Can You Grow Swiss Cheese Monstera In Water

Yes, you can grow swiss cheese monstera in water, and it’s a fantastic way to propagate or even keep these plants long term.
 
Growing swiss cheese monstera in water is completely doable because these plants develop aerial roots that adapt well to living in a jar or vase.
 
Many plant parents ask can you grow swiss cheese monstera in water as a permanent setup, and you absolutely can, though the plant won’t reach the same giant size as it would in soil.
 
In this post, we’ll cover why growing swiss cheese monstera in water works, how to do it step by step, and what struggles to watch for.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why You Can Grow Swiss Cheese Monstera In Water

The biggest reason you can grow swiss cheese monstera in water comes down to the plant’s natural biology.
 
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the swiss cheese plant, grows as an epiphyte in the wild, clinging to trees and sending aerial roots down toward the forest floor.
 
Those aerial roots are designed to absorb moisture, so when you place them in water, they quickly adapt and start acting like regular roots.
 
This is why growing swiss cheese monstera in water is so reliable for propagation.
 

1. Aerial Roots Love Moisture

The aerial roots on a swiss cheese monstera in water are the key to success.
 
When you take a cutting with an aerial root and submerge it, it doesn’t take long to grow new water roots.
 
These water roots do the same job as soil roots, taking up nutrients and water.
 
That’s why you can grow swiss cheese monstera in water without any special equipment.
 

2. No Soil Means Less Mess and Fewer Pests

Another reason people love growing swiss cheese monstera in water is that you skip the soil-related headaches.
 
No fungus gnats, no root rot from overwatering, and no mess on your windowsill.
 
When you grow swiss cheese monstera in water, you can see the roots clearly, which makes it easy to spot issues early.
 
It’s a cleaner and more visual way to enjoy your plant.
 

How To Grow Swiss Cheese Monstera In Water

Now that you know you can grow swiss cheese monstera in water, let’s talk about the process.
 
It’s not complicated, but a few steps make a big difference.
 

1. Pick the Right Cutting

To successfully grow swiss cheese monstera in water, start with a healthy stem cutting that includes at least one node and preferably an aerial root.
 
The node is the little bump where leaves and roots emerge, and it’s essential because new roots only grow from that point.
 
A cutting with an aerial root will establish itself much faster.
 
Make your cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors.
 

2. Use the Right Water

The water type matters more than you might think when you grow swiss cheese monstera in water.
 
Tap water can work, but if yours is heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for 24 hours first.
 
Filtered or rainwater is even better because it has fewer chemicals that can stress the plant.
 
Change the water every five to seven days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
 

3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Growing swiss cheese monstera in water requires the same lighting as a soil-grown plant.
 
Place your jar near a window with bright, indirect sunlight.
 
Too much direct sun can heat the water and encourage algae growth.
 
Too little light slows root development and can make the leaves leggy.
 
A spot a few feet from an east or north-facing window is usually perfect.
 

4. Add a Little Liquid Fertilizer

If you plan to grow swiss cheese monstera in water for months or years, your plant will need nutrients.
 
Water alone doesn’t have the minerals that soil provides, so add a diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks during the growing season.
 
Use about a quarter of the recommended dose to avoid burning the roots.
 
This keeps your swiss cheese monstera in water lush and green.
 

Common Problems When You Grow Swiss Cheese Monstera In Water

Even though you can grow swiss cheese monstera in water, there are a few pitfalls to watch for.
 
Knowing these ahead of time will save you frustration.
 

1. Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves are one of the most common issues when growing swiss cheese monstera in water.
 
This usually happens because of a lack of nutrients, so fertilize regularly.
 
It can also be a sign that the water hasn’t been changed often enough.
 
Trim off yellow leaves so the plant can focus on new growth.
 

2. Algae in the Water

Algae can form if your jar gets too much light or you don’t change the water frequently.
 
While algae isn’t harmful to your swiss cheese monstera in water, it’s not attractive and can deplete oxygen.
 
Use an opaque container, or clean the jar thoroughly each time you change the water.
 

3. Root Rot in Water

It might sound strange, but roots can rot in water if the water is dirty and stagnant.
 
Roots need oxygen, and stale water doesn’t provide it.
 
That’s why regular water changes are so important when you grow swiss cheese monstera in water.
 
If you notice slimy, brown, or mushy roots, trim them and give the plant fresh water right away.
 

So, Can You Grow Swiss Cheese Monstera In Water?

Yes, you can grow swiss cheese monstera in water, and it’s a wonderful way to propagate new plants or keep a compact houseplant on your desk.
 
Growing swiss cheese monstera in water is easy as long as you provide bright indirect light, change the water regularly, and give a little fertilizer now and then.
 
While a swiss cheese monstera grown in water won’t reach the same massive size as one in soil, it will still reward you with beautiful leaves and a striking root display.
 
So if you’ve been asking can you grow swiss cheese monstera in water, go ahead and give it a try.
 
Your plant will thank you, and you’ll love watching those roots grow.