Monstera Deliciosa Care
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright, indirect. Tolerates medium light but grows slower, with fewer splits. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 3β5 cm of soil is dry. Roughly weekly in summer, every 2β3 weeks in winter. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Chunky and airy: our Chunky Monkey Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. Keep away from cold drafts. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average home humidity is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Easy Fast grower |
| π Grows to | 1β2.5 m indoors with a pole to climb. |
The Monstera deliciosa is one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. It grows fast, it's forgiving, and those big split leaves make any room feel like a jungle. Give it light and something to climb, and it will reward you with a new leaf every few weeks in summer.
Light + placement
Monsteras want bright, indirect light: near an east window, or a metre or two back from a south or west window. A little gentle morning sun is fine. Harsh afternoon summer sun through glass can scorch the leaves. In low light it will survive, but it grows leggy with small leaves and few splits.
Watering
Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then wait until the top few centimetres of soil are dry before watering again. Big plants in deep pots hold water for a long time, so a moisture meter is handy. Yellowing lower leaves and wet soil usually mean too much water. Drooping, curling leaves and dry soil mean it's thirsty.
Soil + repotting
In nature, Monsteras climb trees, so their roots like air. A chunky mix with bark and coco croutons, like our Chunky Monkey Mix, keeps them healthy and makes overwatering less likely. Repot every 1β2 years in spring, going up just one pot size.
Feeding + upkeep
Feed every 2β4 weeks from April to September and stop in winter. Dust the big leaves every month or so (our cleaning gloves make this quick). Remove old yellow leaves at the base of the stem.
Support: moss poles
A Monstera wants to climb. Giving it a pole to grip makes it grow upright, and climbing plants grow bigger, more mature (and more split) leaves. Tuck the aerial roots toward the pole and tie the stem loosely. Try a coco coir pole or fill a D-shaped moss pole with sphagnum moss and keep it damp.
Why aren't my Monstera's leaves splitting?
The splits (fenestrations) come with age and light. Young plants have solid, heart-shaped leaves; as the plant matures, new leaves develop splits and holes. If an adult plant is still putting out solid leaves, it almost always needs more light. Something to climb and regular feeding in summer help too.
Propagation
Cut a stem just below a node (the bump where a leaf and aerial root grow), with at least one leaf, and root it in water. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow lower leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let it dry further between waterings. See Why Are My Plant's Leaves Turning Yellow?. |
| Brown, crispy edges | Underwatering or very dry heat | Water more consistently; keep away from heaters. |
| Leaning, leggy, small leaves | Not enough light | Move closer to a window and rotate every couple of weeks. |
| Drips from the leaf tips | Guttation (extra water) | Normal. A sign the soil is quite wet. |
| Brown aerial roots everywhere | Normal growth | Tuck them into the pot or onto a pole, or trim them. |
Varieties we carry
Thai Constellation, 'Mint' and Aurea are variegated forms of the same plant: same care, a little more light. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does a Monstera grow?
In good light, a new leaf every 3β6 weeks from spring to fall. Very little in winter.
Can I cut the aerial roots off?
Yes, it won't hurt the plant, but they help it climb and drink, so tucking them into the soil or a pole is better.
Is a Monstera safe for pets?
No. It's toxic to cats and dogs if chewed and can cause mouth irritation and drooling.
Why are new leaves coming out small?
Usually low light, or a plant that has nothing to climb. Give it more light and a pole.
Do variegated Monsteras need different care?
The same care, but brighter light and a little less water. The white parts can brown in harsh sun.
Monstera care kit
- Chunky Monkey Potting Mix: Bark-rich and airy, for climbers and aroids.
- Coco Coir Support Pole: Something to climb, for bigger leaves.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Plant Cleaning Gloves: The easiest way to dust big leaves.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Snake Plant Β· Bird of Paradise Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Fiddle Leaf Fig Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Ficus Amstel King Β· Dracaena Marginata Β· All plant care β