Variegated Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa 'Variegata')
The stunning Monstera deliciosa 'Variegata', or Variegated Swiss cheese plant, features creamy, splashed foliage. Ideal for bright indoor spaces in zones 10-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ is highly sought after by collectors for its dramatic, highly ornamental foliage. This cultivar showcases irregular, creamy white variegation splashed across the deep green, fenestrated leaves, making the Variegated Swiss cheese plant a true statement piece. Growing as a climbing, evergreen perennial vine, it demands moderate care but rewards patience with spectacular visual interest.
While capable of reaching significant heights outdoors in its tropical environment, the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ is most commonly cultivated as a large houseplant. Its distinctive, heart-shaped mature leaves feature the characteristic deep lobes and holes that give the Swiss cheese plant its common moniker. Successful cultivation centers on replicating its warm, humid native environment, even when kept indoors year-round.
As a relatively slower-growing specimen compared to its non-variegated counterpart, this plant still requires vigilant support to manage its climbing nature. The spectacular appearance of the Variegated Swiss cheese plant justifies the medium maintenance required for optimal light and humidity conditions necessary to maintain the bright, inconsistent splashes of white across its foliage.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-10 ft
- Spread: 4-6 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors
- Bloom Description: Whitish-green spadix and white spathe
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
When growing the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ indoors, select a location providing bright, indirect light; direct, harsh sun must be avoided as it scorches the delicate variegated sections. This plant thrives best in consistently warm and humid conditions, making bathrooms or rooms with humidifiers excellent choices. Use a well-draining, peaty, soil-based potting mix to ensure adequate aeration around the roots.
Watering requires attention: maintain medium moisture levels during the active growing season by watering thoroughly and allowing the top portion of the soil to dry slightly between applications. During fall and late winter dormancy, significantly reduce the frequency of watering to prevent root rot issues. Since this is a natural climber, providing a sturdy support like a moss pole is crucial; aerial roots will seek purchase, helping to nourish the plant and encourage larger leaf development.
If space allows, allow the aerial roots on the lower stem sections to travel into the soil for added stability and nutrition. Should aerial roots extend long above the plant, they can generally be trimmed away without harm. Managing the size is also easier inside, as supporting the climbing habit helps keep the plant manageable compared to its towering 70-foot potential in the tropics.
Landscape Uses
While primarily prized as a large-scale indoor specimen, where its striking variegation captures all attention, the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ can perform outdoors as a tropical accent plant in appropriate warm zones (10-12). It excels when placed under the dappled shade of larger trees or covered porches where protection from intense midday sun is guaranteed. The massive, fenestrated leaves create immediate, lush jungle vibes.
For container culture, choose large, robust pots that allow plenty of room for aerial root development and eventual maturity. Group the Variegated Swiss cheese plant with contrasting textures, perhaps pairing it with smaller, dark-leafed foliage plants for a dynamic understory effect, or placing it against simple, light-colored walls to maximize the visual impact of the variegation.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
The defining feature of this plant is its spectacular, fenestrated foliage which develops as the plant matures from small, uncut juvenile leaves. The ‘Variegata’ cultivar is distinct for its irregular splashes and streaks of creamy white patterning across the glossy, deep green leaf surface. In its native Central American habitat, this evergreen vine climbs significant heights; indoor specimens typically reach 6 to 8 feet, though this particular cultivar often remains slightly smaller, topping out around 10 feet.
Tolerances
This plant is winter hardy only within USDA Zones 10 through 12, requiring supplemental care or relocation during colder periods elsewhere.
Potential Problems
Gardeners should remain vigilant for common houseplant pests that can afflict the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’. Watch closely for small infestations of aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, or spider mites, which can spread quickly, especially in dry indoor air. Inspect the undersides of leaves and leaf axils regularly during watering routines. If pests are detected, isolate the plant immediately and treat thoroughly with insecticidal soap or specific horticultural oil treatments until the infestation is controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Variegated Swiss cheese plant suitable for?
The Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 to 12 when grown outdoors.
How large does Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ grow?
This plant typically achieves a height between 8 to 10 feet and spreads 4 to 6 feet, although indoor specimens can sometimes be kept smaller.
What sun exposure does Variegated Swiss cheese plant need?
It requires part shade to full shade conditions; bright, indirect light is essential for healthy growth and vibrant variegation.
When does Variegated Swiss cheese plant bloom?
The Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ rarely flowers when grown indoors, but when it does, it produces a whitish-green spadix surrounded by a white spathe.
Conclusion
The Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ offers unparalleled aesthetic payoff due to its stunning, creamy, splashed foliage, making it a prized possession for any enthusiast. Successfully maintaining the beauty of this Variegated Swiss cheese plant relies on consistent warmth, high humidity, and carefully managed bright, indirect light. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 10-12 or be prepared to treat it as a significant indoor tropical specimen.
Companion Planting
When siting the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ in containers or shaded garden areas, consider pairing it with plants that share similar cultural needs for bright, indirect light and high humidity. Anthuriums and other Aroids, such as certain Philodendrons or Alocasias, make excellent companions, as they complement Monstera’s jungle aesthetic without competing for the low-light conditions it prefers. Avoid placing shallow-rooted annuals directly underneath large specimens, as they may compete unnecessarily for water in the upper soil level.
Propagation Tips
Propagating the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ is most effectively done via stem cuttings, which is crucial for preserving the unique variegation pattern. Select a healthy stem section that includes at least one node and one aerial root if possible, ensuring the cutting also displays desirable white variegation. Place the cutting in water or damp sphagnum moss until robust roots develop, taking care to ensure the resulting plantlet has a decent portion of variegation to maintain its value.
