Monstera deliciosa 'Large Form' (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Monstera deliciosa 'Large Form'
- Common names: Swiss Cheese Plant

Background & Origin
Monstera deliciosa is a tropical evergreen climbing plant native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America. In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphyte, using aerial roots to climb trees in search of light. The ‘Large Form’ is a robust variant known for producing bigger leaves and more dramatic fenestrations as it matures. Its iconic split and perforated foliage develops with age, making it one of the most recognisable houseplants in the world.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight
- A consistent watering routine
- Some humidity

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Cold draughts
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Living rooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up 4.5m tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 2.5 cm wide
- Growth rate: Fast during spring and summer
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Care difficulty: Very hardy and easy to care for.

Light requirements: Prefer bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly but allow this plant to dry out mostly between waterings.

Humidity: Can do well in normal household conditions but will enjoy some humidity. Grouping humidity-loving plants together can help, as can placing pots of a wet pebble tray. You can mist the area around the foliage although this will only increase humidity temporarily. Humidifiers, kitchens, bathrooms are also beneficial to increase humidity.

Feeding: can be fed in the growing season during spring and summer every 2 weeks, but refrain from feeding in winter.

Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if eaten.

Repotting: Repot once a year to encourage further growth or when it has outgrown its current pot.