The iconic split-leaf houseplant — big, glossy, holey foliage that turns any bright corner into a jungle. Easy-going indoors and dramatic at scale.
At a glance
- Plant type: Indoor plant
- Mature size: 3 m tall
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Swiss Cheese Plant
Botanically, Monstera deliciosa is an fast-growing indoor plant in the Araceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Swiss Cheese Plant provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Swiss Cheese Plant is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Swiss Cheese Plant in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Swiss Cheese Plant in the garden
Swiss Cheese Plant earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Swiss Cheese Plant with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.