Swiss cheese plant - Monstera deliciosa (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Swiss cheese plant

Also known as: Fruit salad plant, Mexican breadfruit

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Scientific classification

Species

Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)

Water plantains and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb, Vine

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

3 m to 20 m

Plant Height

6 m

Spread

Green, White

Leaf Color

15 cm to 30 cm

Flower Size

Green, Cream, Yellow, Gold, White, Tan

Fruit Color

White, Cream

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Swiss cheese plant

Distribution of Swiss cheese plant

Distribution Map

Swiss cheese plant is native from Mexico to Panama. It has been introduced into a few other moist and mountainous countries and islands around the world, where it thrives. Native to subtropical forest climates, it is also exported and grown as a houseplant.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

It can improve indoor air quality and absorb carbon dioxide at night.

Garden Use

The swiss cheese plant is an excellent vertical greening plant with its large and uniquely-shaped leaves. It is prized for both its striking appearance and its hardy, low-maintenance nature, as well as its tall, easy growth. This understory native is best grown in the shade of large landscaping trees such as mahogany or gumbo limbo.

Symbolism

Health, longevity, respect for one's elders

Interesting Facts

Its leaves are evergreen and extremely shade-tolerant. It is a famous indoor foliage plant. It is commonly used as potted ornamentals in Europe, America and Japan to decorate living rooms and windowsills.

Name Story

Fruit salad plant: This plant not only has unique and beautiful leaves but it also has peculiar fruits that look like green hexagonal scales on the outer layer of maize. When these scales fall off, they emit a strong and sweet fruit aroma. Furthermore, its fruit tastes like fruit salad. Moreover, the word deliciosa also means delicious. So, it's called a fruit salad plant.

Swiss cheese plant: This plant has always been loved for its unique leaves. During the seedling stage, its leaves are intact as a whole. However, as it ages, the leaves begin to pop out holes and lobes. The older it gets, the larger the holes and the larger the leaves are. This makes its leaves very similar looking to the holes in cheese, so it will be called Swiss cheese plant.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Swiss cheese plant, including the following common varieties :

White Variegated Monstera Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata ‘Contorta’Split-leaf philodendron 'Cheesecak'e Yellow Variegated Monstera 'Marmorata'Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'Variegated monstera

Toxicity

Swiss cheese plant is moderately toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals causing mouth pain and digestive issues. Humans may experience contact dermatitis from its sap, and ingestion can lead to severe symptoms like irritation, nausea, and vomiting. The plant is common in tropical areas and as a houseplant.

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Quickly Identify Swiss cheese plant

Massive, glossy dark green leaves up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide and 3 feet (90 cm) long.

Distinctly lobed and perforated leaves with characteristic holes throughout each leaf.

Stout petioles, 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) long, angling leaves downwards.

Thick, cord-like aerial roots on stems up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick for climbing.

Notable junction between leaf blade and petiole on mature leaves.

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Care Guide for Swiss cheese plant

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Swiss cheese plant thrives in humid, tropical environments with moderate drought tolerance. It requires consistent moisture, ideally watered weekly, to maintain its lush foliage. Grown mainly indoors, swiss cheese plant benefits from higher humidity, making misting or using a humidifier essential for vibrant growth and larger leaves.

Fertilize: Feed swiss cheese plant with high nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season and reduce in winter. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength to prevent over-fertilization. Monitor for salt buildup and leaf burn, and occasionally flush the soil to avoid nutrient toxicity.

Pruning: Swiss cheese plant thrives with regular pruning in early to late spring to maintain size and enhance bushiness. Use clean tools for cutting above leaf nodes and remove damaged parts. This practice encourages health and prevents legginess. Always wear gloves to protect from sap irritation.

Propagation: Swiss cheese plant is a popular indoor tropical plant known for its unique perforated leaves. Propagation is easy via stem cuttings taken just below a node, dipped in rooting hormone, and placed in moist potting soil or water. Bright, indirect light and patience are essential for root development.

Repotting: Repot swiss cheese plant annually in spring into a pot one size larger to support its growth. After repotting, keep swiss cheese plant in a stable environment and water sparingly until new growth appears, ensuring a smooth transition.

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Images of Swiss cheese plant

Distribution of Swiss cheese plant

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Swiss cheese plant

Care Guide for Swiss cheese plant

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