Swiss Cheese Vine
Monstera adansonii
A trailing monstera with signature holey leaves that tolerates lower light.
Watering frequency
Every 7-10 days
Ideal temperature
65-85°F / 18-29°C
Humidity
50-70%
Care difficulty
Easy
Air purifying
No/Not Known
Growth rate
Fast
Plant size
2-8 ft / 0.6-2.4 m
Soil type
Loose aroid mix
Fertilizer need
Feed monthly in spring and summer with half-strength balanced fertilizer.
Care summary
- Light: Keep Swiss Cheese Vine in low light, Medium light and adjust if leaves scorch or stretch.
- Water: Every 7-10 days, checking the soil before watering instead of following the calendar blindly.
- Humidity: Aim for about 50-70%; increase humidity if leaf edges become crispy.
- Soil: Use loose aroid mix in a pot with drainage holes.
- Maintenance: Remove damaged leaves, rotate the pot regularly, and inspect for pests during routine care.
Common problems
- Yellow leaves: Yellow leaves are often caused by overwatering, underwatering, or sudden changes in light.
- Root rot: Soggy soil can lead to root rot, so the pot should have good drainage.
- Slow growth: Growth may become very slow if the plant receives too little usable light.
- Brown leaf tips: Brown tips are commonly linked to dry air, tap water minerals, or inconsistent watering.
- Drooping leaves: Drooping can follow watering stress, temperature shock, or a sudden location change.
Plant care guide
About This Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine, botanically known as Monstera adansonii, is a tropical aroid in the Araceae family. It is famous for its naturally holey leaves, which give it a light, playful look compared with the larger, bolder Monstera deliciosa.
In the wild, it grows as a climbing plant, using trees for support. Indoors, it can trail from a pot, climb a moss pole, or be trained upward for larger leaves and a fuller look.
Why You’ll Like It
This plant gives you that “jungle” feel without needing a huge footprint. The leaves are dramatic but still airy, so it looks lush without feeling heavy.
Swiss Cheese Vine also grows quickly in good conditions, which makes it satisfying for people who like to see progress.
What Kind of Plant Is It?
Swiss Cheese Vine is flexible: it can trail, climb, or be pruned into a compact shape. It is not as fussy as some collector aroids, but it still appreciates stable light, warmth, and a bit of humidity.
When it has support and brighter indirect light, it tends to produce bigger, more perforated leaves.
Where It Works Best
It works well in living rooms, bathrooms, and home offices—anywhere you can give it bright, indirect light.
It can tolerate lower light, but growth slows down and leaves may become smaller with fewer holes. If you want the signature look, brighter indirect light is worth it.
How to Care for It in Real Life
Water when the top portion of the mix starts to dry, then water thoroughly and let excess drain away. Swiss Cheese Vine prefers an evenly moist rhythm, not extremes.
A loose aroid mix helps a lot: it keeps roots oxygenated and reduces the risk of soggy soil.
If you want a bigger, showier plant, give it a pole and gently tie the vines. Rotate the pot and prune leggy stems to keep it balanced.
Common Things to Watch For
Yellow leaves can happen from both overwatering and underwatering—check the soil before making changes.
Brown tips often come from dry air or inconsistent watering. Slow growth is usually a light issue.
Like many aroids, it is not pet-safe, so place it out of reach of curious pets.
Final Thought
Swiss Cheese Vine is a great “everyday” monstera: fast-growing, stylish, and easy to shape. Give it steady light, a breathable mix, and a simple watering rhythm, and it will look lush for years.