The Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant, can be found all over social media because of how gorgeous its' leaves are, but can be sensitive to certain conditions. I have only had mine for about 8 months now, and it is still a baby, so it hasn't produced any leaf splits yet. I have not had too many struggles with my Monstera and have loved watching it grow, in addition to how pretty it is, so I think it deserves an honorable mention.
Monsteras are native to Central America and are known for their distinct split leaves. These holes are called fenestrations and begin to develop as the plant matures. The Monstera deliciosa is an air-purifying plant, proven by NASA, so they are a mindful option when thinking about what plant to get next. These plants can be irritating to animals and humans if consumed, so they should be kept away from young children and pets.
Sunlight
The Swiss Cheese Plant prefers part sun, part shade but can also tolerate shade. I keep mine in the corner of my room that only gets some indirect sun during the day and it has been quite happy. I think that it would really thrive under bright indirect light.
Water
The frequency of watering depends on the season. Before watering, make sure the first two to three inches of soil is dry. In the hotter months, Monsteras like weekly watering, but can go around two weeks without water in the winter. My Monstera has always appreciated a little extra water, especially when producing new growth.
Humidity
Being tropical, Monsteras thrive in high humidity and would appreciate being misted two times a week. While I did not originally mist my Swiss Cheese Plant, once I started I noticed a pretty impressive increase in growth rates!
Temperature
Swiss Cheese Plants are comfortable with normal household temperatures and can tolerate cooler temperatures, but prefer moderate temperatures. Indoors is best.
Soil
Tropical soil or soil with extra drainage is best for these guys. Coconut coir or peat soil would best suit these tropical plants. I like to add worm castings to my soil to add extra sources of fertilizer. Using pots with drainage holes is also key.
Common Problems
If leaves become crispy and brown or begin to wilt it wants to be watered. Yellowing indicates that the potting mix is too wet and it was overwatered. Something I didn't originally consider was the Monstera's sensitivity to draft. It is best to keep these away from vents in your house.
In general, Monsteras are great additions to homes for both their beauty and their health benefits. With such quick growth, it is very rewarding to be able to watch your plant-child develop. A great resource for more info on Monsteras is the "Monstera Plant Resource Center Website."
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