Monstera Deliciosa Care Guide

About Monstera Deliciosa

Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, Monstera deliciosa (also called the Swiss Cheese Plant) has become one of the most popular houseplants in the world. In the wild, these plants can grow up to 70 feet tall, climbing up trees with their aerial roots!

The name "deliciosa" comes from the edible fruit the plant produces in the wild—though indoor plants rarely fruit. The distinctive leaf holes (called fenestrations) develop as the plant matures, helping it withstand heavy tropical rains and allowing light to reach lower leaves.

Light Requirements

Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight on the rainforest floor—that's what we're going for.

• Ideal: Near an east or west-facing window, or a few feet back from a south-facing window
• Acceptable: Medium indirect light (growth will be slower)
• Avoid: Direct afternoon sun (can scorch leaves) or very low light (leggy growth, no fenestrations)

Watering

Water your Monstera when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This typically means watering once a week in spring/summer and every 10-14 days in fall/winter.

How to Water:

1. Check the soil with your finger—if the top 2 inches are dry, it's time
2. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom
3. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes (no soggy feet!)

Humidity & Temperature

As a tropical plant, Monsteras appreciate humidity but are quite adaptable to average home conditions.

• Ideal humidity: 50-60%
• Minimum humidity: 40%
• Temperature range: 65-85°F (18-29°C)

To boost humidity: Mist occasionally, use a pebble tray, group plants together, or run a humidifier nearby.

Soil & Potting

Monsteras need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A chunky, airy mix is ideal.

Recommended Mix:

• 2 parts quality potting soil
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part orchid bark

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when roots start circling the pot. Go up only 1-2 inches in pot size. Spring is the best time to repot.

Fertilizing

Feed your Monstera monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• Growing season: Monthly, half-strength balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20)
• Winter: No fertilizer needed

Support & Training

In nature, Monsteras climb up trees using their aerial roots. Indoors, providing support encourages larger leaves and more dramatic growth.

• Moss pole: The classic choice—keeps aerial roots happy
• Wooden stake or trellis: Works well for support
• No support: Plant will grow more horizontally with smaller leaves

Use soft ties or plant velcro to gently secure stems to the support as the plant grows.

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves

Cause: Usually overwatering, but can also be natural aging (oldest leaves yellow first) or nutrient deficiency.

Fix: Check your watering schedule. Ensure pot has drainage. If soil stays wet for more than a week, repot in chunkier mix.

Brown Leaf Tips

Cause: Low humidity, inconsistent watering, or mineral buildup from tap water.

Fix: Increase humidity, water more consistently, or switch to filtered water.

No Fenestrations

Cause: Insufficient light or young plant.

Fix: Move to brighter location. Note: Young plants won't develop splits until they mature (usually after 2-3 years).

Leggy Growth

Cause: Not enough light.

Fix: Move to a brighter spot. You can also prune leggy growth and propagate the cuttings!

Propagation

Monsteras are incredibly easy to propagate! Look for a node (the bumpy part where leaves and aerial roots emerge) and cut just below it.

1. Cut a stem with at least one node and one leaf
2. Place in water or moist sphagnum moss
3. Keep in bright, indirect light
4. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks
5. Pot in soil once roots are 2-3 inches long