Swiss Cheese Plant

Most of us would have come across the shiny, leathery foliage plant known by its common name, “Swiss cheese plant”. Botanically it is known as   Monstera deliciosa.  It brings a huge positive difference to the room it is set in through the creative décor. The plant is native to the tropical regions of North and South America. Though it’s a woody vine, it can easily be customized as a house plant with little care. The heart shaped leaves develop holes as the plant grows, that’s why the name “Swiss – Cheese “. The process of developing such holed is called fenestration.

Swiss Cheese Plant – Specification

Common Name                      : Swiss cheese plant, Swiss cheese vine,

Botanical Name                    : Monstera Deliciosa

Soil Condition                      : Preferred  acidic

Nature of Potting       : Moist , but well drained

Origin                        : Tropical regions of Central & South America

Hardiness Zone                    : 10-12 USDA

Toxicity                                 : Toxic to pets

How hard it is to care Swiss Cheese Plant ?

• First of all, Swiss Cheese plant is quite easy to care and be grown as house plant.
• The plant is damn easy to care for, and it loves to climb. The plant has aerial roots growing downward from the stem, which lean against the ground or any available support. In the wild, it will use these roots to push itself up onto an adjoining tree or woody vine.

Light :

This plant thrives well in bright, indirect light. That’s why it’s found in abundance under huge trees in the wild and the foliage can easily burn if it’s exposed to too much direct sun. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, limit the exposure not above few hours, preferably the morning sun.

Soil :

They grow well in potting mix with rich of peat mix. This helps to   in trapping moisture in the soil, at the same time not allowing water –logging. The most favorable soil pH for Swiss cheese plant is 5.5-7.0, which means it prefers acidic soil

Water

Swiss cheese plants prefers to be consistently moist but not soaked. As long as the top 2 inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water the plant. But always ensure that water doesn’t stagnate which is more detrimental than non-watering the plant.

Temperature and Humidity:

These plants prefer highly humid and warm environment. Any place with a temperature of 40 deg.C & and humidity level of above 50 % will be very favorable for the Swiss cheese plant to thrive and succeed. For a houseplant, if you feel the humidity level is not sufficient, you may go for humidifier installed at home.

Fertilizer :

Give at least six months’ time after potting the plant, to fertilize it, as potting mix already has slow-release fertilizer in it. After starting the first dose of fertilizer, you can get it done every month with liquid fertilizer, half diluted.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

The Swiss cheese plants get attacked by the following pests ..

• Mealy bugs
• Spider mites
• Scale
• Whitefly

Fortunately, these pests are not really fatal and are easily treatable with a nontoxic insecticide or neem oil . However one should be careful to identify some common diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and blight.

Common Problems With Swiss Cheese Plant :

Though all Swiss cheese plants can exhibit the problems mentioned below, they are seldom found in the plants grown in wild as they really thrive under favorable environmental conditions. However as house plants, few of them develop certain issues. Some of the major ones have been brought hereunder.

Leaves Turning Yellow

The major cause for the above issue is nothing but overwatering. Make sure the plant is never under soggy conditions, and allow it to slightly dry out between watering. Never allow water to get logged near  the roots.

Leaves Turning Black

• It could be sign of burn out on account of direct sunlight.
• Ensure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight. If it’s not possible , the plant may be placed in such a way that it’s not exposed to more than 2 hours of morning sun

Confusion about who’s is who of Swiss Cheese ( Monstera) Plant :

The plant category, or genus, is called Monstera,.  But several different species of Monstera go by the same common name of “Swiss cheese plant” as detailed here below.

Monstera Deliciosa :

It has long-lobed leaves and elongated holes. However the young leaves may not have these holes and the holes get developed as the plant grows older..

Monstera Epipremnoides :

This looks almost identical except its leaves change from having holes to long slashes through the outer edges. 

Monstera adansonii :

It has heart-shaped leaves with holes. Regardless of which species you buy, they’re all beautiful, easy-care plants with similar need.

Is “Swiss Cheese Plant” safe for pets ? :

• Swiss cheese plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to pets.
• If the pets like cats and dogs consume them , it lead to irriation of mouth , lips and tongue and may lead to vomiting and drooling with difficulty in swallowing .
•  Avoid them near the Swiss cheese plant

Propagating Swiss Cheese Plant :

The most common and easiest way of propagation is through stem cuttings

• This is not just an inexpensive way to get new plants. It has two additional advantages.
• The new plant is made from the stem in a faster way.
• Also the stems which are regularly removed from the mother plant are put into good use, for propagation of plant

Methodology :

• Trim off around 6-inch piece of stem, cutting just after a leaf node.
• Plant the cut stem in moistened potting mix in a small container with drainage holes. Place it in a warm spot with brightly lit area, free from direct sunlight.
• Continue to keep the growing medium lightly moist. The roots sprout in few months’ time, after which it can be transferred to a larger pot/container.

How to Grow Swiss Cheese Plant From Seed?

• To grow these type of Swiss cheese plants from seeds, sow t the seeds  in a shallow tray filled with a moistened mix.
• Lightly cover the seeds with the growing medium and start watering them without water-logging.
•  Mist the growing medium to keep it lightly moist on a continuous basis.
• The seeds will germinate in a few weeks. The seedlings should be large enough for transplanting in a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

Is Swiss cheese plant poisonous to humans?

• Consumption in small quantities would lead to irritation of mouth, lips , vomiting. However if ingested in large quantities, seek medical help immediately as they are poisonous and have calcium oxalate crystals.

Do Swiss cheese plants purify air?

• It would be able to remove the toxins and chemical in the air around us.

Is Swiss cheese plant good for indoors?

• Monstera deliciosa prefers high humidity, but it will adapt fine to dry indoor conditions. Dry conditions can be compensation by the installation of humidifier.

Is Monstera plant good for home?

• Its glossy, Swiss-cheese like leaves add to the décor of the home.

Is Swiss cheese plant edible?

• The plant is also called “Fruit Salad Plant” as the taste resembles that of  Strawberry, banana, mango, guava, passion fruit and pineapple. Hence this name.

Swiss cheese plant toxic to children?

• Swiss cheese plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which when ingested by pets or children can cause irritation of the mouth and tongue and difficulty swallowing.