Few houseplants are both low-maintenance enough for gardening novices and interesting for green thumb experts, but the Swiss cheese monstera 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. But 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. Named for its resemblance to a slice of hole-ridden Swiss cheese, these gaps in the deep green leaves are nothing to be wary of; in fact, the holes are good for the plant’s health. In the 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 can need advice on how to help their Swiss cheese monstera thrive, and we’re here to help. Heres everything you need to know to make the most of your Swiss cheese plant’s growth, including solutions to common pests and problems.
The iconic split leaves of the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) make it one of the most recognizable houseplants around. Its distinctive holes and fenestrations set it apart from other indoor varieties.
If you love the look of the Swiss cheese plant but want to expand your collection, plenty of other plants mimic its style. Keep reading to discover 11 fantastic options for plants that resemble Swiss cheese.
Why Does the Swiss Cheese Plant Have Holes?
Before diving into Swiss cheese lookalikes, let’s explore why the monstera plant develops its signature holes The gaps in its leaves are called fenestrations
Mature monsteras grown in ideal conditions produce leaves with natural holes It happens due to a lack of chlorophyll in sections of the leaf This adaptation helps the plant thrive in the rainforest understory, allowing light to filter through to lower leaves.
Indoors, a young monstera might not develop fenestrations if it doesn’t get adequate sunlight. Older varieties almost always exhibit the iconic splits.
11 Perfect Plants That Resemble Swiss Cheese
Here are 11 holey plants that can stand in for the Swiss cheese plant:
1. Monstera Adansonii
Also called the Swiss cheese vine, this monstera species is often confused with monstera deliciosa. It produces slimmer, more oval-shaped leaves with signature holes. The lacy look earns it the nickname five holes plant.
2. Monstera Obliqua
A rare relative of monstera deliciosa, this plant has slender leaves with lots of perforations. It can be challenging to find for sale.
3. Monstera Dubia
Sometimes called the shrimp plant, monstera dubia shows off elegant white markings against deep green leaves with holes. It grows more compactly than monstera deliciosa.
4. Monstera Standleyana Albo
This stunner has long, narrow foliage with striking white variegation. Like other monsteras, it develops holes as it matures. It’s also called monstera albo.
5. Philodendron Monstera
Despite its name, this philodendron species isn’t actually a monstera. However, its split leaves look nearly identical. It has large, heart-shaped leaves on vining stems.
6. Philodendron Squamiferum
Nicknamed the fluted philodendron, this plant has deeply lobed leaves that mimic the look of the Swiss cheese plant. New leaves emerge with fenestrations that become wider with age.
7. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Sometimes marketed as a mini monstera, rhaphidophora tetrasperma isn’t actually a monstera. But its lobed leaves closely resemble a small swiss cheese plant, especially when juvenile.
8. Rhaphidophora Cryptantha
This climbing aroid has shiny green, elongated leaves with slits and holes reminiscent of monstera deliciosa. It’s native to Asia.
9. Syngonium Podophyllum
Also called the arrowhead plant, its five-lobed leaves look similar to a mini monstera before they mature. Some varieties like syngonium albo have white markings for added interest.
10. Split Leaf Philodendron
As the name suggests, split leaf philodendron has deeply cut leaves that mimic the look of swiss cheese plant foliage. Cultivars like ‘Xanadu’ are easier to find than the species.
11. Hoya Kerrii
This charming Hoya variety has thick, waxy round leaves. What makes it resemble swiss cheese plant? The single large “hole” in the middle of each leaf. It looks great in a hanging planter.
How to Care for Swiss Cheese-Like Plants
While not exact matches, these plants mimic the monstera deliciosa’s iconic style. Luckily, many share similar care needs:
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Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
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Water: Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Humidity: 40-50% or higher. Mist leaves regularly.
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Temperature: Average room temperature between 60-80°F.
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Soil: Peaty, well-draining potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Balanced liquid or slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer.
Proper care keeps these statement plants healthy so they show off their holey foliage. Make sure to give them support to climb as they grow. Prune when necessary to control size.
Where to Buy Plants That Resemble Swiss Cheese
You can find many monstera lookalikes at local garden centers and plant nurseries. Specialty growers also offer rarer philodendron and monstera varieties online.
Make sure new plants are insect-free with no signs of disease. Establish them in your home before expecting vigorous growth and fenestrations. With proper care, they’ll soon resemble the iconic swiss cheese plant.
Common Problems With Swiss Cheese-Like Plants
While generally easygoing, these tropical plants may encounter issues if their needs aren’t met:
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Drooping or wrinkled leaves. Fix by watering more frequently.
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Few or no holes. Increase light exposure.
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Leggy growth. Provide a moss pole for support.
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Leaf spots or black edges. Indicates a need for more humidity.
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Yellowing leaves. Usually a sign of overwatering, reduce frequency.
Monitor your plant closely and adjust care as needed. Identifying problems early helps to get your monstera lookalike thriving again.
Enjoy the Unique Look of Swiss Cheese Plants
The monstera deliciosa has charmed houseplant enthusiasts for years with its iconic split leaves. Luckily, many other plants mimic the same aesthetic.
Philodendrons, rhopalas, and monsteras all contain different varieties that develop signature holes as they mature. Mix and match them to create your perfect indoor jungle sanctuary.
With the proper care, these statement plants offer endless enjoyment with their one-of-a-kind foliage. No indoor plant collection is complete without something that resembles the beloved swiss cheese plant.
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Common Swiss Cheese Plant Pests
Swiss cheese plants rarely get pests. However, these are most common types youll occasionally see indoors:
- Mealybugs have white, waxy-looking tapered bodies. Use an insecticidal soap or swabs dipped in alcohol to remove individual bugs if you have a minor infestation.
- Spider mites are tiny arachnids that appear seemingly overnight. The first sign is often their webbing. Take your plant outdoors and use a sprayer hose to blast them off, or treat the plant with insecticidal soap, being sure to spray the stems and undersides of leaves.
- Scale insects appear to be small brownish bumps on leaves or stems. They can be treated with horticultural oil.
How to Repot Swiss Cheese Plants
Swiss cheese plants are fast growers, though they dont mind being a little root-bound. However, if you find your plant isnt growing as vigorously as it was, or if the soil is starting to pull away from the sides of the pot, its probably time to repot. Go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter), and make sure it has a drain hole.
Ease it out of its old pot, and place the plant in the new pot. If you havent already, add a stake or moss-covered pole in the pot for the plant to climb. You may need to use plant ties to attach the stem to the stake until it starts grabbing on and climbing itself. Finally, fill in around the root ball with fresh potting soil, and tamp down to eliminate air pockets. Water it well.
HOUSEPLANT CARE TIPS | HOW TO CARE FOR MONSTERA ADANSONII SWISS CHEESE
FAQ
What plant looks like a Swiss Cheese Plant?
Little Swiss monstera (Monstera adansonii) is a striking and trendy houseplant that features arrow-shaped leaves delightfully decorated with dramatic holes along the veins. These holes give it another of its common names: Swiss cheese plant.
What is the plant called that looks like Swiss cheese?
Monstera, sometimes called Swiss-cheese plant, (Monstera deliciosa) is a tropical plant native to rainforests of Central America from southern Mexico to Panama, and commonly grown as a foliage houseplant. It is the only ornamental aroid also grown for its fruit.
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.
What is the Swiss Cheese Plant?
The Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical perennial known for its distinctive foliage. It is commonly referred to as Philodendron pertusum and is celebrated for its unique and dramatic leaves with natural holes and splits.
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.”
What does a Swiss cheese plant look like?
The most recognizable feature of the Swiss cheese plant is the heart-shaped leaves with deep splits or perforations. These splits start as small holes that resemble the holes in Swiss cheese. It is easy to care for this large tropical plant at home.
What is a Swiss cheese vine plant?
The Swiss cheese vine plant is the type of Monstera plant species that changes the shapes of its larger leaves as they mature. This unique ability of Monstera makes it difficult for botanists to categorize these species. Its common name is the: Get expert plant care advice, DIY tips, and problem-solving hacks delivered daily to your inbox.
Where do Swiss cheese plants grow best?
Swiss cheese plants grow best indoors when they are in bright rooms but away from direct sunlight. If your Monstera container is near a south-facing window, make sure it’s protected from the sun. Monstera plants also grow in low-light conditions where their growth rate will be slower.
Is a pinnatipartita a Swiss cheese plant?
This small houseplant is easier to manage indoors than a sizeable Swiss cheese plant. The pinnatipartita has ovate leaves with significant wide splits. Similar to the Monstera adansonii, this cultivar has leaves with holes that also resemble Swiss cheese.