Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

Bright indirect light is ideal for Monstera deliciosa.

An east facing window or a position away from harsh afternoon sunshine works well.

Some shade is tolerated, but very low light may slow growth and reduce the number of splits and holes in new leaves.

Introduce stronger light gradually to avoid scorching the foliage. A suitable grow light can help in darker rooms.

Water Monstera deliciosa when the upper few centimetres of compost have dried.

Give the growing mix a thorough drink and allow excess moisture to drain away. Avoid leaving the pot standing in water.

Larger plants may use more moisture during active growth, while winter watering is usually less frequent.

Check the compost rather than following a fixed schedule. The aim is to avoid both prolonged waterlogging and repeated severe dryness.

Swiss Cheese Plant sits around the middle of our Tap Water Diva scale.

Ordinary UK tap water is generally suitable, although mineral deposits can build up in particularly hard water areas.

Rainwater is a useful alternative if you prefer.

Good drainage and a consistent watering routine are usually more important than using special water.

Swiss Cheese Plant appreciates moderate humidity but generally adapts well to ordinary household conditions.

Very dry air can contribute to brown leaf edges, especially during winter when central heating is running.

A humidifier may help in particularly dry rooms, but regular misting isn't essential. Keep the plant away from radiators and provide good airflow.

Monstera deliciosa prefers temperatures around 18 to 27°C.

Aim to keep it above 15°C, especially during winter. Cold conditions can slow growth and increase the risk of root problems.

Avoid draughty doors, cold windowsills and direct heat from radiators. A warm, reasonably stable position is ideal.

Swiss Cheese Plant prefers an airy growing mix that retains some moisture while draining freely.

Peat free houseplant compost combined with perlite or pumice and orchid bark is a good choice.

The roots need access to air, particularly as the plant develops into a larger specimen.

Avoid dense compost that stays saturated, and always use a pot with drainage holes.

Monstera deliciosa benefits from regular feeding while actively growing.

Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser, following the manufacturer's dilution and frequency instructions.

Newly repotted plants may already have sufficient nutrients in their compost.

Reduce feeding in autumn and pause during winter if growth stops. Extra fertiliser won't replace suitable light or healthy roots.

Repot when the roots need more space, the growing mix has deteriorated or the plant has become unstable.

Spring is a good time. Choose a sturdy pot slightly larger than the existing one, with drainage holes and fresh airy compost.

Larger Monsteras can become top heavy, so consider whether a stronger climbing support is needed.

Avoid unnecessarily disturbing healthy roots and keep the main stem at its original planting depth.

Swiss Cheese Plant can be pruned when it becomes too large or develops damaged growth.

Use clean secateurs to cut the main stem just above a healthy node if you want to shorten it. New shoots may develop from the remaining stem.

Remove completely yellow or dead leaves when needed.

Healthy stem sections containing nodes can be saved for propagation. Wear gloves, as the sap may irritate skin.

Those large, glossy Monstera leaves can collect quite a bit of dust.

Use a soft, slightly damp cloth or our Microfibre Houseplant Dusting Gloves to gently wipe both sides, supporting the leaf as you work.

Pay attention to the areas around splits and holes, but avoid tearing the foliage.

There's no need for leaf shine products. Cleaning is also a good opportunity to check for pests.

Monstera deliciosa can be propagated from stem cuttings containing at least one healthy node.

Use clean scissors or secateurs to take a suitable cutting. Root it in water, moist sphagnum moss or an airy propagation mix.

Keep it warm with bright indirect light until healthy roots develop, then pot it into a suitable growing medium.

A leaf without a node won't produce a new plant, so check where you're cutting before removing anything.

Spring

Longer days encourage fresh growth, with new leaves often appearing more regularly.

Spring is a good time to repot if needed, add a climbing support or take stem cuttings.

Resume feeding as growth becomes active and adjust watering as the compost dries more quickly.

Summer

Warmth and brighter days usually bring the strongest growth.

Keep your Monstera in bright indirect light, checking moisture regularly as new leaves develop.

Feed during active growth and gently guide climbing stems onto their support. Protect foliage from harsh afternoon sunshine.

Autumn

Growth usually slows as daylight decreases.

Reduce watering as the compost takes longer to dry, and ease back on feeding.

Check that large leaves aren't resting against cold window glass and that climbing supports remain secure.

Winter

Monstera deliciosa remains evergreen, although growth can slow considerably during winter.

Keep it warm with suitable light and water less frequently as the compost dries more slowly.

Pause feeding if growth stops. Avoid cold draughts and overly wet compost.

Leaves Without Splits or Holes

Usually associated with immaturity or insufficient light. Give the plant time and suitable growing conditions.

Yellowing Leaves

May result from excess moisture, poor drainage, damaged roots or natural ageing.

Brown Leaf Edges

Can develop from prolonged dryness, dry air or root problems.

Drooping Foliage

Check compost moisture, roots and temperature before watering.

Long Stems with Small Leaves

Often associated with insufficient light or a lack of climbing support.

Brown or Bleached Patches

May develop after intense direct sunshine or physical damage.

New Leaves Not Opening

Can result from moisture stress, dry air or pest damage. Avoid forcing them open.

Black or Soft Stems

May indicate rot, particularly when the compost remains waterlogged.

Fine Speckling or Silvery Marks

May indicate spider mites or thrips. Inspect the leaf undersides.

No New Growth

Often normal during winter. Check light, temperature and root health if growth remains slow in warmer months.

Swiss Cheese Plant can occasionally attract thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects.

Check the undersides of leaves, along the stems and around new growth. Thrips can cause silvery patches and dark spots, while spider mites leave fine speckling or webbing.

Mealybugs appear as white cottony patches, and scale insects resemble small attached bumps.

If you find pests, isolate the plant and identify the problem before choosing a suitable treatment.

Swiss Cheese Plant is harmful if eaten and toxic to cats and dogs.

It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth, tongue and throat. Sap may also irritate sensitive skin.

Keep the plant away from pets and young children, particularly as its leaves and stems become larger.

Wear gloves when pruning if needed. If a pet eats any part, contact your vet. If a child swallows some, seek medical advice.