Meet the Swiss Cheese Monstera
Part of the Monstera family, the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) is an easy-going houseplant that gets its name from its heart-shaped leaves, which resemble–you guessed it–Swiss cheese! This charming and vining plant originated in the rainforests of Central and South America, where they grow beneath the canopies of large trees. As always, the key to thriving houseplants is trying to mimic their natural environments. Click below for a printable care sheet.
What’s Wrong With My Swiss Cheese Plant?
Why are my Swiss cheese plant’s leaves turning yellow?
This is usually a sign of overwatering. If your plant is in a darker location, it will not need the same amount of water as one that is in a brighter location. The reason being, sunlight evaporates water; therefore, with more sunlight, more water that is evaporating. Space waterings out a little more, and make sure at least the top two inches of soil are dry before watering again. Using a moisture meter can also help determine whether your plant’s soil is too wet. However, if you aren’t overwatering your plant, yellowing leaves could just be that your plant is in need of fertilizer.
Does my Swiss cheese have root rot?
If your Swiss cheese has been overwatered for too long, it will eventually develop root rot. Whenever your plant’s leaves are rapidly turning yellow and wilting, you will want to act quickly. Take the plant out of its pot and gently remove all of the soil from around its roots. Roots that are rotten will look brown and mushy, and should be cut off with a pair of pruners that have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol first. Then, repot your Swiss cheese in new soil. This pruning will likely shock the plant, and it may still die; however, it will have a better chance at recovering than if it continued to sit in soggy soil. Don’t worry. Being a plant owner is a learning experience! You win some, you lose some.
If your roots still look healthy, you should still repot with new soil. This way, the plant will not be sitting in soggy soil where root rot can still eventually develop. Then, make some adjustments to your watering schedule. You should see improvement, such as new growth, if you make the right changes.
Why are my Swiss cheese’s leaves turning brown?
If your Swiss cheese isn’t getting enough water, its leaves will begin to turn brown as the plant begins to completely dry out. This can also happen to the plant if it becomes too root bound and needs to be repotted, if it is fertilized too often, or if its leaves are being sunburnt.
Why isn’t my Swiss cheese plant growing?
In order to grow, a Swiss cheese plant needs the right amount of sun, water, and fertilizer. It also needs to be in a planter where it has room to grow, as being root bound can also cause the plant’s growth to slow. However, it is normal for these plants to slow down during the cooler months, as this is their dormant period. Do not fertilize during this time. If it slows down during the warmer months, check to make sure the plant is getting the care it needs. If it is, just be patient.
Why doesn’t my Swiss cheese plant’s leaves have holes?
This could simply be the cause of an immature plant, but if the plant’s environment is too shady, it will also cease to produce its characteristic holes.
Do you have a Swiss cheese plant? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram at @bloomingwithmeghan!