Do Swiss Cheese Plants Like Humidity? A Complete Care GuideSwiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera adansonii are popular houseplants known for their iconic split and holed leaves. But one aspect of care that is crucial for these tropical beauties is humidity. So do Swiss cheese plants like humidity? The answer is a resounding yes!
In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about providing the right humidity levels to keep your Swiss cheese plant healthy and thriving indoors.
The Humidity Needs of Swiss Cheese PlantsSwiss cheese plants hail from the humid rainforests of Central and South America In their native environment, humidity levels average around 80% Replicating similar conditions in your home is key to their growth and overall health.
Luckily, Swiss cheese plants are fairly adaptable and can tolerate average household humidity of 40-50%. But for optimal results, aim for 55-70% humidity if possible. This helps prevent issues like:
- Crispy, brown leaf edges
- Curled or wrinkled leaves
- Slow growth
- Sparse foliage
- Lack of fenestrations (holes)
Too little humidity creates stress, whereas higher humidity keeps their large leaves lush and beautiful. The increased moisture also mimics their preferred tropical climate.
5 Ways to Increase Humidity for Swiss Cheese Plants
Fortunately, there are easy and effective techniques to provide the humidity boost your Swiss cheese plant craves. Here are 5 simple ideas:
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Use a humidifier – Run a cool mist or ultrasonic humidifier nearby to maintain humidity around 55-60%. Avoid placing it directly beside your plant.
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Group plants together – The transpiration from multiple plants creates a natural humid microclimate.
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Mist frequently – A quick daily misting with plain water can perk up parched leaves when humidity is low.
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Pebble tray – Place pebbles and water in a tray, then set your pot on top. Evaporation creates a humidity boost.
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Move to a bathroom – Bathrooms tend to be more humid. Situate your plant on the counter away from drafts.
Troubleshooting Low Humidity Issues
If your Swiss cheese plant displays signs of low humidity stress like brown crispy leaves, slower growth, or lack of fenestrations, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Increase misting frequency
- Add a humidifier or pebble tray
- Move to a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen
- Avoid cold drafts from AC vents, heaters, or open windows
You should see improvement within a few weeks. Just be sure not to overwater, as soggy soil can mimic humidity stress.
The Takeaway
Originating in steamy tropical rainforests, Swiss cheese plants relish humidity levels between 55-70%. Low humidity causes leaf damage, slow growth, and other issues. Luckily, cornerstone care strategies like humidifiers, pebble trays, and frequent misting can easily increase moisture in the air. Pay attention for signs of humidity stress and make adjustments to provide your Swiss cheese plant the humid environment it loves!
Measuring Up: Getting the Numbers Right
Hygrometers are the MVPs in the humidity game. Theyre not just fancy coasters; these gadgets give you the lowdown on your airs moisture content. Digital models are your best bet for precision. Place them near your Swiss Cheese Plant but out of the treacherous path of direct sunlight and drafts that could skew the readings.
Local Humidity and Your Plant
Your home is a patchwork of microclimates. Different rooms can feel like separate continents in terms of humidity. Use a hygrometer to scout out the perfect spot for your plant. If its too dry, consider a humidifier; too moist, and its time to crack a window. Remember, your plants comfort zone is a humidity sweet spot—not a swamp, not a desert.
Do Monstera Like Humidity? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
Do Swiss cheese plants like high humidity?
Swiss Cheese Plants, or Monsteras, are humidity aficionados, thriving in that sweet spot of 50-70% relative humidity. This range mimics their natural tropical habitat, allowing them to flourish indoors.
Do Swiss cheese plants need to be misted?
So mist the leaves regularly or stand the pot in a saucer over a larger tray containing moist gravel – as the water evaporates, it will moisten the air.
Do Swiss cheese plants like full sun?
In its native environment, a Swiss cheese plant grows beneath a canopy of large trees. This means it prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Do cheese plants like humidity?
The Cheese Plant is a tropical houseplant; thus, we need to try and replicate tropical conditions to help our plants adjust to our ‘normal’ conditions. One of these factors are humidity. The average humidity is around 40% which is normal humidity levels, however, it will prefer a more humid environment if you can supply it.
How much sunlight does a Swiss cheese plant need?
The Swiss Cheese Plant enjoys a bright to medium sunlight that is filtered or indirect. Filtered sunlight can refer to sunlight being filtered through a sheer curtain whereby the sun’s rays cannot hit your Monsteras leaves directly, leading to problems such as sunburn. We recommend placing your Swiss Cheese Plant about 7 feet away from a window.
How do you know if a Swiss cheese plant is healthy?
Check leaves for pests, specifically white fuzzies (mealybugs), red bugs with webbing (spider mites), and flying bugs (fungus gnats). Look for new leaf growth. New leaves are a sign of a healthy plant. Feel the stems for mushiness. Mushy stems are a strong indicator of root rot. Any container with drainage holes will do for a Swiss cheese plant.
How should I care for a Swiss cheese plant?
Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s important to choose a spot that receives bright light but is not in direct sun. Water your Swiss cheese plant when the top inch of soil is dry and allow it to drain before putting it back in its pot.
Why is my Swiss cheese plant not growing?
If your Swiss cheese plant’s leaves start to drop off, or are not putting on size at a normal rate, this may be a sign of too little light exposure. This plant likes bright but indirect sunlight. If indirect light is not an option, then bright morning sunlight is preferable to bright afternoon sunlight.
How do Swiss cheese plants grow?
Swiss cheese plants are vigorous climbers, with aerial roots growing downward from the stem, which brace against the ground or any available support. In the wild, it will use these roots to push itself up onto an adjoining tree or woody vine.