The Swiss Cheese Plant, known botanically as Monstera adansonii, is a favorite among houseplant lovers for its unique, holey leaves and easy-care nature. While it brings tropical flair to any apartment, watering can be confusing for beginners — too much or too little has consequences. If you’re unsure about how much water your Monstera adansonii needs, how often to water it, or whether you should mist those glorious leaves, you’re not alone! Let’s walk through all the essentials so you can confidently care for your Swiss Cheese Plant and help it thrive.
How Often Should You Water Your Monstera adansonii?
One of the most common questions for new plant parents: How often do you actually need to water a Swiss Cheese Plant?
There isn’t a single schedule that works for everyone, since watering depends on room temperature, humidity, light, and the size of your plant. However, a good starting point is this:
- Water your Monstera adansonii every 1-2 weeks during spring and summer.
- In fall and winter, water every 2-4 weeks, or when the top 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil feel dry to the touch.
A simple way to check: Stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry at your first knuckle, it’s watering time. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
Tip: Don’t feel discouraged if you over- or under-water a few times while you learn! Plants are forgiving with care and patience.
How Much Water Does the Swiss Cheese Plant Need?
When it’s time to water your Monstera adansonii, you want to make sure the roots get enough moisture, but not so much that the plant sits in soggy soil. Use this simple approach:
1. Water slowly and evenly—pour water around the base of the plant until you see a little bit come out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
2. Empty the saucer beneath your pot after watering. Any water left sitting beneath the pot can cause root rot and other issues.
The goal is for the entire root ball to be moist, but not waterlogged.
Should You Mist or Spray the Swiss Cheese Plant?
Is misting necessary? Not really, but it can help!
Monstera adansonii enjoys humidity. If your apartment is dry, especially in winter, lightly mist the leaves once or twice a week to boost moisture around your plant. Use a fine spray bottle and avoid drenching the leaves—keep it gentle, so water doesn’t pool in the holes or leaf crevices.
Misting isn’t a replacement for good watering, though—it just helps with humidity.
What Are the Humidity Needs for Monstera adansonii?
Native to tropical jungles, your Swiss Cheese Plant loves air that’s a bit moist, but it’s more flexible than you might think.
- Ideal humidity: 50–60%
- Minimum humidity: 40% for healthy growth
If your home is particularly dry, especially during winter, run a small humidifier nearby, group your tropical plants together, or use a pebble tray with water beneath the pot (make sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in water).
Is the Swiss Cheese Plant Sensitive to Overwatering or Drought?
Yes! Here’s what you need to know:
- Overwatering: One of the biggest threats. Soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot—a major problem that causes yellow leaves, mushy stems, and eventually, plant loss.
- Drought: Monstera adansonii is *somewhat* tolerant of short dry spells—if you forget a watering, it usually bounces back after a good soak. But consistent underwatering leads to brown, crispy leaf edges.
Your key tools: Be patient, check the soil, and water only when the plant really needs it.
Should You Water Monstera adansonii from the Top or Bottom?
Both methods can work, but for apartment growers, top watering is generally simpler and less messy. Just pour gently at the soil line and let excess drain away. If you like, you can occasionally bottom water by placing the pot in a basin of water for 10–20 minutes, letting the soil soak up moisture, then removing the pot and letting it drain.
What to Do with Excess Water After Watering?
Never let excess water sit in the saucer or decorative pot! After you water, wait about 15 minutes, then pour away any water that has accumulated. This prevents soggy roots and keeps your Monstera adansonii happy.
Quick Recap: Watering Tips for Swiss Cheese Plant
- Check soil dryness before watering
- Water thoroughly, but never let it sit in water
- Mist occasionally for humidity, but don’t overdue it
- Top watering is usually best, but bottom watering is an option
- Watch for yellow leaves (overwatering) or crispy edges (underwatering)
Summary: Keeping Your Swiss Cheese Plant Thriving
Caring for a Monstera adansonii doesn’t have to be stressful—even if you’re just starting out. Remember, your Swiss Cheese Plant likes moist (not soggy) soil, enjoys a bit of humidity, and will forgive the occasional mistake. Check the soil often, water thoughtfully, and enjoy watching those lovely Swiss Cheese leaves grow bigger and brighter in your home!
