Monstera deliciosa Care Guide

Also called “Swiss cheese plant.” A fast-growing aroid vine that climbs, fenestrates with age, and thrives in bright, filtered light.

Care at a Glance

Light	Bright, indirect. 1–3 hours gentle morning sun OK. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Water	Soak, then let top 2–3 in (5–7 cm) dry. Typical 7–10 days in warm months; slower in winter.
Humidity	50–60%+ ideal. Normal home air is fine; higher humidity = larger leaves.
Temperature	65–85°F (18–29°C). Keep above 60°F (16°C). No cold drafts.
Soil	Chunky, free-draining aroid mix.
Feeding	Spring–summer: balanced liquid fertilizer at ½ strength every 2–4 weeks.
Support	Moss/coir pole or trellis for stronger growth and fenestrations.
Pet Safety	Toxic if chewed (calcium oxalates). Keep away from pets/kids.

Light

Place near an east window or a few feet back from a bright south/west window. Too little light = slow growth and small, solid leaves. Too much direct sun = leaf scorch.

Watering

Water thoroughly until excess drains. Empty the saucer.
Let the top 2–3 inches dry before watering again. Use a finger test or moisture meter.
Reduce frequency in winter. Overwatering shows as yellowing leaves and limp petioles.

Humidity and Temperature

Aim for 50–60%+ humidity. Group plants, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray.
Stable warm temps are best. Avoid AC vents and cold windows.

Soil and Potting

Use a chunky aroid mix that drains fast and holds air around roots:

40% high-quality potting soil
30% orchid bark
20% perlite or pumice
10% coco coir or compost (optional: a handful of horticultural charcoal)

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots circle the pot or push through drainage holes. Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider with drainage.

Fertilizing

Spring–summer: balanced N–P–K (e.g., 3–1–2 or 10–10–10) at ½ label strength every 2–4 weeks.
Flush with plain water every 6–8 weeks to prevent salt buildup.
Pause or cut way back in fall–winter.

Training and Support

Give a moss or coir pole. Tie stems with soft ties.
Guide aerial roots toward the pole or pot for better anchoring and larger leaves.
Rotate the pot 90° weekly for even growth.

Pruning and Cleaning

Snip leggy or damaged growth just above a node. New shoots emerge below the cut.
Wipe dust from leaves with a damp cloth to maximize photosynthesis.

Propagation (Cuttings)

Identify a node (the thick ring where a leaf and aerial root emerge).
Cut ½ inch below the node with sterilized shears.
Root in water, damp sphagnum, or perlite. Keep warm and bright.
Plant in soil after strong roots form (typically 3–6 weeks).

Air layering: Wrap moist sphagnum around a node on the vine, cover with plastic, and pot once roots fill the moss.

Pests and Problems

Common pests: spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats.
Treatment: Quarantine. Rinse leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem weekly until clear. Swab mealy/scale with 70% isopropyl. Sticky traps for gnats; let soil dry more between waterings.

Troubleshooting

Yellow leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage.
Brown crispy edges: underwatering or low humidity.
Dramatic droop: thirst or waterlogged roots; check soil.
No fenestrations: plant too young or light too low; increase light and provide a support.
Black mushy roots: root rot. Trim, repot in fresh airy mix, adjust watering.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Repot if needed, start feeding, add support.
Summer: Peak growth. Monitor water and pests.
Fall: Reduce fertilizer. Maintain light as days shorten.
Winter: Water less. Keep warm and bright.

FAQ

Will it survive low light? Yes, but growth slows and leaves may stay solid. Water less often.

Will it flower indoors? Rare. Flowers are not needed for lush foliage.

Can I trim big aerial roots? Yes, but guiding them into a pole or soil improves stability and leaf size.

Note: Monstera deliciosa is toxic if ingested. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin when pruning.

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