The Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the “cheese plant vine,” is a popular houseplant. Its distinctive foliage, with large, glossy leaves that develop unique splits and holes, makes it highly appealing. Its striking appearance and relatively straightforward care contribute to its widespread popularity.
Understanding the Cheese Plant Vine’s Growth
The Monstera deliciosa grows as an epiphyte in its native tropical rainforests, from southern Mexico to Panama. It attaches to other plants, like trees, rather than growing directly in soil. The plant produces aerial roots to anchor itself and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
As it matures, its leaves develop fenestrations—distinctive holes and splits. These fenestrations allow wind and rain to pass through, reducing leaf damage, and help light reach lower leaves. This climbing, vining habit, along with aerial roots and fenestrated leaves, defines its unique growth.
Optimal Care for Your Cheese Plant Vine
Light
The cheese plant vine thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to its natural understory habitat. Place it near an east, south, or west-facing window with filtered light. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing yellowing or brown spots. Insufficient light leads to slow, leggy growth and a lack of fenestrations.
Water
Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is a common issue, causing yellowing leaves and root rot by depriving roots of oxygen. Water until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard any excess from the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated potting mix, rich in organic matter like an aroid mix, is ideal. Add perlite, orchid bark, or lava rocks to improve drainage. Repot every one to two years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes. Choose a container 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Temperature and Humidity
Monstera deliciosa prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. Maintain temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), avoiding drops below 60°F (15°C). While it tolerates average household humidity, 40-60% humidity promotes vigorous growth and prevents brown leaf tips. Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, grouping plants, or using a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every two to four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Always follow fertilizer label instructions for dilution and application.
Guiding and Supporting Your Vining Plant
Support is essential for Monstera deliciosa due to its natural vining growth habit. In its native environment, it climbs trees to reach more light. Without support, indoor plants can become unruly, floppy, or prone to stem breakage. Moss poles, coir poles, or stakes encourage upright growth and mimic its natural climbing behavior.
A moss pole provides a surface for the plant’s aerial roots to attach, offering additional moisture and nutrients. This can lead to larger leaves with more pronounced fenestrations. To train the plant, position the stem against the support and secure it with soft plant ties. Aerial roots will penetrate the pole, helping the plant self-support as it grows vertically.
Pruning and Propagating Your Cheese Plant Vine
Prune the cheese plant vine to maintain size, shape, and remove unhealthy foliage. The best time to prune is during its active growing season in spring or early summer. Dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves can be removed anytime. Use clean, sharp shears to cut just above a node, where a leaf or aerial root emerges.
Propagating Monstera deliciosa is simple using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one node and one or two leaves. Cut 1-2 inches below the node and place it in water or a moist rooting medium. Roots develop within weeks to months, then transfer the new plant to soil. Air layering is another method, encouraging roots on a stem while still attached to the parent plant.
Addressing Common Cheese Plant Vine Issues
Several common issues can arise when caring for a cheese plant vine, but most are easily addressed. Yellowing leaves indicate improper watering, often overwatering leading to root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Brown leaf tips or edges suggest low humidity or underwatering; increase humidity or adjust watering frequency.
A lack of fenestrations is due to insufficient light or plant immaturity. Move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location to encourage development. Pests affecting Monstera deliciosa include spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, and fungus gnats. Manage infestations by regularly inspecting the plant and treating with methods like wiping leaves, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.