The Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese plant or five holes plant is part of the Araceae family of flowering plants. Native to Central and South America this jungle beauty is fast-growing and easy to care for. Its heart-shaped leaves and vining nature make it a crowd favorite when it comes to houseplants.
Monstera Adansonii - 'Swiss Cheese Plant'
Swiss cheese plants do best in a shaded environment, much like the shade they receive in the wild from upper canopy trees. Monstera adansonii leaves can burn if exposed to excessive direct sunlight. The best placement for your houseplant is in a well-lit room with bright indirect light. If you can’t avoid direct sun, make sure to limit the exposure to a maximum of 2-3hours of morning sun per day.
Watering the Monstera adansonii is a delicate dance. Its roots love a moist environment but dislike soggy soil. The best way to emulate the moist soil of the jungle floor is to water once per week. To check if your houseplant needs watering, you can try sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If the top inch of soil is starting to dry out, water your monstera until liquid starts to seep from the drainage holes at the base of the grow pot. Watch out for discoloration of the leaves, this is an indicator that your houseplant may be getting too much water.