Indoors, the plant has a moderate growth rate and can grow in height about 1 to 2 feet a year. Its naturally glossy large heart-shaped leaves have a characteristic split. You’ll also spot intricate aerial roots growing out of the soil which benefit the plant by supporting the stems that hold leaves that can grow to 3 feet long. Plant outdoors in the right zone at any time during the year and it will also produce tannish-cream flowers pollinated by bees and edible juicy fruit with the combined flavor of pineapple and banana. However, fruiting is not common in houseplants. This beautiful plant can be toxic to pets.
Light
This evergreen prefers bright, indirect sunlight in temperatures that remain consistently between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much direct light in warmer months may burn the foliage. Still, set indoor plants outside at least once a year in direct sunlight to encourage lush growth. Outdoors, the Swiss cheese plant can grow in the full shade of deep woodlands and semi-shade of light woodlands.
Soil
When established in a container, it requires peat-based potting media. Outdoors, it is suitable for light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with acid or neutral pH. Even so, it thrives most in well-drained, moderately moist soil.
Water
Give the plant regular waterings during the growing season every one to two weeks. Water until excess drains through drainage holes. Do not put the excess water back into the plant’s container because the plant has taken all the water it needs. The soil will need to dry out slightly in between waterings. Water only occasionally in fall and winter. To increase humidity indoors, mist the foliage using a spray bottle of demineralized water or rainwater.
Fertilizer
Choose a balanced liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer to feed the plant every few weeks during the growing season. Dilute 1/2 teaspoon of the fertilizer in a gallon of water. Use the diluted fertilizer in place of a regular watering. Pour the mixture into the soil until it begins to flow out of the drainage holes. Throw out the excess diluted fertilizer because the plant has taken what it needs and cannot use the extra that it drains off.
Pruning
Trim aerial roots if they get too unruly for the space, though tucking them back into the pot is preferred. Unlike some other houseplants, their roots do not damage surfaces. Stems and leaves respond well to trimming, and they can be used for propagation.
Propagating Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa can be easily propagated by stem cuttings from pruning. However, the most popular method of propagating Monstera deliciosa is air layering. Here are the steps for both methods: To propagate with stem cuttings: To propagate with air layering: Air layering is a preferred low-risk method because you’re not making a cut in the mother plant until the baby is ready to be put in a pot with its new roots. The mother plant may not look attractive for a while, but it’s worth it to get a healthy new plant. For this method, you’ll need floral or sphagnum moss, a plastic bag or plastic wrap, and twist ties.
Potting and Repotting Monstera Deliciosa
Every two years or so, the Swiss cheese plant will likely outgrow its pot. Transplant into a pot a few inches wider and deeper to accommodate growth. This plant prefers well-draining porous pots, such as terracotta or clay, because they like airflow and drainage, however, any material pot with drainage holes will do. Pot the plant using these simple steps:
Common Pests
Wiping dust or debris off leaves with a damp sponge or paper towel will keep the plant clean and avoidant of pests. However, common pests that can invade the plant include sap-sucking mealybugs, aphids (plant lice), tiny cigar-shaped thrips, scale insects, and spider mites. If any are found on the foliage, spray the plant with a direct water stream. Leaves can also be washed with insecticidal soap.
Common Problems of Monstera Deliciosa
Though it’s a somewhat easy-going houseplant, the Swiss cheese plant can cause a few headaches. But once you figure out the cause of why your plant looks a little sickly, it can recover well.
Browning Tips
If the tips of the leaves are turning brown, that usually means the soil could be dry or you need to consistently water the plant on a schedule to keep it moist. Remove the affected leaves. If there’s a yellow halo around the brown spots or tips, that means your plant has contracted a fungus. The fungus likely got there because of overwatering or keeping the plant in overly wet soil for too long. Remove the affected leaves and let the plant dry out a bit before watering.
Yellow Leaves
Yellowing leaves is an indication of dry soil. The oldest leaves on the plant will turn yellow first. Remove the affected leaves. Check the soil and if it’s bone dry, give it a good watering.
Wilting Leaves
If you see wilting leaves, there’s a watering issue, as well. The plant is either overwatered or underwatered. If it’s overwatered, the plant could be suffering from root rot. Try taking the plant out of the pot to evaluate the roots. Clean the roots up, prune off mushy parts, and repot in new soil.
