Few houseplants are both low-maintenance enough for gardening novices and still interesting for green thumb experts to experiment with, but the Swiss cheese monstera plant is beloved by all. Known for its holey, glossy leaves and tall growth, the tropical Monstera deliciosa makes for a stunning addition to any collection. Indoors, the growth will reach up to eight feet tall, but in the wild, these towering fronds can climb up to over 70 feet in ideal conditions—we recommend a support pole to aid in your plant’s vertical climb. Perfect if you only have a spare corner or side table, the Swiss cheese monstera plant can fill in any blank spots in your home decor.
Native to Central and South America, this monstera variety follows a similar care routine to other tropical floor plants, like the pothos or philodendron. But if you’re new to the care process for tropical plants, have no fear, the Swiss cheese monstera’s care routine is very forgiving. In warmer weather, a Swiss cheese monstera can even add life to your outdoor spaces, although we recommend keeping them in a pot or planter rather than directly in the ground, especially if you live in a drier environment—pots can help with water retention.
Even the most experienced houseplant grower may need some pointers on Swiss cheese plant care, and we’re here to help. Heres everything you need to know to make the most of your Swiss cheese plant’s growth.
The Swiss Cheese Plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is a wildly popular houseplant revered for its iconic, hole-filled leaves. With its striking appearance and relatively easy care, it’s no wonder so many plant enthusiasts want to add this tropical beauty to their home collections. But if you’re new to caring for the Swiss Cheese Plant, you may be wondering—just how big do these monsteras get? Read on for a complete growth guide.
Typical Mature Size
A fully mature Swiss Cheese Plant grows quite large, reaching heights of 8-10 feet (24-3 meters) tall and spreading 3-5 feet (09-1.5 meters) wide. However, with consistent pruning and training, it is possible to maintain a more compact size of around 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) tall. Proper care and adequate light are key to achieving your desired plant dimensions.
Growth Rate
The Swiss Cheese Plant is a relatively fast grower, especially during the first year after planting. In ideal conditions, this vigorous vine can put on 2-3 feet (0.6-09 meters) of growth per year As the plant matures, its growth rate gradually slows, directing energy toward developing a robust root system rather than upward expansion. But even larger, established specimens will continue extending 1-2 feet each year with proper care.
Factors Affecting Size
Several key factors influence the ultimate height and width of your Swiss Cheese Plant, Here’s an overview of what impacts monstera growth
-
Light: Bright, indirect light is essential for photosynthesis and growth. Direct sun can scorch leaves, so filtered or dappled light is best.
-
Water: Consistent moisture is crucial. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering stunts growth.
-
Fertilizer: Feeding with a balanced, houseplant-specific fertilizer during spring through fall spurs healthy expansion.
-
Pruning: Regular trimming controls size and shape. Removing dead stems encourages bushier new growth.
-
Temperature: Temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) are ideal. Avoid drafty areas or vents.
-
Support: A moss pole or stake lets the climbing vine grow upwards rather than outwards.
-
Pot Size: Limiting pot size can restrict root development and slow growth. Repotting in a larger container every 2-3 years prevents this.
Controlling Growth Through Pruning
Pruning is key for directing your Swiss Cheese Plant’s growth and maintaining its size and shape. Here are some tips:
-
Trim wayward stems back to a leaf node to encourage bushier habits.
-
Snip off dead or damaged leaves and stems to optimize health.
-
Cut back leggy growth to keep the plant compact and full.
-
Thin congested foliage to improve air circulation and light exposure.
Regular pruning ensures your monstera reaches its best potential for your growing space. Invest in a comfortable pair of bypass pruners and maintain vigor with strategic trimming.
Troubleshooting Issues Affecting Growth
Despite proper care, Swiss Cheese Plants can still encounter problems that impair growth. Here are some common issues and fixes:
-
Leggy growth: Increase light exposure and prune back stems.
-
Few new leaves: Fertilize regularly and water adequately.
-
Small leaves: Provide brighter (not direct) light.
-
Wilting: Check for root rot and adjust watering routine.
-
Leaf drop: Rule out pests or disease. Review care regimen.
With attentive cultivation and quick troubleshooting, your Swiss Cheese Plant will flourish. Monitor its progress, tweak care as needed, and your monstera will impress as it transforms from young shoot to statement floor plant.
Caring For a Mature Swiss Cheese Plant
Once your monstera achieves maturity, its care needs shift. Here are some tips for looking after a full-grown specimen:
-
Upgrade to a larger pot every 2-3 years to accommodate the expansive root system.
-
Increase water and fertilizer during the active growing season.
-
Check for top-heaviness and provide sturdy support. Staking prevents leaning.
-
Prune strategically to remove unruly growth. Judicious trimming maintains desired shape.
-
Monitor for common pests like spider mites that favor mature plants.
-
Consider dividing and propagating if the plant outgrows its space.
While Swiss Cheese Plants require little upkeep at maturity, a watchful grower can spot potential problems early and take preventative care measures. Your diligence will keep your plant healthy and stunning.
Perfect Conditions for Optimal Growth
To spur your Swiss Cheese Plant to reach its full potential, provide:
-
Lighting: Bright, indirect light from an east or west window. Avoid direct southern exposure.
-
Temperature: Consistently warm conditions between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
-
Humidity: 40-50% humidity. Increase levels by misting leaves or using a pebble tray.
-
Water: Thoroughly moisten the soil when the top inch dries out. Allow excess water to drain well.
-
Soil: A loose, well-draining potting mix customized for aroids and epiphytes.
-
Fertilizer: A balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall.
-
Support: A moss pole, coir totem, or trellis for climbing stems to latch onto.
Follow these simple tips, and your monstera will thrive indoors. Proper care transforms these tropical beauties into statement showstoppers.
Final Thoughts
Swiss Cheese Plants are stunning additions to any indoor jungle or plant collection. Though they eventually grow quite large at maturity, regular pruning and training allows you to customize their size and shape. Provide ample bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, and excellent care tailored to their growth stage, and your monstera will impress as it journeys from young shoot to cascading showpiece.
How Fast Do Swiss Cheese Plants Grow?
The Swiss cheese monstera is a fast grower relative to other tropical varieties, and the plant will need to be repotted every one to two years depending on your environments conditions. According to the Penn State Horticulture Extension, As a houseplant, it can eventually become three to eight feet tall and one to three feet wide.” You can expect this plant to increase by one foot or so per year. If your space is darker or a bit colder, the growth will be slower as conditions are not ideal.
How to Propagate Swiss Cheese Plants
There are two simple ways to propagate a monstera or Swiss cheese plant: using stem cuttings or air layering.
- With a sharp pruning shear or knife, cut off a piece of stem with at least one leaf and one node, which is that little brown bump on the stem where new growth occurs.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water with the node submerged. Keep the glass in bright, indirect light, and change the water weekly.
- After a few weeks when you see roots sprouting, place the cutting into a pot of new potting soil. You can take several cuttings and place them all in the same pot to create a fuller plant instantly.
- Find a node where new aerial roots will form.
- Use a sharp knife to make a cut just below the node approximately 1/3 through the stems width.
- Wrap some damp sphagnum moss around the cut and the node. Soaking the moss first helps it absorb water.
- Wrap the whole thing loosely in plastic, using twist ties to secure it in place.
- Spray the peat moss every few days to keep it moist.
- After a few months, once the roots sprout, cut the stem with the new roots and pot it. Voila! You have a new plant and have also reduced the size of the old plant.
How to set up your Monstera for success
FAQ
How big do Swiss cheese plants get indoors?
Size: In the wild, Monstera deliciosa can grow up to 70 feet tall (21 meters). Indoors, it typically reaches 6-8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) in height and spread, with proper support for its climbing habit. Flowers: The plant produces arum-like flowers seldom seen in indoor environments.
Do Swiss cheese plants like to climb or hang?
A Monstera adansonii climbs trees and grows along the ground. Indoors or out, it loves to climb and trail. The aerial roots make it perfect for staking with moss poles or trellis’.
What Monstera plant sold for $5000?
Monstera Burle Marx ‘Flame’ (Monstera deliciosa form 8)
Valued for its distinctive leaf shape and pattern, the Monstera Burle Marx ‘Flame’ is a rare find, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Its rarity and the unique aesthetic it offers make it highly sought after in the collector’s market.
Do Swiss cheese plants grow quickly?
You can also plant them outdoors if you have a spot with both sunlight and partial shade. Be prepared for your Swiss cheese plant to grow fast if it’s happy and healthy, with a growth rate of around one to two feet a year. For animal-loving plant owners, it’s important to note that this plant can be toxic to pets.
What is a Swiss cheese plant?
Swiss cheese plant, scientifically known as Monstera adansonii, is a captivating tropical plant that has gained immense popularity among plant enthusiasts. With its unique hole-ridden leaves, it adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue to any indoor space. But there’s more to this plant than just its visually appealing characteristics.
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.
What is the difference between Monstera deliciosa and Swiss cheese plant?
Monstera is the common name for monstera deliciosa, a large and big-leafed plant, while Swiss cheese plant is the common name for monstera adansonii, a small plant with narrow and oblong leaves. The confusion comes from the fact that some people call monstera deliciosa “Swiss cheese plant.”
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.
Can a Swiss cheese plant grow a moss poll?
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) gets its common name from its large, heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as the plant ages, making the leaves resemble Swiss cheese. It can be trained to grow up a moss poll, but it looks great when left on its own to grow long vines. The Spruce / Cara Cormack
How do you propagate Swiss cheese plants?
If you want to expand your collection of Swiss Cheese Plants, you can easily propagate them through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from a healthy plant, allow it to callus over, and then place it in well-draining soil. With proper care, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant.