When it comes to houseplants, Monstera and Swiss Cheese Plant are two of the most popular varieties.
Are you unsure of the differences between them? If so, youve come to the right place.
In this article, well discuss the differences between Monstera and Swiss Cheese Plant in terms of their size, foliage, growth, propagation, and care.
Read on to learn more about these two unique plants and gain the knowledge you need to help you decide which one is right for your home.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Monstera and Swiss cheese plants are both popular houseplants.
The main difference between the two is that Monstera has large, unique leaves with natural holes and slits, while Swiss cheese plants have smaller, rounder leaves that look like Swiss cheese.
Monstera is also a vining plant and can grow up to 10 feet, while Swiss cheese plants tend to stay at a smaller size.
Both plants prefer indirect sunlight, are easy to care for, and enjoy high humidity.
What is Monstera?
Monstera is a genus of tropical plants native to Central and South America.
It is commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, due to the natural holes that give its large, leathery leaves a lacy look.
The characteristic holes are caused by fenestrations in the leaves, which are created when the leaves mature and expand.
Monstera plants can be distinguished from other tropical plants by their large, glossy foliage and aerial roots.
These aerial roots are specialized roots that can attach themselves to walls, rocks, and trees, giving the plant the ability to climb up surfaces.
Monstera plants typically grow in a vining or trailing shape, making them ideal for hanging baskets.
Monstera plants are slow-growing, taking several years to reach their mature size.
However, once mature, Monstera plants can reach heights of up to 15 feet.
What is Swiss Cheese Plant?
The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), also known as the Split-Leaf Philodendron or Windowleaf, is a species of flowering plant native to tropical rainforests of Central America.
It is a popular houseplant because of its attractive, large, glossy leaves with holes that give it a unique, lacy look.
The leaves of the Swiss Cheese Plant are much thinner than Monstera plants and are usually a darker green color.
The leaves also have irregular, finger-like divisions between the holes, giving them a more chaotic appearance.
The Swiss Cheese Plant is a fast-growing plant, producing new leaves quickly and often, and does not have aerial roots like Monstera plants.
Instead, the Swiss Cheese Plant tends to grow in a bushy, sprawling shape, making it ideal for filling in empty spaces in a room.
Size of Monstera vs Swiss Cheese Plant
When it comes to comparing Monstera and Swiss Cheese plants, one of the most obvious differences is the size of the leaves.
Monstera plants have large, leathery leaves with natural holes that give the foliage a lacy look.
These leaves can grow up to a foot long and wide.
Swiss cheese plants, on the other hand, have smaller, thinner leaves with irregular holes.
These leaves tend to grow only a few inches long and wide.
This difference in size is important as it can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a space.
Monstera plants can make a bold statement in a room, while Swiss cheese plants will blend into the background more easily.
Foliage of Monstera vs Swiss Cheese Plant
When it comes to comparing Monstera and Swiss cheese plants, one of the most obvious differences is the foliage.
Monstera plants are known for their large, leathery leaves with natural holes that give their foliage a lacy appearance.
The holes can vary from small to large, depending on the variety, and they often look as if they have been punched in the leaf.
Swiss cheese plants, on the other hand, have smaller, thinner leaves with irregular holes.
The holes in Swiss cheese plants are not as uniform as Monstera, and they tend to be more scattered throughout the leaf.
The leaves of Monstera plants also tend to be more pointed at the end, whereas Swiss cheese plants have more rounded leaves.
Growth of Monstera vs Swiss Cheese Plant
When it comes to growth, the Monstera and Swiss Cheese plants are quite different.
Monstera plants are known for their slow and steady growth, while Swiss cheese plants are much quicker to produce new leaves.
Monstera plants tend to grow in a vining shape, with aerial roots that allow them to cling to surfaces, while Swiss cheese plants tend to grow in a bushy, sprawling shape.
Monstera plants are also known for their distinctive leaves, which are large, leathery and perforated with natural holes.
This gives the foliage a lacy look that makes it a popular choice for home decoration.
Swiss cheese plants, on the other hand, have smaller, thinner leaves with irregular holes.
Due to the slow growth of Monstera plants, they aren’t ideal for those who want to add a splash of greenery to their home quickly.
If you’re looking for something that will grow faster, then a Swiss cheese plant might be a better choice.
However, if you’re looking for something that adds a unique touch to your living space, then the Monstera plant is the way to go.
Propagation of Monstera vs Swiss Cheese Plant
When it comes to propagation, both Monstera and Swiss Cheese Plants can be easily propagated from cuttings.
However, Monstera is a bit more difficult to propagate than Swiss Cheese Plant.
Monstera cuttings require a more humid environment with high temperatures, and they need to be kept constantly moist in order to take root.
Swiss Cheese Plants, on the other hand, can be propagated with a much wider range of temperatures and humidity levels, and they require less moisture to take root.
Additionally, Monstera cuttings can be propagated in water or soil, while Swiss Cheese Plant cuttings are typically only propagated in soil.
Monstera also has the added advantage of being able to be propagated from stem cuttings.
These stem cuttings should be taken from the stem of a mature plant, and you can use a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors to take your cuttings.
Once the cuttings have been taken, you can place them in a pot of soil or water and wait for them to take root.
Swiss Cheese Plant cuttings, on the other hand, cannot be propagated from stem cuttings, and must be taken from the leaves of a mature plant.
In conclusion, Monstera and Swiss Cheese Plant are both easy to propagate from cuttings, but Monstera has the added advantage of being able to be propagated from stem cuttings as well.
Additionally, Monstera requires more humidity and higher temperatures to take root, while Swiss Cheese Plant requires less moisture and a wider range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Care of Monstera vs Swiss Cheese Plant
When it comes to the care of Monstera and Swiss cheese plants, there are some key differences to be aware of.
Both plants need well-draining soil and enough water to keep their soil moist, but not soggy.
Monstera plants prefer more humidity than Swiss cheese plants, so if you live in a dry climate, consider placing a humidifier near your Monstera.
Monstera plants also need more light than Swiss cheese plants, so its important to find a spot with bright, indirect light for your Monstera.
In terms of fertilizing, both plants will benefit from regular applications of a liquid fertilizer, though Monstera plants may need a bit more.
Monstera plants can also be propagated by cuttings, which is a great way to increase your stock of plants without having to purchase more.
Swiss cheese plants, on the other hand, are propagated from seed, so they take a bit longer to grow.
Finally, its important to note that Monstera plants can grow quite large if given the right conditions, while Swiss cheese plants stay relatively small.
Monstera plants can grow up to several feet tall and wide, while Swiss cheese plants typically reach a height and width of no more than two feet.
This makes Monstera plants better suited for large spaces, while Swiss cheese plants are perfect for small apartments or offices.
Final Thoughts
So now that we have a better understanding of the differences between Monstera and Swiss Cheese Plants, it’s time to decide which one is right for you.
Monstera plants are slower growing and have large, lacy leaves with aerial roots, and Swiss cheese plants are quick to produce new leaves and have smaller, thinner leaves with irregular holes.
Understanding the differences between these two plants will help you decide which one is best for your home and lifestyle.
Happy Planting!.