The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) gets its common name from its large, heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as the plant ages (in a process called fenestration). This makes the leaves resemble Swiss cheese. Native to Central and South America, the Swiss cheese plant is a tropical perennial that's typically grown as a houseplant. Like its cousin Monstera deliciosa (also referred to as the Swiss cheese plant), Monstera adansonii has a fast growth rate and a vining habit. But it will remain at a manageable size when grown in a container indoors. When cultivated as a houseplant, Swiss cheese plants are typically grown from young nursery plants and can be potted at any time. It's important to note that all parts of Monstera plants are toxic to pets, so be careful when growing them indoors
The Swiss cheese plant is notoriously easy to care for, and it loves to climb. The plant has 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. When growing it as a houseplant, you can simulate this by inserting a stake in the center of its pot.
Providing regular water and food will be your main care task with this plant. You also might need to do some maintenance pruning to keep the plant at your desired size.
Light
Because of the Swiss cheese plant's tropical origin, it grows best in bright, indirect light. It's used to thriving under the cover of large trees in the jungle, and the foliage can easily burn if it's exposed to too much direct sun. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, limit exposure to just two or three hours of morning sun.
Water
These plants like to be consistently moist but not soaked. Before watering your Swiss cheese plant, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels nearly dry to the touch, it's time to water the plant. Irrigate until a little water runs out of the container's drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
These jungle plants thrive in very high humidity and warm temperatures. The closer you can mimic the plant's natural conditions, the better. Make sure your plant always remains in a spot that's above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and protect it from drafts. A humidity level above 50% is ideal. A warm, well-lit bathroom is a good spot for this plant. If you need to increase humidity, mist the plant or use a humidifier in its space.
Fertilizer that I include as an option is an excellent choice for professional growers or nurseries if you grow plant in a pot. I personally use it for all my plants. It has polymer coating to allow slow release during 8-9 months evenly. You don't have to worry about repotting the plant for about 1 year or worry about burning plant with your regular over the counter fertilizer.
You need about 3-4oz per 3 gal pot or 4-5oz per 5 gal pot.
Derived from: Polymer-Coated: Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Phosphate, Potassium Sulfate, Magnesium
Sulfate, Sodium Borate, Iron Phosphate, Iron EDTA,
Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Molybdate, Zinc Sulfate;
Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide
Pictures depict grown up plants and its possible applications.
Height of the plants is measured from the base of the root ball.