How to Water Swiss Cheese Vine
Monstera adansonii
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Water your Swiss Cheese Vine every 6–9 days in spring and summer when the top inch of soil is dry. Stretch to every 12–16 days in winter.
Monstera adansonii dries faster than its deliciosa cousin and the smaller leaves wilt quickly when thirsty. Soak deeply, drain fully, and use room-temperature water.
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How Often and How Much to Water
Adjust the sliders below for your pot size, light, and setting. The numbers assume a chunky aroid mix and a pot with drainage.
Setting
Every
9days
Use
1cup
Your Watering Rhythm Across the Year
Soil dries faster in the growing season, which varies by region. Slow down watering in the off-season to avoid overwatering.
Pacific
Mountain
Midwest
Northeast
Southeast
JFMAMJJASOND
Growing season
Growing season
9days
Resting season
3–4weeks
How to Water Your Swiss Cheese Vine
Soak deeply, drain fully. Swiss Cheese Vine handles short dry spells but droops fast and rots even faster, so the wet-then-dry rhythm matters.
1
Use room-temperature water at the soil line. Cold tap water can shock tropical roots, especially in winter.
2
Pour slowly until water runs out the drainage holes. That tells you the rootball is fully soaked.
3
Empty the saucer after 10 minutes so the roots aren't sitting in standing water.
4
Lift the pot before the next watering. Vines lose a lot of water through their leaves and the pot empties faster than you might expect.
Should You Water Your Swiss Cheese Vine Today?
Always check before you pour. Soggy roots kill faster than dry ones, but Swiss Cheese Vine droops dramatically when thirsty and the long trailing stems lose leaves quickly if the dry spell drags on.
Hold off
Leaves feel firm and look glossy
Vines hold their shape on the trellis or hanger
Aerial roots plump and firm
Soil sits tight against the pot wall
Soil dry on top but damp an inch down
Pot feels heavy when lifted
Ready for water
Leaves limp and slightly curled inward
Vines drooping or sagging
Aerial roots thin or wrinkled
Visible gap between soil and pot wall
Pot feels almost empty
If Something Looks Off
Underwater and overwater both end in droop and yellowing leaves. The pace and the soil tell you which one you have.
Underwatered
Soil
Bone-dry and pulled away from the pot wall
Stems
Stay firm at the base
Leaves
All limp at once, edges crisping on the oldest leaves first
Pace
Sudden droop within a day of going dry that perks up within hours of a soak
Next steps
Set the pot in a basin of room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes
Drain fully and return to its usual spot out of harsh direct sun
Expect vines to lift back up within 6 to 12 hours
Existing crispy edges won't reverse but the leaves still photosynthesize from the green parts. Wait for new growth before fertilizing
Overwatered
Soil
Stays dark and damp for days with a sour smell
Stems
Soft or browning at the soil line
Leaves
Yellow blotches spreading inward and dropping at a touch
Pace
Sudden mass leaf drop that worsens even after you stop watering
Next steps
Stop watering immediately and move to a bright airy spot
Pop the plant out of the pot and trim any dark mushy roots back to firm pale tissue
Repot in fresh chunky aroid mix in a clean pot with drainage holes
Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before the first watering
Watch for fungus gnats around the soil. They thrive in damp pots and confirm the mix is staying wet too long
Got More Questions?
Why aren't my leaves getting the holes?
The fenestrations on Swiss Cheese Vine are mostly a light issue, not a watering one. Young plants and plants in lower light produce small unsplit leaves. Brighter indirect light and a moss pole to climb both encourage larger holed leaves.
More water doesn't help. Steady moisture and good light over time do.
How long should I wait to water after repotting?
Wait 5 to 7 days. Repotting always damages a few fine roots and a brief dry stretch lets them seal over before you flood the pot.
When you do water, soak fully, drain the saucer, and resume the normal rhythm.
Can I use tap water?
Yes. Swiss Cheese Vine tolerates ordinary tap water without issue. Chlorine and fluoride at typical municipal levels are not a problem.
If you have very hard water and notice white crust on the soil, flush with rainwater or distilled water once or twice a year.
How long can I leave it alone for vacation?
About 2 weeks for a plant in a typical pot. Soak deeply before you leave and move slightly back from the brightest window.
For longer trips, ask someone to do a finger-check at the 2-week mark and water only if the top 2 inches are dry.
Should I water hanging vines more than potted ones?
Slightly. Hanging plants get more airflow and dry out a touch faster than the same pot on a shelf, especially near a heat vent or AC.
Finger-check at the soil instead of guessing. Lifting a hanging pot to feel the weight is the easiest way to track.
Should I water the moss pole?
If your plant is climbing a moss pole, misting it once or twice a week keeps the aerial roots happy and encourages bigger leaves.
This is separate from soil watering. Don't substitute pole misting for soaking the rootball.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Watering guidance verified against Monstera adansonii growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
32,546+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b