Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera deliciosa

The Monstera is an iconic tropical plant with large, split leaves.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

18–30 °C

How to care for your Swiss Cheese Plant

Everything you need to keep your Swiss Cheese Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Monstera deliciosa, native to the tropical forests of Central America, is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. Its large, glossy green leaves with characteristic holes earn it the nickname "Swiss cheese plant". Easy to care for, it tolerates some lack of water and adapts to different light conditions. It can reach several meters in height indoors and grows quickly in summer.

Watering your Swiss Cheese Plant

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly until drainage runs clear, then allow the top 3–4 cm of substrate to dry out before watering again.

How to know it needs water

Soil dry 3–4 cm deep
Slightly drooping or less turgid leaves

How much light a Swiss Cheese Plant needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon exposure.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Medium to high (50–70%) Mist foliage regularly or place on a pebble tray with water to maintain adequate humidity.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly from March to October; withhold entirely in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced NPK liquid fertilizer · 5-2-3

Repotting your Swiss Cheese Plant

Every 24 months

Repot into a container 2–3 cm larger using a well-draining aroid substrate (perlite, orchid bark, potting mix).

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Noticeably slowed growth despite good care
Substrate drying out within a day or two of watering

Pruning your Swiss Cheese Plant

Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at any time of year. Cut cleanly at the base of the petiole with sterilised scissors or a sharp blade.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs (oral irritation and drooling due to calcium oxalate raphides); mildly irritating to humans.

Good to know

The holes in its leaves help it resist strong winds in the wild
Can produce edible fruits similar to pineapple

Frequently asked questions about the Swiss Cheese Plant

How do you care for a Swiss Cheese Plant?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 18–30 °C. Water thoroughly until drainage runs clear, then allow the top 3–4 cm of substrate to dry out before watering again.

How often should you water a Swiss Cheese Plant?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly until drainage runs clear, then allow the top 3–4 cm of substrate to dry out before watering again. How to know it needs water : Soil dry 3–4 cm deep ; Slightly drooping or less turgid leaves.

How much light does a Swiss Cheese Plant need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon exposure. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Swiss Cheese Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic to cats and dogs (oral irritation and drooling due to calcium oxalate raphides); mildly irritating to humans. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Swiss Cheese Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Swiss Cheese Plant?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a container 2–3 cm larger using a well-draining aroid substrate (perlite, orchid bark, potting mix).