Are you struggling to keep your cheese plant happy and thriving? You're not alone! Cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are popular houseplants known for their unique, holey leaves and ability to purify the air. However, they can be finicky and require specific care to stay healthy. In this article, we'll explore common issues that can affect your cheese plant and provide you with expert advice on how to diagnose and treat them.
Table of Contents
Overwatering
One of the most common mistakes cheese plant owners make is overwatering. Cheese plants prefer well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. If you notice your plant's leaves are turning yellow or droopy, it may be a sign that you're watering it too much. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels wet, wait a few days before watering again.
To prevent overwatering, make sure your pot has good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. You can also repot your cheese plant in the spring or summer using a slightly larger pot and fresh potting mix to give the roots more room to grow.
Underwatering
On the other hand, underwatering can also cause problems for your cheese plant. If the soil is too dry for an extended period, the leaves may start to turn brown or crispy. To avoid this, water your cheese plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You can also increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier.
Lack of Light
Cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. However, if your plant is not getting enough light, it may not produce as many holes in its leaves or may become leggy. If you notice your plant is stretching towards the light, it may be a sign that it needs more light. Move it to a brighter location or consider using grow lights to supplement the natural light.
Pests
Cheese plants can be susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, leading to yellowing or dropping leaves. To prevent pests, inspect your plant regularly and treat any infestations promptly. You can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests.
Temperature Fluctuations
Cheese plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and no lower than 55°F (13°C) at night. Avoid placing your plant near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows, as temperature fluctuations can cause stress to the plant.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot can affect your cheese plant. These diseases are often caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure your pot has good drainage, and the soil is not too moist. You can also improve air circulation around your plant by keeping it at least 6-8 inches away from any walls or other plants.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Cheese plants need a balanced diet of nutrients to stay healthy. If your plant is not getting enough nutrients, it may develop yellow or pale leaves. You can fertilize your cheese plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Transplant Shock<
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cheese plant turning yellow?
If your cheese plant is turning yellow, it may be due to overwatering. Cheese plants prefer well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels wet, wait a few days before watering again. Additionally, yellow leaves can be a sign of too much direct sunlight, so consider moving your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.
Why are the leaves on my cheese plant droopy?
Droopy leaves on a cheese plant can be caused by underwatering. Cheese plants need consistent moisture, especially when they're young. Make sure to water your plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Another reason for droopy leaves could be a lack of humidity. Cheese plants thrive in humid environments, so consider placing the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the moisture around the plant.
Why is my cheese plant not growing?
If your cheese plant is not growing, it may be due to a lack of nutrients. Cheese plants are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide your plant with the necessary nutrients. Another reason for slow growth could be inadequate light. Cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light, so consider moving your plant to a spot with more light.
Why are there brown spots on my cheese plant leaves?
Brown spots on cheese plant leaves can be caused by fungal diseases, such as leaf spot or root rot. Remove any affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading. Improve air circulation around the plant by providing enough space between plants and ensuring good air movement. Also, avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Why is my cheese plant leggy?
If your cheese plant is leggy, it may be due to a lack of pruning. Cheese plants need regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove any long, leggy stems, and cut back the plant to encourage new growth. Another reason for legginess could be inadequate light. Cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light, so consider moving your plant to a spot with more light.
Can I propagate my cheese plant?
Yes, you can propagate your cheese plant through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings with at least two nodes, remove lower leaves, and plant them in a pot filled with a well-draining mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until roots develop. You can also propagate using leaf cuttings by cutting off a healthy leaf, allowing it to dry for a few days, and then planting it in a pot filled with a well-draining mix.
Why is my cheese plant not producing flowers?
If your cheese plant is not producing flowers, it may be due to a lack of light. Cheese plants need bright, indirect light to produce flowers. Another reason could be inadequate fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide your plant with the necessary nutrients. Also, make sure your plant is getting enough water, as drought can prevent flowering.
Can I grow my cheese plant outdoors?
Yes, you can grow your cheese plant outdoors in a shaded area with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Cheese plants prefer high humidity, so consider growing them in a greenhouse or a shaded area with high humidity. However, be aware that outdoor conditions can be challenging for cheese plants, and they may require more maintenance.
Why are there pests on my cheese plant?
Pests on cheese plants can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, poor air circulation, and contaminated soil. Check your plant regularly for signs of pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. Isolate infested plants, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.
Can I repot my cheese plant?
Yes, you can repot your cheese plant when it becomes pot-bound. Choose a pot that is only one to two sizes larger than the current one, and use a well-draining potting mix. Repotting can be done during the growing season (spring and summer) or during the dormant season (fall and winter). Avoid repotting during extreme weather conditions.
Why is my cheese plant dropping leaves?
Cheese plants can drop leaves due to a variety of reasons, including overwatering, underwatering, or sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, ensure that your plant is in a spot with consistent temperature and humidity.
Can I prune my cheese plant?
Yes, you can prune your cheese plant to maintain its shape, promote bushy growth, and encourage new stems. Remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems, and cut back the plant to encourage new growth. Prune your cheese plant during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage new growth.
Why is my cheese plant not responding to fertilization?
If your cheese plant is not responding to fertilization, it may be due to a lack of nutrients in the soil. Consider getting a soil test to determine the nutrient levels in the soil. Also, ensure that you're using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid overfertilizing, as this can damage your plant.
Can I grow my cheese plant in a terrarium?
Yes, you can grow your cheese plant in a terrarium. Cheese plants thrive in humid environments, making terrariums an ideal environment. However, be aware that terrariums can be prone to overwatering, so make sure to monitor the soil moisture and avoid overwatering.
Why is my cheese plant developing brown edges?
Brown edges on cheese plant leaves can be caused by a lack of humidity. Cheese plants thrive in humid environments, so consider placing the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the moisture around the plant. Another reason could be exposure to extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature.
Can I divide my cheese plant?
Yes, you can divide your cheese plant when it becomes pot-bound. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, and gently separate the roots. Replant the divided sections in a pot filled with a well-draining mix, and water well. Division can be done during the growing season (spring and summer) or during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Why is my cheese plant not producing new growth?
If your cheese plant is not producing new growth, it may be due to a lack of nutrients. Cheese plants are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide your plant with the necessary nutrients. Another reason could be inadequate light or temperature fluctuations.
Can I grow my cheese plant in water?
Yes, you can grow your cheese plant in water using a hydroponic system. However, be aware that cheese plants require a well-draining mix to prevent root rot, so ensure that your hydroponic system provides adequate drainage. Also, monitor the water temperature and pH levels to ensure optimal growth.
Why is my cheese plant developing white powdery patches?
White powdery patches on cheese plant leaves can be caused by powdery mildew, a fungal disease. Remove any affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading. Improve air circulation around the plant by providing enough space between plants and ensuring good air movement. Also, avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Can I use cheese plant leaves for cooking?
No, cheese plant leaves are not edible and should not be used for cooking. Cheese plants are ornamental plants and their leaves contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. Keep your cheese plant out of reach of children and pets to avoid any potential harm.
Why is my cheese plant dropping stems?
Cheese plants can drop stems due to a variety of reasons, including overwatering, underwatering, or sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, ensure that your plant is in a spot with consistent temperature and humidity.
Can I grow my cheese plant in a hanging basket?
Yes, you can grow your cheese plant in a hanging basket. Cheese plants have trailing stems, making them ideal for hanging baskets. However, be aware that hanging baskets can dry out quickly, so ensure that you're watering your plant regularly.
Why is my cheese plant not responding to pruning?
If your cheese plant is not responding to pruning, it may be due to a lack of nutrients in the soil. Consider getting a soil test to determine the nutrient levels in the soil. Also, ensure that you're using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid overpruning, as this can stress your plant.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.