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Bettesworth Construction
houseplant care

How to Grow and Care for a Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

Grow Monstera deliciosa in bright indirect light, water after its medium nearly dries, and support its climbing stems. Learn about warmth, propagation and plant safety.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read

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For a Swiss cheese plant identified as Monstera deliciosa, the essentials are bright, indirect light, warm conditions, and watering only after the growing medium has nearly dried. Give this tropical climber a pot that drains freely and sturdy support as it grows. The common name is also used for Monstera adansonii, so check the nursery label before relying on species-specific advice.

Identify the plant before choosing its care

“Swiss cheese plant” most often means Monstera deliciosa, the species covered here, but the name is also applied to Monstera adansonii. Check the plant label or confirm its identity with the seller if it is unclear; care recommendations can differ by species. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) distinguishes the two in its Swiss cheese plant growing guide.

Choose a bright, indirect-light position

Place M. deliciosa where it receives bright, filtered or indirect light. An east- or west-facing window, or a brighter room set back from the window, can work, but the best position depends on the light in your home. Avoid assuming that one compass direction is right in every season or room: Wisconsin Extension gives seasonal placement guidance, while the RHS recommends bright indirect light. A dim corner may not provide the brightness this plant prefers, and harsh direct sun can be unsuitable.

As the plant grows, allow space for its leaves and climbing stems. Its position should balance usable indirect light with room for the plant and its support.

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Keep it warm and provide moderate humidity

Monstera deliciosa is tropical and does best in warm conditions. The RHS gives a range of 18–25°C in its growing guide and 18–24°C in its species profile. These recommendations differ slightly, so treat them as practical guidance rather than a single universal cutoff.

Moderate humidity is suitable; the RHS notes that the plant also enjoys humid air. The sources do not establish a specific humidity percentage that every home must maintain.

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Water by checking the growing medium, not the calendar

Let the compost or potting medium become almost dry, then water thoroughly. Allow excess water to drain away, and do not leave the pot standing in water: prolonged waterlogging can rot the roots. Wisconsin Extension likewise advises allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

There is no reliable one-size-fits-all weekly schedule in these recommendations. How quickly a pot dries depends on its light, room temperature, growing medium and container, so check the medium before watering rather than following a fixed interval.

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Use a suitable medium and feed during active growth

The RHS recommends peat-free, loam-based compost for M. deliciosa. Whatever medium you use, make sure the container can drain freely so water does not remain around the roots. The RHS species profile also recommends balanced liquid fertilizer monthly while the plant is in growth. Follow the fertilizer product’s own directions; a monthly recommendation does not establish one universal dose for every formulation.

Give the climbing stems sturdy support

This is a climbing plant with aerial roots. A sturdy pole or stake gives stems something to grow against; North Carolina State Extension says sturdy support is necessary to help prevent stems from breaking. Secure the stems gently rather than tightly, and check their ties as the plant grows. A pole helps manage its climbing habit, but does not replace suitable light, watering or drainage.

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Propagate with a cutting that includes a node

The RHS lists seed, root-tip cuttings and stem cuttings as propagation options. For a practical houseplant stem cutting, choose a section that includes a viable node, the point on the stem from which growth can emerge. The cited sources do not establish a dependable fixed rooting time, so avoid treating any particular number of days or weeks as guaranteed.

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Keep the plant away from children and pets

The RHS warns that Swiss cheese plants are poisonous and advises wearing gloves when handling them and keeping them away from children and pets. North Carolina State Extension also identifies a toxic principle in M. deliciosa. Do not treat the plant or its fruit as safe to eat based on these care sources.

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Sources

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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