Plant comparison
Swiss cheese vine vs Monstera
Monstera adansonii versus deliciosa — both 'Swiss cheese' plants but very different size and habit, constantly mixed up.
| Swiss cheese vine | Monstera | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monstera adansonii | Monstera deliciosa |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix | Chunky aroid mix |
| Humidity | 50-70% | 50-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor in most US homes) | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b (heated greenhouse / indoor only) |
| Mature size | 1.5-2.5 m trained up a pole | Indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat |
| Growth habit | Climbing or trailing vine | Climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Mildly toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Swiss cheese vine — Swiss cheese vine if you prefer its climbing or trailing vine habit at 1.5-2.5 m trained up a pole indoors.
- Choose Monstera — Monstera if you prefer its climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit at indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Swiss cheese vine care and Monstera care. For pet-safety detail see Swiss cheese vine and Monstera.
Swiss cheese vine vs Monstera — frequently asked questions
Is Swiss cheese vine the same as Monstera?
No — Swiss cheese vine is Monstera adansonii and Monstera is Monstera deliciosa. Monstera adansonii versus deliciosa — both 'Swiss cheese' plants but very different size and habit, constantly mixed up. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, swiss cheese vine or monstera?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Swiss cheese vine wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, every 5-7 days. Monstera wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is swiss cheese vine or monstera safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Swiss cheese vine is mildly toxic to pets and Monstera is mildly toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do swiss cheese vine and monstera get indoors?
Swiss cheese vine matures to 1.5-2.5 m trained up a pole, with a climbing or trailing vine habit. Monstera reaches indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat, climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can swiss cheese vine and monstera live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Swiss cheese vine needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Monstera needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.