Monstera Plant: Complete Growing and Care Guide

Monstera Plant Quick Facts

Key Takeaways

• Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is a popular tropical houseplant appreciated for its large split leaves and easy care.
• For optimal leaf growth and healthy growth, give your Monstera bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
• Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry and do not overwater as root rot may occur.
• A moss pole or some other support will promote larger leaves and a more natural climbing habit.
• Monstera is easy to propagate from stem cuttings, making growing your collection simple.
• All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Keep monstera away from pets and young children.

Plant Overview

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is one of those houseplants pretty much everyone recognizes. Its large, glossy, characteristically split leaves add a dramatic tropical accent to homes, offices and gardens in warm climates. It is no wonder that Monstera has remained a staple for plant lovers for decades.

Native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America, Monstera is a climbing vine that attaches itself to trees with aerial roots. It can grow quite large in the wild but is much more manageable indoors and still makes an impressive statement.

Monstera’s unique leaves are what really makes it stand out. Young plants have solid, heart-shaped leaves but as they mature the leaves develop the natural holes and splits that have earned the plant the nickname “Swiss Cheese Plant.”

Many gardeners grow Monstera for the appearance of a tropical jungle plant, without the need for constant attention. It grows well indoors, grows at a steady pace, and can become a beautiful feature with the right care. Monstera is a plant you can’t go wrong with, whether you’re a houseplant beginner or already have a budding collection.

Types and Varieties

The Monstera plant has become so popular because of the variety of shapes, sizes and leaf patterns that are available. Monstera deliciosa is the most commonly grown, but other Monsteras are great additions to home gardens and indoor settings. Some were prized for their giant split leaves, others for their unique variegation or compact growth. If you’re choosing your first Monstera or expanding your collection, here are some of the best varieties to consider.

Monstera deliciosa

The classic Monstera, and the variety most people think of when they hear the name “Swiss Cheese Plant.”

• With age it develops large glossy leaves with dramatic splits and fenestrations.
• Grows fairly fast with bright indirect light and a climbing support.
• Will grow 6-10′ tall indoors making it a great statement plant.
• More forgiving of the occasional watering mistakes than many other tropical houseplants.
• An excellent choice for beginners who want a large, low-maintenance tropical plant.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’

A beautiful, variegated form with creamy-white speckled foliage.

• Every leaf makes its own special pattern, like stars scattered through the night sky.
• Less chlorophyll so grows slower than standard monstera deliciosa.
• Needs bright indirect light to keep the variegation strong.
• Makes a great focal point in living rooms, offices, and plant collections.
• Generally, more stable and predictable variegation than Monstera Albo.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’

Very popular collector’s plant with striking white and green leaves.

• Has bold patches of white variegation which can cover large portions of each leaf
• Each plant is different and no two leaves are alike.
• Requires better light than green Monsteras for healthy growth.
• Often it’s a premium price tag due to limited availability and the difficulties of propagation.
• This is best for gardeners who already have some houseplant experience.

Monstera adansonii

This species is often called the Swiss Cheese Vine and offers a different look than Monstera deliciosa.

• Creates smaller leaves with natural holes rather than deep splits.
• Good in hanging baskets and shelves or climbing up a moss pole.
• Faster growing and more compact than Monstera deliciosa.
• Suitable for apartments and smaller indoor spaces.
• A great choice if you love the look of the Monstera but don’t have room for a big plant.

Monstera dubia

One of the more unusual of the Monstera species grown by houseplant aficionados.

• The young leaves are pressed to a support, giving a unique shingle-like look.
• As it climbs and ages, it matures into larger leaves.
• Like a moss pole, wooden board or similar vertical support structure.
• Provides texture and interest to indoor plant displays.
• Good for collectors tired of the same old Monsteras.

Plant Identification

If you need to identify a Monstera plant, the most obvious characteristic to look for are the large, shiny leaves with natural splits and holes. As the plant grows, these special holes in the leaves become more pronounced, giving Monstera its iconic tropical look. Here’s How to Identify a Monstera Plant.

Planting

It’s pretty easy to get your Monstera off to a good start. This tropical plant is most often grown indoors but can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates. Choosing the right location and planting it right will help your Monstera grow bigger leaves, stronger roots and healthier growth.

When to Plant

You can grow or repot a Monstera any time of year indoors, but spring and early summer are usually the best times. Longer, brighter days and warmer temps bring on faster root growth and new growth.

Plant outdoors after the last chance of frost and when the weather reliably stays warm in USDA Zones 10–12.

Where to Plant

Select a position that gets bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun will burn the leaves and very low light may slow growth and reduce leaf splitting.

If your Monstera is a houseplant, put it near an east or north window, or a few feet back from a bright south or west window. Find an outdoor spot that gets some shade or filtered sun, as one might find under a rainforest canopy.

A well-draining potting mix with plenty of organic matter is a must. Be sure your containers have drainage holes to prevent root rot.

How to Plant

1. Buy a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current root ball with good drainage.
2. Fill the pot with a chunky, well-draining potting mix for aroids or houseplants.
3. Plant the Monstera at the same depth it was growing.
4. Fill in around the roots and gently pat the soil to eliminate large air pockets.
5. Water well until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot.
6. Place the plant in bright, indirect light and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
7. If you want the plant to climb and get bigger leaves as it matures, add a moss pole or strong support.

Growing Requirements

Monsteras need bright indirect light. It is a mimic of the filtered sun light it receives under the canopy of the rain forest in its native habitat.

Sunlight

Monsteras need bright indirect light. It is a mimic of the filtered sun light it receives under the canopy of the rain forest in its native habitat.

• Position your plant near a bright window with filtered light.
• Usually a few hours of gentle morning sun is fine.
• Do not expose to hot afternoon sun as it can burn the leaves.
• Low light won’t kill the plant, but growth can slow down, and the leaves may not have as many splits.

Soil

A loose, well-draining soil mix helps keep the roots from rotting and lets the roots get air.

• Use a good quality aroid or houseplant potting mix.
• To improve drainage, mix in materials such as perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir.
• Soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
• Always use pots with holes in the bottom.

Water

Monstera likes soil that is evenly moist but does not like sitting in water.

• Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil is dry.
• As growth slows, reduce watering in fall and winter.
• Water and empty saucers to prevent soggy roots.
• Yellow leaves are often a sign of too much water. Dry, crispy edges may indicate not enough water.

Temperature and Humidity

Monstera is a tropical plant and thrives in warm, humid conditions.

• Maintain 65°F to 85°F (18°C–29°C).
• Keep away from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Average household humidity is generally fine, but increased humidity promotes larger leaves and healthier growth.
• Don’t put plants next to cold drafts, heating vents or air conditioners.

Nutrition Requirements

Regular feeding encourages Monstera to produce vigorous growth and lush foliage.

• Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
• Cut back or cease fertilizing during winter as growth is naturally slowed.
• Over-fertilizing can cause salt build-up and root damage, so be careful.
• If growth appears slow, it is better to replace the potting mix or repot than to add more fertilizer.

When you meet these growing requirements, you will have a Monstera with stronger stems, healthier roots and the large split leaves that make this plant so popular.

Plant Care

Once established, Monstera is a very low maintenance plant. Most care involves keeping it evenly moist, feeding it occasionally and managing its growth. With regular care, your plant will be healthy and will produce larger, more attractive leaves.

Watering

Monstera prefers its soil to be a little moist but not constantly wet.

• When the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry, water the plants.
• Growth slows in winter, so you can water less.
• Always allow excess water to run off.
• Do not leave the pot in standing water, which can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Frequent feeding promotes healthy foliage and steady growth.

• Feed every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
• Apply fertilizer at one-half to full strength as directed on the product label.
• Stop or slow feeding in the fall and winter.
• Occasionally flush the soil to prevent the buildup of fertilizer salts.

Mulching

Usually, indoor Monsteras don’t need to be mulched, but outdoor ones can benefit from it.

• Use 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around outdoor plants.
• Keep mulch several inches away from the stem to prevent rotting.
• Mulch helps keep the moisture in the soil and moderates the soil temperature.

Pruning

Pruning helps control size and encourages healthy growth.

• Remove yellow, damaged or aging leaves as needed.
• Prune back overlong stems to maintain the desired shape.
• With clean, sharp pruning shears, cut just above a node.
• Gather healthy stem cuttings for propagation.

Companion Plants

Monstera works well with plants that enjoy similar conditions when you are making an indoor tropical display.

• Philodendron
• Pothos
• Peace Lily
• Bird of Paradise
• ZZ Plant
• Calathea
• Snake Plant

Seasonal Care

Propagation

It’s pretty easy to propagate if you want more monsteras. Most gardeners propagate Monsteras from stem cuttings, which root easily if kept warm, moist and in bright indirect light.

Stem Cuttings

Monstera is easiest and most reliably propagated with stem cuttings.

1. Choose a healthy stem with at least one node and one leaf.
2. Cut cleanly just below the joint.
3. Place the cutting in water or a moist potting mixture.
4. Keep it in bright, indirect light and keep it consistently moist.
5. Once the roots are well developed, transplant the cutting into a container with good-draining potting soil.

Air Layering

Air layering is another effective method, especially on large, mature plants.

1. Select a healthy stem with a node and an aerial root visible on it.
2. Wrap the node in damp sphagnum moss.
3. Cover the moss with plastic wrap to lock in the moisture.
4. When roots are established, cut below the rooted section and pot up separately.

Pros and Cons of Monstera Plant

Problems and Toxicity

Monstera is generally a tough plant, but it can develop problems if conditions aren’t ideal for its growth. The majority of problems are watering, light levels, humidity or common house plant pests. It is far easier to solve problems when they are caught early.

Common Pests

Like any houseplant, Monstera is susceptible to a few common pests.

• Spider mites – Common in dry indoor environments. Leaves become speckled and webbing is visible.
• Mealybugs – Produce white cottony masses on stems and leaf joints.
• Scale insects – Cling to stems and leaves, feeding on plant sap.
• Thrips – Leaf damage, distorted growth and silvery streaks.

Common Diseases

Most Monstera diseases are related to excess moisture and poor air circulation.

• Root rot – usually due to over-watering, or poorly draining soil.
• Leaf spot – May appear as brown or black spots on the leaves.
• Stem rot – May develop when stems are wet for a long period.

Environmental Problems

You don’t need to have pests or diseases to have Monstera problems. Often it is environmental stress that is the cause.

• Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering.
• Low humidity or inconsistent watering can cause brown edges on leaves.
• Low light often results in the formation of small leaves with few splits.
• If the leaves are drooping, the plant is either too dry or too wet.
• Slow growth is normal in winter or in insufficient light.

Troubleshooting Guide

Toxicity

The Monstera has insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic when chewed or ingested.

• Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
• Can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, swelling and difficulty swallowing.
• Keep your plants away from inquisitive pets and small children.
• If swallowed, call your veterinarian or poison control center.

Frequently Asked Questions