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Indoor plant care

Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera deliciosa

• LightSwiss Cheese Plant prefers bright, indirect light between…
• WaterWater Swiss Cheese Plant after the topsoil becomes dry to…
• ToxicityToxic to pets
• Mature sizeIndoors, it can reach 6 to 8 ft / 1

Swiss Cheese Plant is a tropical climbing vine with large, glossy green leaves. As the foliage matures, it forms deep splits and internal holes called fenestrations. A support allows the stems to climb and display larger leaves. This easy houseplant creates a bold indoor feature, but its eventual size needs planning. It suits a bright room where there is enough floor space and vertical support for mature growth.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Swiss Cheese Plant prefers bright, indirect light between 150 and 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Strong filtered exposure supports larger leaves and mature fenestrations.

• Place it 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window.
• Choose a location where the foliage has no direct view of the sky. Filter unavoidable sun with a sheer curtain.
• Direct sunlight may scorch broad leaves. Low light can slow growth and produce smaller, less divided foliage.
• Use a PAR meter or PAR meter app to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).

Watering

Water Swiss Cheese Plant after the topsoil becomes dry to the touch. The deeper mix can remain lightly moist, but it should never stay waterlogged.

• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water when available.
• Apply water across the surface until it flows through the drainage holes. A container with drainage holes is essential for healthy roots.
• Let excess water escape completely before returning the pot to a saucer or decorative planter. Constantly wet soil may cause root rot, while long dry periods can create brown, crispy leaf edges.
• Water considerably less in winter because active growth slows and the soil takes longer to dry.

Soil

Swiss Cheese Plant needs a chunky, well-drained medium with air around the roots. Amend 2 parts organic all-purpose potting mix with 1 part Bark and 1 part Biochar.

• For a complete DIY blend, mix 1 part Coir, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Bark, and 1 part Biochar.
• Add a top dressing of Worm Castings after potting.

Feeding

Feed Swiss Cheese Plant with an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Apply the recommended dilution to moist soil. Avoid overfeeding, which can stress the roots, and stop routine applications during the slower winter period.

Temperature & humidity

Maintain a temperature range of 65 to 85 °F / 18 to 29 °C. Swiss Cheese Plant prefers humidity between 50 and 60%. Stable warmth and moderate humidity support broad leaves, while cold drafts and dry vent air can damage foliage.

What to expect

Swiss Cheese Plant takes about 2 to 3 years to mature. Indoors, it can reach 6 to 8 ft / 1.8 to 2.4 m tall and spread 6 ft / 1.8 m. Its climbing growth needs space and support as it develops.

Varieties & cultivars

• M. deliciosa ‘Borsigiana’: This smaller, more compact form has fenestrated leaves like the standard Swiss Cheese Plant. Its size is easier to manage indoors.
• M. deliciosa ‘Variegata’: White or cream patches break up the green foliage. It needs more light than the standard form to help maintain its variegation.
• M. adansonii ‘Narrow Form’: Smaller, delicate leaves have especially clear holes. Also called Swiss Cheese Vine, it can trail or climb indoors.
• M. obliqua: Extremely thin, lace-like leaves contain large holes. This rare plant needs high humidity and close attention indoors.
• M. deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’: Creamy-white markings resemble scattered stars. It develops more slowly than the standard M. deliciosa.