Swiss Cheese Plant Monstera epipremnoides

The Swiss cheese plant is an evergreen, perennial, epiphytic climbing vine that grows up to 13 feet tall and climbs on trees under the forest canopy  in the tropical forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It thrives in the mountainous areas of Costa Rica and is a very rare species. The leaves are large, oblong, and measure from 1 to 2 feet long. They have multiple large and small fenestrations throughout the leaf. The leaves resemble the holes found in Swiss cheese; hence, the common name. It is a member of the arum family (Araceae). The genus name, Monstera, is from the Latin word for "monstrous" and references the unusual leaves of its genus. The specific epithet, epipremnoides, reflects this plants resemblance to Epipremnum species.

The plant prefers bright indirect sunlight or dappled sunlight, high humidity, and moist, well-drained, organic rich soil. Rainwater or filtered water is recommended. This plant does not tolerate drafts and prefers temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To increase the humidity, a humidifier is recommended or set your plant container on a tray of pebbles covered with water. Clean the leaves with a soft cloth since collected dust can prevent photosynthesis. Pinch off the end of the stems to control the plant's growth. It can be propagated by stem cuttings.

This plant is larger and taller and has larger leaves than other Monstera species. Its aerial roots secure themselves to other structures. As a houseplant, the Swiss cheese plant typically grows up to 6 to 8 feet tall. The leaves are light green, broad, leathery, glossy, split, and perforated.  Leaf shape changes as the leaves mature from entire to having holes to eventually having perforations often extending to and breaking through the outer edges of the leaves and result in a pinnatifid leaf shape. The flowers are in the form of a spadix and spathe.

The Swiss cheese plant is rare commercially and is highly prized by collectors for its unique features..

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves contain several large, natural holes
• Indoor vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for whiteflies, red spiders, and mealybugs.  Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. Yellow leaves can indicate under or overwatering. 

If ingested, this plant is toxic to both humans and pets. All parts of the plant are toxic except for its fully ripe fruit. Indoor plants rarely produce fruit.  The sap and leaves can cause skin irritation and gloves should be worn when handling this plant.