Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera adansonii

Water about every 8 days.

Let the soil dry out between waterings. Push a finger a couple of inches into the soil before you pour. Dry at that depth means go ahead; still cool and damp means wait. The top dries first and lies about the rest.

Light: bright, indirect light · Care: moderate

How your pot, light and size change it

Every 8 days is the starting point. Here’s how each part of your setup moves it on its own — the free schedule tool combines all of them for your plant.

How pot, light and size change how often to water Swiss Cheese Plant
FactorSetupWater
PotTerracottaevery 7 days
Plasticevery 8 days
Glazed ceramicevery 9 days
LightBrightevery 7 days
Mediumevery 8 days
Lowevery 9 days
Plant sizeSmallevery 7 days
Mediumevery 8 days
Largeevery 9 days

How much water to give

Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — a Swiss Cheese Plant sitting in water is the quickest way to rot its roots.

Watering Swiss Cheese Plant through the seasons

In spring and summer, growth picks up and warm days pull moisture from the pot faster. In a hot, dry spell our schedule tightens to about every 6 days. In autumn and winter the plant slows down and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the schedule stretches to about every 11 days. Whatever the season, check the soil before you pour — the date is a reminder, the soil has the final say.

Signs of overwatering and underwatering

Because a Swiss Cheese Plant likes to dry out between drinks, too much water is the more common problem. Signs of overwatering: yellowing lower leaves, soft or mushy stems, soil that never seems to dry and a musty smell from the pot. Signs of underwatering: drooping or curling leaves, crispy edges and soil pulling away from the side of the pot. If you’re unsure, wait a day — a slightly thirsty plant recovers far more easily than a waterlogged one.

Swiss Cheese Plant care guide

Smaller relative of Monstera with heart-shaped, perforated leaves. Prefers bright, indirect light. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Prefers 65-75°F and moderate humidity. Use well-draining soil with perlite. Grows 3-4 feet indoors. Aerial roots develop naturally. Propagate via stem cuttings. Slower than Monstera but more compact.

Swiss Cheese Plant watering FAQ

How often should I water my Swiss Cheese Plant?

Water your Swiss Cheese Plant about every 8 days. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Terracotta pots, bright light and small plants dry out faster; glazed pots, low light and larger plants hold water for longer.

Should Swiss Cheese Plant dry out between waterings?

Yes. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Push a finger a couple of inches into the soil before you pour. Dry at that depth means go ahead; still cool and damp means wait. The top dries first and lies about the rest.

How much water does a Swiss Cheese Plant need?

Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — a Swiss Cheese Plant sitting in water is the quickest way to rot its roots.

Should I water my Swiss Cheese Plant less in winter?

Usually, yes. Growth slows and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the interval stretches to about every 11 days. Check the soil rather than sticking rigidly to the calendar.

Does a terracotta pot change how often I water a Swiss Cheese Plant?

Yes. Terracotta breathes and dries faster, so a Swiss Cheese Plant in terracotta needs water about every 7 days, compared with every 8 days in plastic and every 9 days in a glazed pot.

How do I know when my Swiss Cheese Plant needs water?

Push a finger a couple of inches into the soil before you pour. Dry at that depth means go ahead; still cool and damp means wait. The top dries first and lies about the rest.

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Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii) houseplant