Monstera adansonii
Swiss cheese plants, native to Costa Rica, are a great choice for houseplant enthusiasts. With their unique, fan-shaped leaves and vining habit, they make a great addition to any home. Here’s how to care for your Swiss cheese plant so that it can thrive in your home.
The Swiss cheese plant needs bright but indirect light to stay healthy and happy. Place it in an area of your home that gets some morning or afternoon sun but not direct sunlight all day. It’s also important to rotate the plant every few weeks if possible so its growth doesn't become lopsided.
Soil should be well-draining with plenty of organic matter included. A potting mix containing perlite or sand works well as it ensures good drainage while still holding enough moisture for the plant's needs.
During spring and summer when the plant is actively growing, water the soil deeply until water runs out from the bottom of the pot once a week or whenever the top inch feels dry. During winter when growth slows down, reduce watering significantly; check if soil is dry before you water again. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes in order to prevent overwatering and root rot.
The ideal temperature range for Swiss cheese plants is 60-85°F (15-29°C) during daylight hours and 55-60°F (13-15°C) nights are best. They’re quite tolerant of lower humidity levels down around 30 percent relative humidity; higher levels will promote better growth and health but aren’t necessary as long as their environment isn’t too dry. To increase humidity, mist them lightly every few days or place a humidifier near them during drier months or at times of year when indoor heating is on more often than usual.
In general, fertilize your Swiss cheese plant every four weeks with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted at half strength during spring and summer when it's actively growing; fertilization isn't necessary in winter because growth slows down significantly during this time period.. Additionally, repotting the plant every two years is important because this provides fresh soil with more nutrients which will help boost its overall health and growth rate. Be aware that overfertilizing may cause foliage issues such as leafburn or discoloration of leaves due to nutrient overload; always follow instructions on fertilizer packaging closely to prevent these issues from occurring
