Swiss Cheese Plant Care Tips for Beginners

A Swiss cheese plant has a way of making any room feel a little more alive, and it’s easy to see why so many plant owners fall for it.

I’ve grown a few of these myself, and there’s something satisfying about watching those signature leaves fill in over time. But Swiss cheese plant care isn’t always intuitive at first, especially if you’re new to it.

This blog walks through everything worth knowing before you bring one home – from daily care basics to the small details that make the biggest difference.

If you’re just starting out or troubleshooting an existing plant, you’ll find something here to help along the way.

What is a Swiss Cheese Plant?

The Swiss cheese plant is commonly known as Monstera Adansonii. It is a tropical plant valued for its distinctive leaves, which develop natural holes as they mature.

These openings, known as fenestrations, give the plant its recognizable look. Younger leaves may have fewer holes, while mature foliage usually develops a more defined pattern.

It fits effortlessly into a tropical-inspired interior without requiring much else around it to make the space feel lush.

It is also sometimes confused with other Monstera varieties because of its similar foliage. Knowing its leaf shape and growth habit makes it easier to identify the plant correctly.

How to Care for a Swiss Cheese Plant

Swiss cheese plant care is easier when its growing conditions stay consistent. Watch how the plant responds and adjust when needed.

1. Give It Bright, Indirect Light

Like other indoor plants, Monstera adansonii grows best with plenty of bright but filtered daylight. Strong direct rays can be too harsh, especially during the hotter part of the day.

I usually prefer placing it near a bright window rather than directly against the glass. This gives the leaves enough light without exposing them to intense sun.

• Choose a bright spot: East- or north-facing windows often work well.
• Filter strong sunlight: Use a sheer curtain when afternoon sun is intense.
• Watch the leaves: Pale patches or stretching can signal poor placement.

2. Water When the Soil Starts to Dry

Let the top of the potting mix dry slightly before watering again. Keeping the soil constantly wet can stress the roots unnecessarily.

Water thoroughly so moisture reaches the full root area, then allow the excess to drain. I find checking the soil first more useful than following a fixed weekly schedule.

• Check the topsoil: Water when the top 1–2 inches feel dry.
• Drain excess water: Empty any water collected in the saucer.
• Adjust seasonally: Water less often when growth slows.

Tip: I usually check the soil with my finger before watering. It is a quick way to avoid adding water too soon.

3. Use Loose, Well-Draining Soil

A Swiss cheese plant needs soil that holds some moisture without becoming dense or waterlogged. Heavy mixes can limit airflow around the roots.

A light houseplant mix with added drainage materials usually works well. The goal is to balance moisture retention with quick drainage.

• Add perlite or bark: These help keep the mix loose and airy.
• Skip garden soil: It can compact too much in containers.
• Use drainage holes: Excess water should escape freely from the pot.

4. Maintain Moderate Humidity

Monstera adansonii generally prefers more humidity than a very dry indoor room provides. Low humidity may show up as dry or crisp leaf edges.

I would focus on keeping conditions comfortable rather than trying to create extremely high humidity. Consistent moisture in the air is usually more useful than occasional drastic changes.

• Use a humidifier: Helpful during dry winters or heavy AC use.
• Group plants nearby: This may slightly raise local humidity.
• Keep air moving: Avoid closed corners with poor circulation.

Tip: I find a small humidifier useful when indoor air feels especially dry. Keep it nearby rather than directly against the leaves.

5. Keep the Temperature Steady

Sudden temperature changes can affect the plant even when the room normally feels comfortable. Avoid cold drafts and direct heat.

Keep the plant in a stable indoor area where temperatures do not change sharply throughout the day. A consistent location is often easier for the plant to adapt to.

• Avoid cold drafts: Keep it away from frequently opened doors.
• Move it from vents: Direct heated or cooled air can dry foliage.
• Protect from cold: Bring outdoor pots inside before temperatures drop.

6. Feed During Active Growth

Fertilizer can support new growth during spring and summer when the plant is developing more actively. It should be used lightly rather than as a constant boost.

I prefer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer at a moderate strength instead of feeding too heavily. Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup around the roots.

• Feed in warmer months: Spring and summer are usually enough.
• Follow the label: Avoid using a stronger mix than recommended.
• Cut back in winter: Slower growth generally needs less feeding.

Tip: I prefer starting with a lighter fertilizer dose and watching how the plant responds. This helps reduce the chance of overfeeding.

Repotting and General Maintenance

Repotting gives crowded roots more room, while simple upkeep helps keep the plant neat and easy to manage.

Task	When to Do It	What to Do
Repotting	When roots crowd the pot	Move it into a container one size larger.
Soil refresh	When the mix becomes compact	Replace old soil with a fresh, loose mix.
Leaf cleaning	When dust collects	Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth.
Pot rotation	Every few weeks	Turn the pot so growth stays more even.
Plant inspection	During routine care	Check leaves and stems for pests or damage.
Aerial roots	As they develop	Leave them in place or guide them toward support.

How to Prune and Support Monstera Adansonii

Pruning helps control long, uneven growth, while support gives the vines a more structured shape. Both are useful as Monstera adansonii becomes larger.

• Trim long vines: Cut just above a healthy node to encourage fuller growth.
• Remove damaged leaves: Snip off yellow, dry, or badly damaged foliage.
• Pinch growing tips: This can help the plant branch instead of becoming too leggy.
• Add a moss pole: Give climbing stems a surface they can grow against.
• Secure vines loosely: Use soft ties without pressing tightly into the stems.
• Use clean tools: Wipe pruning shears before and after cutting.

Common Swiss Cheese Plant Problems

Swiss cheese plants often show visible signs when something is wrong. Use the symptoms below to narrow down the likely cause and what to check first.

Problem	Possible Cause	What to Check
Yellow leaves	Overwatering or natural aging	Check soil moisture and drainage.
Brown edges	Dry air or inconsistent watering	Check humidity and watering habits.
Drooping leaves	Water stress or sudden changes	Check moisture and room conditions.
Small leaves	Low light or immature growth	Check the plant’s light exposure.
Long, sparse vines	Insufficient light	Move it closer to brighter indirect light.
Black, soft areas	Excess moisture or root issues	Inspect the roots and potting mix.
Curling leaves	Dry soil, low humidity, or temperature stress	Check moisture and nearby drafts.

Can You Grow Swiss Cheese Plant Outdoors?

Monstera adansonii can grow outdoors during warm weather, but it needs a gradual transition rather than a sudden move.

Introduce it to outdoor conditions over a week or two, starting with short periods in a shaded spot before extending exposure.

Choose a sheltered location with filtered or partial shade, since direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves faster outdoors than indoors.

Outdoor humidity and temperature swings are harder to control, so check the soil more often during hot spells. Bring the plant back inside once temperatures start dropping in fall, well before the first cold snap.

Final Thoughts

Swiss cheese plant care does not need to feel complicated. Once the routine becomes familiar, looking after your plant can feel much more manageable.

I like to keep things simple and make small adjustments only when the plant seems to need them. That approach can make Monstera adansonii care feel less stressful over time.

The goal is consistency, not perfection. Stay observant, keep the routine steady, and let the plant’s response guide the way you care for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Swiss Cheese Plant Have No Holes?

Young leaves may have few or no holes at first. Fenestrations usually become more noticeable as the plant matures.

How Fast Does Monstera Adansonii Grow?

It can grow fairly quickly during its active growing period when conditions are suitable.

Can a Swiss Cheese Plant Grow in Water Permanently?

It can stay in water for a long time, but it may need regular water changes and added nutrients.