How to Grow and Care for a Monstera Plant

Jump to: Fast Facts | Care Guide | How to Propagate | How to Repot | Common Issues | Our Recommendation | FAQ

“Monstera plant” refers to a series of popular indoor houseplants best known for their gorgeous, sweeping green leaves. While the Monstera may look intimidating, this plant’s hardiness makes it suitable for botany beginners. This low-maintenance plant has become a home decor staple due partly to its ability to grow well indoors.

Learn more about how to care for your Monstera and help it thrive with our guide.

 

---

 

---

 

Fast Facts on Monstera Plants

Common name	Monstera plant, Split-leaf plant, Swiss cheese plant, Split-leaf philodendron
Plant family	Araceae
Native climate	Central America, Mexico
Light level	Bright, indirect sunlight
Average mature height (indoor)	3 feet
Soil type	Well-draining, peat-based potting soil
Frequency of watering	Once every one to two weeks during the growing season
Toxicity	Toxic to both dogs and cats
Ideal humidity level	Above 50%, high humidity
Common variations	Monstera adansonii (Adanson’s monstera), Monstera variegata, Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant, Mexican breadfruit)

 

---

 

How to Care for Your Monstera Plant

Plant parents love Monstera variants because they’re easy to take care of and don’t see problems with wilting as frequently as other tropical plants. However, there are a few important notes that you’ll want to keep in mind before you begin planning how to decorate your home with this beautiful plant. Monstera care primarily includes avoiding overwatering and keeping your plant in low light to prevent damage to the roots and leaves.

Humidity

Monstera plants love humidity, as it mimics their native Central American climates. The ideal humidity level for a Monstera is 50% or higher, but it can survive in most comfortable in-home climates. You can use a portable humidifier or spray its leaves with filtered water once daily if you’d like to boost your Monstera.

Sunlight

Direct sunlight is too harsh for the Monstera plant and can lead to dehydration and burnt leaves. To help your plant grow large and healthy, place it in an area where it receives plenty of indirect or filtered light throughout the day. Though the Monstera can be trained to withstand harsh light, you’ll have better luck improving the health of most parts of the plant with consistent low light.

Temperature

Monsteras do best in naturally warm areas, so try not to let the temperature in your home fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Though the plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures, consistent exposure to cool, dry air can potentially kill it. So keep your Monstera away from any air conditioning system you’re running in your home.

Watering

Overwatering is more often a problem with Monstera plants than underwatering, as  new plant parents often attempt to maintain consistently moist soil. Remember that these plants originated in the tropical climates of the rainforests, which means they are used to periods of heavy rains followed by long dry spells. 

Water your Monstera plant once every one to two weeks during the growing season, which usually lasts from the early spring to late summer. Don’t be afraid to allow the top of the soil to dry out completely between waterings—this will mimic the plant’s natural climate and prevent fungal diseases such as root rot. 

Pets

One last note—keep your plant out of the reach of small children and pets to avoid health hazards. Though it’s only mildly toxic to humans, the plant’s leaves can cause severe oral irritation and swelling to cats and dogs if ingested.

 

---

 

How to Propagate Monstera Plants

Propagating the Monstera plant is simple, especially compared to the propagation of other popular houseplants. You can use multiple methods to propagate a new Monstera plant, including aerial roots and seeds. However, the easiest method to propagate the plant involves using a mature stem cutting.

Use the following steps to propagate a new plant using a stem cutting, which usually takes a few months:

1. Examine your Monstera plant and locate a viable stem. Any stem with at least one leaf and a connection to the stalk will work for propagation.
2. Locate the stem’s connection to the stalk. Cut the stem from the stalk, including the stem’s node.
3. Place the cutting into a clear glass of water and place it in a bright area.
4. Monitor the clipping’s process and look for signs of root growth. Change the cutting’s water at least once weekly, using filtered water when possible.
5. Once the cutting grows roots, you can repot the plant in soil.

 

---

 

How to Repot Monstera Plants

If your Monstera is growing too large for its current pot, it’s time to repot. Use these steps to repot your Monstera and help it continue growing.

1. Choose a new pot about two to three inches wider than the plant’s current pot. Select a pot with drainage holes, so excess water doesn’t become trapped in the pot.
2. Water your Monstera to moisten the soil and make it easier to lift. Gently grip the plant by the base of the stem and lift it slowly from its pot.
3. Use your fingers to loosen soil from the root ball if needed. Use a small trowel to remove the root ball if necessary.
4. Fill the new pot one-third of the way full of potting soil. Your rootball should be about two inches from the top of the pot.
5. Continue filling the pot with potting mix. Water your Monstera until water runs through the drainage holes in the pot, and set the plant in a stable area. Avoid watering the plant until the top of the soil has the chance to dry out.

As your Monstera grows, it may need a bit of cultivation assistance from you. If you’d like a larger Monstera, you may want to add a stake, trellis, or moss pole for the plant to climb after repotting.

 

---

 

Common Issues with Monsteras

Monsteras are a favorite of many homeowners, thanks to their infrequent care needs. However, there are a few things that you should know about their care to keep your plant in tip-top shape. The following are a few common problems you might run into when mastering the Monstera. 

Browning Leaf Tips

If the leaf tips of your Monstera plant begin turning brown, it’s typically a sign that your plant is receiving too much direct sun exposure. While the Monstera’s large leaves may seem tough, the truth is that new leaves often have trouble surviving harsh sunlight. Move your Monstera to an area where it receives regular, indirect sunlight if its leaves turn black.  

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves are one of the most common problems for Monstera growers. If your plant’s leaves turn yellow, it’s usually a sign that you’re overwatering it. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and you should see your plant’s yellow leaves return to their natural green color in due time. 

Pests

Sap-sucking bugs, such as scale insects and aphids, love feasting on Monstera plants. The plant’s large, variegated leaves also attract pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice disfigured leaves or webbing around the base of your plant, chances are high that pests are the culprit. 

Apply a neem oil solution to the base of your Monstera plant to ward off common pests. If DIY remedies don’t bring your plant back to full health, it’s best to call in a professional pest removal service.

 

---

 

Our Recommendation

Monstera plants are an excellent choice for beginners, requiring only a few care considerations. To ensure that your Monstera stays in good health, give it plenty of indirect sunlight and be careful to water it only once every week or two. You should also be careful to keep the plant away from pets, as its leaves can be toxic to cats and dogs.

 

---

 

Monstera Plant FAQ