb from the soil. If air humidity is low, plants transpire quickly and become at risk of wilting if water is lost from the leaves faster than it can be absorbed by the roots. Different plants require different levels of humidity to thrive. Many tropical houseplants need high humidity and are best grown in a steamy bathroom, misted regularly or placed on a saucer of damp pebbles. In a greenhouse, humidity can be raised in hot weather by damping down (wetting) the floor or overhead misting.

For more tips on raising humidity, watch our quick video guide:

Watering

To maintain the acidity of the

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

Feeding

To encourage strong, healthy growth, feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season, from April to September. 

Swiss cheese plants are usually vigorous, robust and healthy plants, if given the correct growing conditions – namely indirect light, moderate

The concentration of water vapour in the atmosphere. This affects the rate at which plants transpire (lose water from their leaf pores), which in turn affects how much water their roots absorb from the soil. If air humidity is low, plants transpire quickly and become at risk of wilting if water is lost from the leaves faster than it can be absorbed by the roots. Different plants require different levels of humidity to thrive. Many tropical houseplants need high humidity and are best grown in a steamy bathroom, misted regularly or placed on a saucer of damp pebbles. In a greenhouse, humidity can be raised in hot weather by damping down (wetting) the floor or overhead misting.

• Overwatering, or waterlogging due to poorly draining

  Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

  compost – these can cause the roots to rot and the plant to collapse – watch our quick video guide to watering houseplants

• Mealybugs – these sap-sucking insects can sometimes colonise a plant, leaving a sticky residue and reducing the plant’s vigour