Monstera obliqua aka Swiss Cheese Plant
Taxonomy
Monstera obliqua is a stunning and rare species of the genus Monstera native to Central and South America. It is hemiepiphytic like most other Monstera species and is known for its highly perforated foliage, usually referred to as having more empty space than leaf. Of the Monstera species, the Peru variation is especially well-known for its large fenestrations that allow for the absorption of scattered beams of sunlight and for the drip of water close to the roots. Cuttings of Monstera obliqua have become so sought-after that they have sold for over $20,000 and instances of theft have been reported. Monstera obliqua is not commonly cultivated, however it makes a great addition to any garden and is sure to make it stand out from the rest.
Common names
Swiss Cheese Plant, Broken Heart PlantHow to care for Swiss Cheese Plant
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Swiss Cheese Plant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Swiss Cheese Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Swiss Cheese Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Swiss Cheese Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Swiss Cheese Plant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Swiss Cheese Plant is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Swiss Cheese Plant. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Swiss Cheese Plant should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Swiss Cheese Plant’s native range is Central America.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Swiss Cheese Plant with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Monstera Genus
Monstera adansonii Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera dubia Wall Painting Creeper
Monstera siltepecana Monstera Peru
Monstera punctulata
Monstera acacoyaguensis Monstera Acacoyaguensis
Monstera oreophila
Monstera standleyana Philodendron Cobra
Monstera aureopinnata Aureopinnata
