Full Shade
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
12b
USDA zone
13°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 3m |
2.5m | Min | 1m |
10 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant Overview
Monstera deliciosa 'Albo Variegata' is an impressive, spreading, easy-to-grow, evergreen and generally low maintenance perennial plant. This cultivar produces attractive variegated leaves marbled with white colouring. This houseplant lives happily in full or partial shade. However, it will grow faster in bright light. Monsteras like to dry out between watering, which means less watering and less stressing. Allow lots of space for this guy, as it can grow up to 3 meters tall – hope you have high ceilings! Fun fact: Native to tropical rainforests, this plant climbs using aerial roots and is classified as an epiphyte – which means it doesn't require a water or soil substrate to grow, surviving on other organisms and gleaning nutrition and moisture from the air and their immediate surroundings. Does well potted in an airy, well-draining soil mix – moss and perlite can be added to achieve this. This plant, Monstera ‘Albo-Variegata' has been produced from the species M. deliciosa. The attractive patterning usually covers up to half a leaf and many other common names may be used such as "half moon". However, this term is unofficial and used mainly as a marketing tool to sell plants at high prices. The cultivar 'Albo Variegata' may be kept indoors as a distinctive foliage houseplant, requiring support for optimal growth. Produces non-showy, cream-white flowers. Providing the conditions are optimal, they later produce fruits, which become edible once their scales lift up. They resemble a green ear of maize and can cause stomach upset if consumed unripe. The dramatic and showy foliage is the main reason for growing this cultivar. Its leaves are large, glossy and heart-shaped, and they change structure with age. They develop characteristic splits over time, which is where the common name Swiss Cheese Plant comes from. It has a bushy, climbing habit and is frost-tender, keep above freezing temperatures, plant in a position of full sun and well-draining soil for optimal growth. Water when the soil has thoroughly dried out for best results.
Common problems with Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
How to harvest Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
The fruit may be ripened by cutting it when the first scales begin to lift up and it begins to smell pungent. Set aside wrapped in a paper bag until the scales begin popping off. Brush scales off to reveal the edible flesh underneath which can be cut from the core and eaten.
How to propagate Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
Cuttings
A tip cutting, including at least two leaves, will root in spring, if it is planted in a deep pot containing a moistened equal-parts mixture of peat moss and sand. Enclose the cutting in a plastic bag.
Layering
Special features of Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
Pot plant
Provide a large container to allow air roots to tap into the soil.
Attractive leaves
Attractive foliage plant.
Indoor plant
Plants grown indoors occasionally produce flowers and fruit.
Other uses of Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
Edible
The flesh of the fruit underneath the scales can be cut from the core and eaten. The flesh has a fruity taste similar to jackfruit and pineapple.
Ornamental
Suits a conservatory or light indoor room as an architectural feature houseplant.