Swiss Cheese Plant for Indoor Hanging Baskets
Monstera Obliqua Offers a Profusion of Cascading Foliage
Apr 3, 2009
This South American native should not be confused with the larger Monstera deliciosa, known as split-leaf philodendron, but also occasionally called “Swiss cheese.” Unlike the taller, large-leafed deliciosa, the Monstera obliqua is a smaller, cascading vine. But small does not mean skimpy. Foliage of this plant is generally profuse and the leaves are large enough to show off their unusual pattern of perforations.
Leaves of the Swiss cheese are a rich green, oval shaped and pointed at the tip.
Caring for Swiss Cheese
The plant resembles philodendron and pothos in its growth pattern. The trailing, leaf-covered stems can grow quite long, but cutting keeps the plant rounded and encourages fuller growth at the top. It grows best in a raised planter or hanging basket that allows the plant to cascade over the edges. It can also be trained to climb a stake placed in the pot.
Swiss cheese likes a light watering that won’t leave it soggy. It should dry out slightly between waterings, especially if it’s in an area of low light. It should never be left sitting in water.
Like philodendrons and pothos, Swiss cheese can tolerate low artificial light. For optimal growth and plant health, however, a bright window location will allow it to thrive. Direct sun should be avoided. It will benefit from a weekly misting with a spray bottle, especially if the interior environment is dry.
Propagating New Plants
New plants can be propagated from cuttings. The process involves simply cutting off about six inches of a trailing stem and putting the cut end in water. Once the cutting has developed a good root system, it can be planted in potting soil.
Pests
Mealy bugs are the most likely pests to attack the Swiss cheese plant. Mealy bugs are often too tiny to see, but they leave distinctive cottony masses, particularly in leaf axils and around new growth. They also leave behind a sticky film of “honeydew,” that can attract mold and fungus to the leaves.
Mealy bugs multiply rapidly, so whenever the tell-tale signs appear, the affected area should be wiped down immediately with a paper towel or cotton swabs dipped in diluted alcohol. Alcohol that has not been diluted with water can burn the plant.
Once the cottony deposits and honeydew are removed, the plant should be sprayed with a solution of water, diluted alcohol and a few drops of dish detergent. The first spraying will need to be followed a week later by a second spraying to remove any new bugs that may have hatched.
This plant is attractive and exotic-looking, and as a bonus, it’s easy to care for.
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