Monstera plants, or Monstera Deliciosa if you want to get fancy, are surprisingly easy to take care of.
Originating from southern Mexico and Panama, these beauties are often called Philodendron Split Leaf or the Swiss Cheese Plant thanks to the unique holes in their leaves.
Those holes are actually an adaptation from their time in the rainforest, allowing sunlight to filter through to the bottom leaves even when there’s thick vegetation above.
Table of Contents
- How Often Should I Water Monstera Plants?
- How Much Sunlight Do Monstera Plants Need?
- Should I Fertilize My Monstera Plant?
- Diagnosing Common Problems
- Staking Monstera Plants
- Propagating Monstera Plants
How Often Should I Water Monstera Plants?
Monsteras like their soil to be slightly moist but not soggy. They’re epiphytes, which means they have aerial roots and don’t tolerate soggy soil well. As a rule of thumb, water them once the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry.
My Monstera, Fran, lives in a big pot so I give her a good soak once a week during the growing season (spring to early fall) and cut back in the winter. To keep on track, I’ve made Saturday my plant-watering day, and it’s worked wonders for consistency.
By checking the soil each time, I can adjust the water amount depending on how dry it feels. If the soil is soggy, I skip watering that week.
How Much Sunlight Do Monstera Plants Need?
Monsteras love bright, indirect light. They can adapt to medium light but might get a bit leggy. I’ve placed Fran in a room with big west-facing windows, and she’s thriving there without getting any direct light that might burn her leaves.
She’s definitely the star among all the plants in that room!
Should I Fertilize My Monstera Plant?
Fertilizers can be tricky, but I found one I love and stick with it. I use one that mixes with water, so I fertilize once a month during the growing season with SUPERthrive. It’s a bit pricey but has kept my plants healthier than anything else I’ve tried.
Diagnosing Common Problems
- Curling leaves: Check if the soil is dry; it might need more water.
- Yellowing leaves: Could be overwatering or not enough indirect sunlight.
- Blackish stems: Likely overwatering; check for soggy soil.
Staking Monstera Plants
Monsteras climb trees in the wild, so staking them indoors helps them grow upright and keeps the leaves balanced. I learned this the hard way when an unstaked Monstera took a tumble and lost several stems. Staking Fran has made a world of difference.
Propagating Monstera Plants
I’ve added some propagated stems to Fran’s pot, making her bottom half more proportional. These extra stems have made her look even fuller and more vibrant.
Related: How to Propagate Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monstera a good indoor plant?
Absolutely. They do best in indirect light and warm environments, so keep them away from cold drafts.
How toxic is Monstera to cats?
If a pet nibbles on a Monstera, it might irritate their mouth, throat, and stomach. It’s not generally fatal unless a lot is ingested.
Should I mist my Monstera?
Yes, misting can help keep the leaves hydrated and free of dust, mimicking their natural humid environment.
My final tip might sound a bit “woo-woo,” but I believe in giving a little extra love to my plants. I named Fran, gave her the best spot in the house, and even placed some moss, rocks, and seashells in her pot. It’s a personal touch that I think she appreciates!
That’s how I managed to turn Fran from a sad Monstera into a gorgeous showstopper! I hope you find these tips helpful.