Swiss Cheese Plant Care
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera obliqua or Monstera deliciosa, is an easy to grow, vining plant that develops decorative holes in the larger leaves as the plant matures. Flowers form on long plant spikes wrapped with leaves, and the flowers develop over several months into fruit if the plant is grown outside. The Swiss cheese plant grows well in tropical zones and is usually kept as an indoor houseplant.
Soil
Plant the Swiss cheese plant in well-drained, non-acidic soil, such as a combination of two parts humus or leaf mold to one part peat moss to one part perlite or sand. African violet mix is also acceptable to the Swiss cheese plant. If planting outside, plant near the base of a tree and allow the vining habit of the plant take it up and around the tree trunk.
Water
Water with warm water just enough to keep the soil barely moist as the Swiss cheese plant prefers drier soil. Always pot this plant in pots with holes in the bottom to assure that any excess water drains from the roots and leaves the soil altogether. Even the smallest layer of soggy soil at the bottom of the planter can cause the Swiss cheese plant's roots to rot. Let the top layer of soil dry completely before watering again when the plant is kept indoors. If lower leaves begin to turn yellow, the plant is receiving too much water. Brown tips on any of the leaves indicate not enough water. Remove any discolored leaves and adjust the water level accordingly.
Fertilizer and Light
Apply a liquid fertilizer biweekly in spring and summer, especially if the plant is maintained indoors. Keep the Swiss cheese plant in a bright location indoors but out of direct sunlight. If planting outside, place the plant in the shade of a large tree to allow bright outdoor light to reach the plant without the burning of direct sun exposure.
Pruning
The Swiss cheese plant grows exceedingly tall. This upright habit is curtailed by trimming or entirely pruning off the primary vine stalk. However, pruning the main branch of the plant forces the plant to branch out to both sides, spreading the plant horizontally.
Cautions
Avoid eating the leaves of the Swiss cheese plant. While the fruit born by the plant is edible and by many accounts quite tasty, the leaves are poisonous and will burn the tissue of the mouth and throat if ingested.
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