The Swiss cheese plant is one of the most interesting plants in the fauna. The leaves seem that if someone has cut them in the middle. So if you have extra space in your home to grow a plant, you can have a Swiss cheese plant. Further, it grows very tall if it attains maturity. Plus it is also a climbing shrub, so it grows around support.
Further, this plant is native to rainforests in South America. It is a type of flowering plant that is grown indoors for its amazing foliage. If you need a plant to be a focal point in a room, choose a Swiss cheese plant. Continue reading to know all the details of the plant.
What is so special about Swiss cheese plant leaves?
The leaves of the Swiss cheese plants have cuts and holes. These holes help the plants to survive in their natural habitat, the rainforests. The strong winds and heavy rains always come in the rainforest, so plants like Swiss cheese can live in these regions because of the leaves.
So the plant is easy to care for and also maintain. But you don’t need to spend much time caring for the plant because it is naturally very robust. You just need to provide the right environment for the plant to survive.
How to grow and care for Swiss Cheese plants?
- Aerial roots
The Swiss Cheese plants have aerial roots that support the plant growth. The roots hang from the stem, and you have to push these into the compost. You have to have a moss stick to support its growth. Also, this will help the plant to grow tall.
- Growth of the plant
The Swiss Cheese plant is also known as Monstera deliciosa. It is grown indoors because of its lush green and glossy foliage. There are a lot of similarities between the palm tree leaves and the Swiss Cheese plant. The plant’s heart-shaped leaves will grow as full leaves, but when it grows, the slits in the leaves will form.
Further, in its natural habitat, the plant grows flowers. The flowers are whitish colored spathe type and have spadix in the center. But it can be hard to see the flowers if it grows in our homes.
Also, the plant grows fruit. After the flowers bloom the fruits grow. They can be eaten if they are ripe. The plant is known as deliciosa as it offers delicious fruits. It is the same as a sweetcorn cone.
If you have a large room the plants look splendid in it. You can use a moss stick for the plants to grow tall. It will beautify any room with its amazing growth. If you don’t have enough time to make the materials, moss poles are available online. So using a moss pole is a better option.
How much should you water the Swiss cheese plant?
The Swiss cheese plants are satisfied with little water. You need not water them daily unless and until they need it. Only water them if their roots are really dry. Ensure the nursery pot off the plant has lots of drainage holes. This is important because there should not be any excess water in the pot. The plants must not be soggy because the roots rot.
How much light does the plant need?
The Swiss cheese plant is used to the little lights in the jungle because it grows under the tree. So the ideal spot for the plant in your home is where there is medium light. Do not position the plant in direct light. Plus, direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
If your home turns too dark, the distinctive cutouts in the leaves will not develop. They like to bathe a little in the sun too. But not in direct light. Therefore keep the plants in a place where they can get some sunlight.
What is the right temperature for the plant?
The plants usually thrive in tropical regions. So the plants like to live in moderate to high temperatures. The right temperature is between 15 and 30°C. The plants do not prefer draughty windows. But they do like some humidity. You can try to mist their leaves every day to keep them healthy.
When can you repot the plant?
The Swiss Cheese plants can grow stems and little white roots that aid them in growing around the trees. You can cut these roots, and it does not harm the plant. Plus, use a sturdy pot to maintain the growth spurts of the plant.
So when you spot the plant’s roots from it you can repot the plant in a bigger pot. It has to have multi-purpose compost.
How to show some love to the Swiss Cheese plant?
The Swiss Cheese plant can grow very well if you regularly maintain them. You can use a wet cloth to clean them if they get any dust. Your plants will always look shiny and neat if you do it frequently. After growing, they may droop, so you can use a supportive poll to avoid it. It helps the plants to stay tall and elegant. Plus, use liquid fertilizer to offer them a boost in the spring and summer. It helps the plant to get all the nutrition they need. Also, apply it once a month if you need a lush and sprawling plant.
What are the common problems in the Swiss Cheese Plant?
The Swiss Cheese plant can quickly become untidy after it matures. You can check it daily, so there are no issues. But if you spot the following issues, you have to act quickly.
- Yellow leaves
If your plant has a lot of yellow leaves, you may be over-watering it. You can limit water quantity if this happens.
- Brown tips
Due to low humidity and dry air, the plant leaves can turn brown.
- Leaves not getting slits
If there is insufficient light or fertilizer, the leaves will not form slits.
Conclusion
Swiss cheese plant care is easy if you follow the steps above. This indoor plant will serve as a great addition to your home.
Also read: Swiss Cheese Plant: How to Grow and Care
