Monstera Deliciosa, commonly known as Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is a great tropical addition for indoor areas like living room, balcony, study or office space, bringing a bit of that jungle vibe.
Actually, taking care of Monstera isn’t too demanding. Just make sure to water, fertilize, and prune it regularly to keep it looking lush. This Monstera care guide offers essential tips for beginners, covering light needs, watering practices, temperature conditions, and more.
About Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, originally from the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America, is a tropical climbing vine belonging to the Araceae family. It is popular as an indoor and ornamental plant not only for its large, distinct cut leaves, but also for its air-purifying ability and ease of care.
The “deliciosa” in its name means “delicious”, referring to its edible fruit that looks like corn on the cob and is said to taste like a mix of banana, mango, and pineapple when ripe. However, indoor Monstera plants rarely blooms or bears fruit.
How to Care for Monstera Deliciosa?
Here’s a rundown of how to grow Monstera, including everything on light, temperature, humidity, watering, soil, pruning, fertilizing, and disease and insect control.
Light
Monstera prefers bright, indirect sunlight like what it gets in the rainforest, but it should avoid strong sunlight that can burn its leaves. A window facing east or west is an ideal choice.
If you notice your Monstera begins to grow smaller leaves or isn’t developing its signature splits, it might need more light. Conversely, if the leaves are turning pale or yellow, that could mean it’s getting too much direct sunlight.
Temperature
Monstera thrives best in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 30°C). It is not cold-tolerant, so when growing Monstera in low temperatures or cold regions, you can take measures to keep it warm. A heating pad under the pot can help, especially if you use a temperature controller to manage the heat. That is, if the surrounding temperature drops below 65°F or 18°C, the heating pad will automatically start. On the flip side, when it is hot, Monstera should be shaded and ventilated.
Humidity
Generally, Monstera can grow in normal indoor humidity, which is around 40-60%. If your home feels a bit dry, consider using a humidifier to increase humidity levels. Just like with temperature, you can also make humidity control easier by linking a humidifier to a humidity controller. Alternatively, you can also spray water mist on the leaves of the Monstera.
Watering
There are two ways to water Monstera. One is to pour water into the pot until the bottom third of the plant is soaked, and the other is to inject water into the pot to keep the soil moist but not too wet. It is an epiphyte with aerial roots and doesn’t like overly wet soil, so make sure the water does not accumulate at the bottom of the pot to avoid root rot.
The frequency of watering Monstera usually depends on factors like temperature, season, and humidity. Typically, during the growing season or in bright indirect light, Monstera may need to be watered once a week, but in winter, every few weeks should suffice.
Extra tip, it is best to use filtered water or water that has been left overnight before watering.
Soil
Monstera prefers light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils that have an acidic or neutral pH. A good mix would be humus soil, garden soil, and coarse river sand in a 2:2:1 ratio. You can enhance this blend with extras like perlite or volcanic rock to increase aeration and drainage for the roots.
It’s also a good ideal to incorporate a bit of substrate fertilizer to provide nutrients and maintain good soil structure. While options like manure, bone meal, and controlled-release fertilizers are effective, be careful not to overdo it, as that could burn the roots.
Fertilizing
Monstera doesn’t need much fertilization. During the growing season, specifically spring and summer, you can fertilize it every two weeks or once a month. Opt for a 2:1:1 NPK compound fertilizer or a balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength and use it instead of regular water when watering. In winter, then the plant is dormant, reduce or completely stop fertilizing. However, if it’s under grow lights year-round, you can continue fertilizing.
Pruning
Monstera usually doesn’t need a lot of pruning, except to remove branches that are too long or dry. When pruning, make sure to use sharp tools for clean cuts and apply some charcoal powder to the cuts to prevent infection. If you’re looking to promote new growth, it’s best to prune during the growing season in spring or summer, cutting just above the nodes.
Disease and Insect Control
Monstera can face various diseases and insect pests during its growth period, so it’s important to check its leaves and stems regularly. One of the most common issues is gray spot disease, which you can prevent and control by spraying a solution of thiophanate diluted 1000 times or using a 0.5% Bordeaux mixture. If you notice root rot, white spot, or leaf spot, prune off the affected leaves and relocate the plant to a drier location or try to reduce indoor humidity.
Common pests include scale insects, aphids, spider mites, cigar-shaped thrips, and mealybugs, which can be sprayed with 40% omethoate emulsion 1000 times solution.
How to Propagate Mostera?
Monstera can be propagate in two ways:
Division propagation - Generally in spring, select strong, healthy new shoots from the stem for division. Ensure each plant has enough roots, and then plant them in suitable soil while keeping the right humidity and light for growth into new seedlings.
Cutting propagation - Select new shoots from the stem and cut off a segment of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long at the end of the growth period. After removing the lower leaves, insert it into moist soil and maintain proper conditions. In about 1-2 months, those cuttings should root and start growing.
FAQs
Can Monstera grow in water?
Yes, Monstera can definitely be grown in water, but growth will be slower due to the lack of nutrients and support. For best results, transplant it into a well-drained potting soil.
When to grow Monstera?
Spring and summer are the active growing season for Monstera because of the higher light and temperatures. They prefer warm temperatures and consistent humidity.
Can I grow Monstera outdoors?
Yes, but it’s best to grow Monstera outdoors in a shaded, sheltered spot that’s free from frost.
Are Monstera toxic to cats?
Yes, Monstera is mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. If ingested, the calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves may irritate the mouth, tongue, and stomach. Best practice is to always keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets.
