Monstera deliciosa or Swiss cheese plant

Care of the indoor plant Monstera deliciosa or Swiss cheese plant

The genus Monstera, a family of the Araceae, includes 45 species of plants native to tropical regions of the American continent. Some species are: Monstera deliciosa, Monstera obliqua, Monstera adansonii, Monstera acuminata, Monstera punctulata.

Common names: Swiss cheese plant, Split leaf philodendron, Delicious monster, Fruit salad plant, Mexican breadfruit, Windowleaf, Fruit salad tree, Ceriman, Monster fruit. This species is native to southern Mexico.

They are tropical climbing plants with aerial roots that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The leaves are large, thick and bright green; when they sprout they are whole and the incisions appear at a later stage. The inflorescence is greenish-white. They bloom in summer but do not usually do so indoors.

They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. It is advisable to place stakes with wet moss to help them climb. In tropical climates they are used next to a wall and under trees.

The Monstera deliciosa needs a light exposure but safe from the sun's rays. They do not resist temperatures below 13 ºC (55.4 ºF).

The soil should be a mixture of rich forest soil with abundant organic matter. The transplant, if necessary, is done at the end of winter; It is advisable to renew the surface of the substrate every year also at the end of winter.

Water (with lime-free water) regularly in spring, summer and autumn, waiting for the substrate surface to dry; in winter water moderately waiting for the substrate to have almost dried up. They need high humidity; spray the leaves weekly in spring and fall and daily in summer. Wipe the dust off the leaves with a damp cloth.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 3 weeks during spring and summer.

They do not need pruning.

Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases. The leaves turn yellow due to excess or insufficient watering.

They are propagated by cuttings with aerial roots planted in summer at 25-28 ºC (77-82 ºF).