Swiss cheese vine
Also called Adanson's monstera, Monkey mask.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 7 days in the growing season, every 14 in winter |
| Humidity | high |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Height | Up to 200 cm (79 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Cutleaf Philodendron entry.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. The ASPCA entry under Cutleaf Philodendron is for Monstera deliciosa, a close relative, listed as toxic to cats and dogs through insoluble calcium oxalates. Treat this species the same way. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Unlike its enormous cousin, this monstera comes with holes in the leaves from the beginning, which is why it sells so well and why it is so often disappointing on a shelf. The holes and the leaf size both come from climbing. Left to trail it stays small and the new leaves get smaller; given a moss pole and something to grip, the same plant produces leaves twice the size within a season. It roots readily from a cutting with one node and one leaf, which is the usual way people acquire one. Keep the compost open, water when the top three centimetres are dry, and give it the brightest place that never gets direct sun.
Ailments observed
| New leaves with no splits or holes | Not enough light, or nothing to climb. Move it brighter and give it a moss pole. The holes come with maturity, and maturity comes from climbing rather than trailing. |
|---|---|
| Yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant | Watered again before the compost dried. Let the top third dry out. In a plastic pot in winter that can be three weeks. |
Filed underPlants that forgive a beginner, Plants for a balcony or a small space
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