Meet the Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant | Monstera deliciosa
How do you know it’s me?:
I am typically found as a houseplant in much of the United States, but can grow outdoors in hot, humid areas (like southern Florida).
I have a thick stem covered in leaf scars, with long cord-like roots branching off that attach to tree trunks and branches. Some of my roots also grow downward from my stem, rooting when they reach the ground.
My leaves are large (sometimes 18” wide), glossy, heart-shaped, and deeply-lobed, developing perforations with age (like holes in swiss cheese).
My mature leaves have a visible junction where the leaf meets the petiole.
My flowers are 8”-12” long and white, cupped by a boat-shaped bract (called a spathe).
I produce delicious fruit within large cone-like structures.
How big do I grow?: 6’ - 8’ tall and wide in most indoor environments, but can reach 70’ tall in the wild.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Part shade. In an indoor environment, bright, indirect light is recommended.
Where I prefer to put my roots: I like rich, moist, well-drained soils and ample humidity.
Hardiness: Zone 10-12
Original home: I am native to the rainforests of Central America (from southern Mexico to Panama).
Colors: I am a woody broadleaf evergreen.
When I bloom: Every couple of years. My blooms are large, white, and cylindrical and rarely occur on indoor plants.
Wildlife friends: Everyone enjoys my fruit.
Flora Fun Facts: I am named “deliciosa” for my edible fruit, which takes many months to ripen after flowering. It is sweet, with flavors similar to banana and pineapple, and high in potassium and vitamin C. Ripeness is detected when the scales on the fruit exterior begin to dry out and peel away. You can eat the pulp directly under this outer layer until you hit the inedible core. Be careful - the fruit still produces oxalic acid until it is fully ripe, causing intense irritation to the mouth and throat.
More Info: The Araceae family includes the Monstera species, as well as other popular houseplants like the Philodendron. The Monstera is aptly named for the size of its features - enormous, leathery leaves and a long white flower, giving way to a unique conical, hexagonally-scaled fruit.
The holes that appear in the leaves - called “fenestrations” theoretically exist to allow high winds to pass through these large leaves without tearing them.
In an outdoor environment, the Monstera tends to begin its growth terrestrially, becoming a climbing plant once it comes in contact with a tree.
All parts of the plant are poisonous except for the ripe fruit.
As a houseplant, the Monstera deliciosa stays more compact. When in opportune conditions, they can be fast growers requiring frequent repotting. Leaves should be regularly wiped free of dust, and brown leaf edges can be an indicator of low humidity. The leaves may even “sweat” if the plant’s soil is being kept too wet.
While the plant loves moisture, it is most successful when the top couple inches of soil is allowed to dry out between waterings, reducing the risk of root rot. The plant requires less water in winter than in the warmer months.
Due to its long stems and heavy leaves, supports are likely needed to prevent breakage. Indoors or out, this plant excels at bringing a bold, tropical texture to the home landscape.
