The Monstera Borsigiana is one of the numerous Monstera types commonly grown as houseplants in temperate climate zones.
With its roots traced down to the thick Central American forests, this vine plant survives by wrapping itself around other trees and climbing for access to light.
The leaves of the borsigiana are dark green in color with a leaf structure that gives off the appearance of being cut by scissors.
An indoor-grown borsigiana plant can grow as high as 7 feet, while its leaves could be as wide as a foot.
Monstera Borsigiana Varieties
The Monstera borsigiana varieties can be distinguished by the variegation that accompanies each type, some of which are:
- Monstera borsigiana Albo Variegata: This is a rare type of the borsigiana with very peculiar variegation as it comes with white strips(in some cases, the entire leaf structure could be covered in white). This type could be very expensive so it helps to have that in mind.
- Monstera borsigiana Variegata: For this borsigiana type, the dark green leaves feature lime green colored stripes and large vivid spots or splashes.
- Monstera borsigiana Aurea: This variant is similar to the variegata, but the stripes or lashes are golden or yellow in color.
Grow
For a beginner, who is just getting used to the world of gardening, the Monstera borsigiana might not be the easiest start.
However, with a little more understanding of the holey cheese plant, you find that they are quite easy to grow and care for.
Light
The reason why the Monstera plant climbs the trunks of nearby trees is simple: they don’t like direct sunlight.
So it is recommended you keep or grow your Monstera Borsigiana in a part of the house that has access to enough light, but indirect light.
There are several rooms in the house, the bathroom is oftentimes the perfect location as it has access to enough light but not direct light.
If for some reason you don’t find a room with suitable living conditions for your swiss cheese plant, then you could make use of a light thin curtain to block off a little of the sun rays. Just be sure that enough indirect sunlight enters the room.
Temperature and Humidity
Remember, Monstera borsigiana are tropical plants, so they do best in warm, somewhat humid conditions. Most room temperatures and average indoor humidity levels are fine, but make sure you keep your plant out of cold drafts or places where the temperatures drop too low or fluctuate too much.
If humidity is low, raise this by grouping houseplants together, or taking other steps like misting, using a humidifier, or placing pebble trays filled with water below the pots.
Soil
When it comes to soil requirements, ensure that it is placed in rich, well-draining soil.
The Monstera plant does not do well in wet conditions so ensure that whatever soil you choose should be terrible at retaining water.
The best soil for the Monstera borsigiana is loamy soil. It is rich in soil nutrients and is well-draining.
Ensure you use a large pot for your borsigiana as the swiss cheese plant doesn’t enjoy having its roots crowded. Also, ensure whatever pot is used has enough holes for drainage.
As we stated earlier, the Monstera borsigiana is a climbing plant, so do ensure you place a stick at the center of your pot. It should be long enough for the borsigiana to grow into a nice shape.
Care
Watering
As you already know, the Monstera Borsigiana doesn’t like excess water. However, it does require that you keep it moist. Never let a borsigiana plant stay without water, as it may wither and dry out.
It is recommended that you water your cheese plant often and at regular intervals. If you have a tendency to over-water plants, then getting a water meter would be a good idea.
Another safe practice would be to feel the texture of the soil with your finger before you water it.
Deep watering is a great practice when watering a swiss cheese plant, This means to keep watering the plant till it flows out the drainage holes of the pot.
Feeding
The most recommended fertilizer type to use on a Monstera borsigiana plant is an organic liquid fertilizer. This is because the roots of the borsigiana are quite delicate and the liquid is the safest fertilizer for delicate roots.
It helps to dilute the fertilizer a lot, to about 50% of its strength. Also, ensure you fertilize your cheese plant at least once a month through the growing season, but hold off entirely during the winter months.
Pruning
All Monstera plant variants grow a lot and the borsigiana is no exception. Pruning your borsigiana plant is a must and it is recommended you prune at least once a week.
Regular pruning helps encourage new leaf growth by removing the dead leaves giving the plant a more rich, healthy shape.
Repotting
Repotting your Monstera plant shouldn’t be a regular affair. Keep your plant in the same pot till it becomes the root-bound at which point, you would need a larger container.
Fixing a number to it, it is recommended you re-pot your borsigiana once every 2 years. And when repotting, pick a bigger deeper pot with drainage holes.
Toxicity
It is advised that you keep all Monstera Plants out of the reach of children or pets, as they can be quite toxic when eaten.
The plant contains harmful oxalate crystals that could cause irritation in the mouth.
When pruning or handling any swiss cheese plant, do ensure you wear protective gloves just in case.
