Monstera Adansonii, or Swiss Cheese Vine, has lacy leaves and is quite the popular houseplant these days. It’s the cousin of the Monstera delicosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant, which is favored for its huge leaves and ease of care. Here you’ll learn about Monstera adansonii repotting including the mix to use, when to do it, the steps to take, and things good to know so yours will grow healthy and strong.
The 2 Monsteras share something besides a genus name which is that they both climb up other plants in their natural environments. The deliciosa has robust leaves and stems and ultimately gets much bigger. The adansonii has much smaller leaves and thinner stems. It can climb or trail and I’ll be training mine to do both.
The Swiss Cheese Plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is an incredibly popular houseplant admired for its large, tropical leaves filled with signature holes. With its jungle origins, this plant thrives when given conditions similar to its natural environment. One of the most crucial elements is providing the right potting mix to encourage healthy roots and lush growth.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about crafting the perfect soil for your Swiss Cheese Plant.
Why Soil Mix Matters
Soil serves multiple important functions for container plants like the Swiss Cheese Plant:
- Provides physical support and anchors the plant’s roots
- Retains moisture and nutrients to feed the plant
- Allows adequate airflow to the roots
Using the wrong type of soil or poorly formulated mix can lead to issues like
- Root rot from excessive moisture
- Nutrient deficiencies that stunt growth
- Compacted, dense soil that strangles roots
Optimizing your potting mix gives your plant the best chance to thrive.
Key Requirements for Monstera Soil
An ideal Swiss Cheese Plant soil blend should include these characteristics
- Exceptional drainage to prevent soggy soil and root rot
- Light, airy texture to allow oxygen circulation to the roots
- Moisture-retentive to avoid frequent drying out
- Rich in nutrients to feed the plant without getting too dense
- Slightly acidic pH – Swiss Cheese Plants prefer a pH between 5.5 and 7
- Organic components like peat moss or compost to provide nutrients
Meeting these requirements will provide optimal growing conditions.
Best Ingredients for Monstera Soil Mix
Certain components work extremely well to create a customized Swiss Cheese Plant potting blend:
- Peat moss – Retains moisture while allowing drainage and aeration
- Perlite – Creates air pockets for better drainage and oxygen flow
- Orchid bark – Mimics the tropical floor with moisture retention and airflow
- Horticultural charcoal – Balances pH, absorbs excess moisture, and prevents fungi/mold
- Compost – Introduces beneficial microbes, organic matter, and nutrients
- Worm castings – Boosts nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
Combining these ingredients according to your plant’s needs will optimize growth.
Recipe for DIY Swiss Cheese Plant Soil
With the right components, you can easily mix your own soil blend at home. Here is one simple recipe to try:
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 2 parts orchid bark
- 1 part horticultural charcoal
- 1 part compost or worm castings
Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients until well blended. For large batches, use a wheelbarrow or cement mixer. For smaller amounts, a bucket or large bag works well.
You can adjust the ratios to achieve your desired moisture retention, porosity, and texture. Test batches first to find the perfect balance.
Purchasing Pre-Mixed Potting Soil
For convenience, you can purchase a quality premade potting mix specially formulated for tropical plants like the Swiss Cheese Plant. Look for the key ingredients we mentioned on the bag or ask a nursery expert for the right recommendation.
Avoid cheap soils with excessive water-retaining additives or slow-release fertilizers which can cause problems. Carefully check labels before selecting a mix.
The Right Pot for Swiss Cheese Plants
An excellent soil mix still requires a suitable container. Look for pots with:
- Drainage holes to allow excess water to drain fully
- Plastic or glazed terracotta to limit evaporation
- Size 2-4 inches bigger than the root ball for room to grow
- Stability if using a moss pole for support
Avoid crowding the roots in too small a container. Give them space to spread out.
Additional Care Tips
Dialing in the soil is important but not the only key to success:
- Water only after the top inch or two of soil has dried
- Mist frequently to increase humidity around the foliage
- Provide bright, indirect light or sheer curtain filtered sunlight
- Ideal temperatures are 65-80°F
- Stake and prune as needed for good structure
- Fertilize every 2-3 months during spring through fall
Meeting all its needs will allow your Swiss Cheese Plant to flourish.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the perfect soil, issues sometimes occur. Watch for:
- Yellow leaves – Potential overwatering
- Brown leaf edges – Underwatering or low humidity
- Drooping leaves – Insufficient water or light
- Few holes – Not enough sunlight
- Leggy growth – Needs more light
- Pests – Excess moisture
Address any problems quickly to get your plant healthy and growing strongly again.
Ready to Pot Your Swiss Cheese Plant
Now that you know how to create or select the ideal potting mix, you can repot your Monstera deliciosa with confidence. Combined with proper care tailored to its preferences, your Swiss Cheese Plant will produce lush, vibrant growth for years to come. The right soil is just the beginning!
Soil mix to use
Note: This is the optimum mix to use for a Monstera adansonii. I have many plants (both indoors and outdoors) and do a lot of repotting so I have a variety of materials on hand at all times. Plus, I have plenty of room in my garage cabinets to store all the bags and pails. If you have limited space, I give you a few alternative mixes down below which consist of 2 materials.
Monstera adansoniis like a mix rich in peat which is well-drained. I prefer to use coco fiber which is similar but is a more sustainable alternative to peat moss along with compost.
Monsteras grow on the bottom of the tropical rainforest floor and this mix mimics the rich plant materials which fall on them from above and provide the nourishment they need.
This is the mix I used with approximate measurements:
- 1/2 potting soil. I alternate between Ocean Forest & Happy Frog.
- 1/2 coco fiber.
- I added in a few handfuls of coco chips (similar to orchid bark) and a few handfuls of compost.
- I end by top dressing with a 1/4 1/2″ layer of worm compost.
3 alternate mixes:
- 1/2 potting soil, 1/2 orchid bark or coco chips OR
- 3/4 potting soil, 1/4 pumice or perlite OR
- 1/2 potting soil, 1/2 coco fiber or peat moss
Time of year for repotting Monstera adansonii
Spring, summer, and into early fall are good times for repotting a Monstera adansonii. If you live in a climate where winter comes early, then spring and summer will be best. I live in Tucson, AZ where fall is warm so I repot through the end of October.
HEAD’S UP: I’ve done a general guide to repotting plants geared for beginning gardeners which you’ll find helpful.
HOUSEPLANT CARE TIPS | HOW TO CARE FOR MONSTERA ADANSONII SWISS CHEESE
FAQ
What is the best soil mix for Swiss cheese Monstera?
Swiss Cheese Plant does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
What soil to use for Swiss cheese?
Swiss cheese plants like loamy soil with quite a bit of peat, so make sure to purchase a nice, peaty mix or just add a little extra peat moss to regular …Mar 31, 2020
What soil to repot a Swiss cheese plant?
- Peat moss: Helps retain moisture without causing waterlogging.
- Perlite: Improves aeration and drainage.
- Coarse sand: Also contributes to good drainage.
- Orchid bark: Adds a bit more aeration.
- Horticultural charcoal: Helps with drainage and aeration.
- Coconut coir: A sustainable alternative to peat moss.
What is the best medium for Swiss cheese plant?
Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting mix, which will help to trap moisture in the soil without causing it to become waterlogged. For strong growth, aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.
What is the best soil for Monstera in pots?
SOIL: Since the Monstera Peru is an epiphyte it needs airy, well-draining soil. The best solution is to mix your own soil using one part coco coir, one part orchid bark and one part perlite. Orchid bark and coco coir are rich and nutrient providing while perlite provides aeration.
What is a good soil mix for a Swiss cheese plant?
Here is a simple recipe for a DIY Swiss Cheese Plant soil mix: 50% peat moss or coconut coir: These organic materials retain moisture well and provide essential nutrients. 25% perlite or vermiculite: These additives improve drainage and aeration in the soil. 25% compost or well-rotted manure: Adding organic matter enriches the soil with nutrients.
How to grow Swiss cheese plants?
If you mix the best soil for swiss cheese plants as detailed, you should be aware that the bigger the pot, the bigger the plant! These plants will be quite small if you plant them in a small pot, and quite huge in a big pot! So if you have a lot of space you can use a large barrel pot type planter.
How do you care for a Swiss cheese plant?
Make sure your plant is in a location with bright, indirect light. Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting mix, which will help to trap moisture in the soil without causing it to become waterlogged. For strong growth, aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7. Water your Swiss cheese plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
What is the pH level of a Swiss cheese plant?
These ingredients provide essential nutrients and promote microbial activity in the soil. The pH level of the soil can greatly impact the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. The Swiss Cheese Plant thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
How do you repot a Swiss cheese plant?
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants and follow the instructions on the packaging. Repot when necessary: As the Swiss Cheese Plant grows, it may outgrow its current pot and require repotting. When repotting, replace old soil with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to ensure continued healthy growth.
Why should you choose a Swiss cheese plant?
This tropical plant not only adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space but also helps purify the air. To ensure the Swiss Cheese Plant thrives and remains healthy, it is crucial to choose the right type of soil.