Monstera Deliciosa Monstera deliciosa

Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this

The Swiss cheese plant — a fast-growing tropical climber prized for the dramatic holes and splits (fenestrations) that develop in its big, glossy leaves as it matures. Forgiving enough for confident beginners, and happy to grow into a statement piece.

Light

Monstera deliciosa wants bright, indirect light — think a spot a few feet back from an east or north window, or near a bright south/west window shielded by a sheer curtain. In strong light it fenestrates faster and stays compact; in low light it survives but grows leggy with small, solid leaves and few holes. A few hours of gentle morning sun is welcome, but harsh midday sun through glass will scorch the leaves with pale, crispy patches. If yours is reaching and stretching, it's asking for more light.

Watering

Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering, then water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes and empty the saucer. In a typical warm home that's roughly every 7–10 days in spring and summer and every 2–3 weeks in winter, but go by the soil, not the calendar. Monstera is far more forgiving of slightly-too-dry than of soggy — sitting in water is the fastest way to rot the roots. Drooping leaves that perk up after watering mean it went too dry; yellowing lower leaves with damp soil mean too much.

Soil & potting

Use a chunky, fast-draining aroid mix: a standard potting mix loosened with plenty of perlite or pumice plus a few handfuls of orchid bark and a little coco coir. The bark and perlite keep air around the roots, which this epiphytic climber needs. Always pot into a container with drainage holes. Repot every 1–2 years in spring when roots circle the pot or poke out the bottom, moving up just one pot size — too large a pot holds excess water.

Humidity & temperature

Average household humidity is fine, but Monstera grows lusher and fenestrates better above 50–60%. Group it with other plants, set it on a pebble tray, or run a small humidifier in dry winter rooms. Keep it between 65–85°F; it slows below 60°F and cold damage shows below about 50°F. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and frosty windows in winter.

Fertilizing

Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer. Stop feeding in fall and winter while growth slows, then resume in spring. Over-fertilizing shows as brown leaf tips and a crusty white build-up on the soil — flush the pot with plain water if that happens.

Pruning & maintenance

Prune in spring to control size or remove damaged leaves, cutting just above a node with clean snips. Those pale, cord-like aerial roots are normal — tuck them into the pot, train them onto a moss pole, or trim the longest without harm. As the plant matures it will want to climb; a moss pole or trellis encourages bigger, more fenestrated leaves than letting it sprawl.

Propagation

Easy from stem cuttings. Take a cutting with at least one node and ideally an aerial root, then root it in water (change the water weekly) or straight into moist sphagnum or a chunky mix. Roots appear in 3–6 weeks; pot up once they're a couple of inches long. A node is essential — a leaf with no node will never grow roots.

Common problems

Yellow leavesUsually overwatering — check the soil and roots first.→

Through the year

Spring

Growth resumes — resume regular watering and feeding, repot if needed, and add a moss pole for the season's climb.

Summer

Peak growth. Water when the top 2 inches dry, feed every couple of weeks, and watch for the biggest, most fenestrated new leaves.

Fall

Growth slows — stretch the time between waterings and stop fertilizing.

Winter

Near-dormant. Water sparingly, skip fertilizer, and keep it away from cold glass and heat vents.

Recommended supplies for Monstera Deliciosa

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Every species in one printable, organized reference — side-by-side care, a pet-toxicity table, and a seasonal calendar.

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