The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a classic indoor statement plant. With its big glossy leaves and natural “holes”, it makes any room feel like a mini jungle – and it’s easier to care for than it looks.

This guide covers everything you need: light, watering, soil, support, pruning, common problems and simple styling ideas so your Swiss cheese plant thrives for years.

What Makes a Swiss Cheese Plant Special?

• Botanical name: Monstera deliciosa

• Type: Tropical climbing houseplant

• Growth habit: Fast-growing vine that climbs or trails

• Look: Large, heart-shaped leaves that develop splits and holes (fenestrations) as the plant matures

Treat it like what it is in the wild – a jungle climber that loves warmth, humidity, bright but filtered light and something to climb.

Light & Temperature Requirements

Swiss cheese plants aren’t super fussy, but the right light makes a big difference to leaf size and number of holes.

Best light:

• Bright, indirect light near an east or north-facing window

• A few feet back from a bright south or west window is also fine

Avoid:

• Harsh midday sun directly on the leaves (causes brown, scorched patches)

• Very dark corners – the plant will stretch and produce smaller, hole-less leaves

Signs it needs more light:

• Long, leggy stems reaching towards the window

• New leaves are small and don’t develop splits or holes

Ideal temperatures:

• Daytime: 18–27°C (65–80°F)

• Try not to let it drop below 15°C (59°F)

• Keep away from cold draughts, radiators and air-con blasts

If you need plants for trickier spots, you can also point readers to Low Maintenance Indoor Plants.

Watering Your Swiss Cheese Plant

Monsteras like slightly moist soil that’s allowed to dry a little between waterings – not soggy, not bone-dry.

Simple watering routine:

1. Check the top 3–4 cm of soil with your finger.
2. If it feels dry, water thoroughly.
3. Pour water slowly until some drains out of the bottom.
4. Empty the saucer so the roots never sit in water.

Rough guideline for most homes:

• Spring–summer: every 7–10 days

• Autumn–winter: every 2–3 weeks

Always adjust based on how quickly your mix dries.

Overwatering signs

• Yellowing lower leaves

• Mushy stems at the base

• Soil staying constantly wet and smelling sour

Best Soil, Pots & Repotting Tips

Swiss cheese plants like a soil mix that drains well but still holds some moisture – think chunky and airy.

Good potting mix recipe:

• 2 parts high-quality indoor plant or houseplant compost

• 1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)

• 1 part orchid bark or chunky coco chips

Choosing the pot:

• Always use a pot with drainage holes

• Heavy ceramic or terracotta pots help balance tall plants

• When repotting, size up by about 2–3 cm in diameter only

When to repot:

• Roots circling the surface or poking from drainage holes

• Water runs straight through without soaking in

• Plant looks congested and growth has slowed

Repot in spring if possible so the plant can recover quickly.

Supporting & Shaping Your Monstera

In the wild, Monsteras scramble up tree trunks. Giving them support indoors keeps them upright and encourages larger, more dramatic leaves.

Add a support

• Insert a moss pole, coir totem or sturdy bamboo stake into the pot

• Gently tie stems to the support with soft plant ties or string

• As aerial roots grow, they’ll grab onto the support and anchor the plant

Pruning & shaping tips

• Trim back leggy stems to a node to encourage branching

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves close to the stem

• You can root healthy cuttings in water or moist compost to grow new plants

Feeding & Humidity

Monsteras aren’t heavy feeders but do benefit from a light, regular feed in the growing season.

Fertiliser schedule:

• Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer

• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half the recommended strength

• Stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows

Humidity:

• They’re happiest in moderately humid air

• Group plants together, use a pebble tray or run a small humidifier if the air is very dry

• Occasional misting is fine, but won’t replace a proper humidity boost

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Yellow leaves

• Usually from overwatering or poor drainage

• Let the soil dry out more and check roots for rot if it continues

Brown, crispy edges

• Often underwatering, low humidity or too much direct sun

• Water a little more regularly and move it slightly away from harsh light

No holes in new leaves

• Young plants don’t fenestrate straight away

• Also check light – plants in low light often produce smaller, hole-less leaves

• Give them brighter indirect light and a support to climb

Black spots & mushy stems

• Can indicate root rot from being consistently waterlogged

• Remove affected roots and repot into fresh, airy mix

Are Swiss Cheese Plants Pet Safe?

Swiss cheese plants, like many aroids, contain calcium oxalate crystals. If eaten, they can irritate the mouth and digestive system of cats, dogs and humans.

• Keep them out of reach of curious pets and small children

• Wipe sap off skin if you get any on your hands while pruning

Final Thoughts on Swiss Cheese Plant Care

The Swiss cheese plant is the perfect mix of dramatic and forgiving. Give it:

• Bright, indirect light

• A chunky, well-draining soil mix

• Sensible watering (never constantly soggy)

• A pole or stake to climb

…and it will reward you with bigger and bigger leaves, full of those iconic “cheese holes”.

Whether you’re styling a jungle-inspired living room or just want one showpiece plant, a healthy Monstera deliciosa is hard to beat.

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