Monstera plant care made easy! This beginner’s guide covers light, water, soil, and more. Grow healthy, happy Monstera plants with these simple tips.
Think you have a black thumb? Think again! The Monstera deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves and dramatic presence, is surprisingly easy to care for, making it the perfect plant for beginners, busy individuals, or anyone who claims to kill every plant they touch. This “Swiss cheese plant” not only adds a touch of the tropics to your home but is also incredibly forgiving, tolerating a bit of neglect here and there.
If you’re an aspiring indoor gardener, the Monstera is a must-have. It’s a statement piece that brings life and vibrancy to any space. But don’t let its dramatic looks intimidate you. With just a few basic tips, you’ll be well on your way to growing a thriving Monstera.
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Meet Monstera Deliciosa
Hailing from the rainforests of Central and South America, the Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a climbing vine that can reach impressive heights. Its signature split leaves, some with fenestrations (holes), are adaptations for maximizing sunlight penetration in the dense rainforest canopy.
Is Monstera a Good Indoor Plant?
Yes! Monstera plants are GREAT indoor plants to grow because they are fuss-free and look gorgeous! A tropical rainforest native this gorgeous leafy plant loves humidity and warmth.
Depending on the variety, they can grow large enough to cozy up dark, dull corners in an indoor living space. But the best part? You can bring these easy-care plants outdoors when the weather stays above freezing where they will grow and thrive before you bring them back indoors for winter.
This is an ideal way to get the best of both worlds enjoying them both indoors and out. I bring my monstera plants outdoors to summer in my New Jersey zone 6b climate, and they love that heat and humidity.
Monstera Plant Care
As far as houseplants go, the monstera plant could not be easier to grow.
Monstera Deliciosa Light Requirements
Monsteras crave bright, indirect sunlight. Think about their growing conditions in the rainforest with dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of trees. Granted, we can’t over rainforest conditions, but east-facing windows are ideal.
Too little light can lead to leggy growth and fewer fenestrations, while too much light can cause leaf burn. Pay attention to your Monstera’s leaves: lighter green foliage indicates more light is needed while yellowing leaves suggest too much direct sun.
For a few years, I grew mine in a north-facing windo. This year, it’s growing in my sunroom in a west-facing window and has thrived in both locations.
Soil
Well-draining soil is key. A mix that’s light and airy will prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Look for a potting mix that contains ingredients like orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage. I make my own blend using these ingredients and my monstera deliciosa seems to love it.
Temperature
As a tropical plant, Monsteras prefer warmer temperatures. Typical household temperatures are perfect, but avoid placing your plant near drafty windows or air conditioning vents.
Humidity
Monsteras thrive in humid environments. If your home is dry, especially during the winter months, you can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Monstera Watering Tips
Finding the perfect watering balance is key to monstera plant happiness. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Instead of setting up a weekly watering schedule, check your soil for how much moisture it is retaining. But don’t just check the surface of the soil to determine dryness. Stick your finger about an inch or two down into the soil and if it’s dry, then it’s OK to water. If you prefer to use a moisture meter to check for soil dryness, they work really well too.
Overwatering is a common monstera plant killer, leading to root rot and drooping leaves. In the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes into a semi-dormant state. If you want to learn more about learning how and when to water your houseplants, read this article that I wrote about keeping your houseplants alive.
Fertilization
Feed your Monstera plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage lush foliage. A diluted liquid fertilizer applied monthly or a slow-release fertilizer applied every few months is ideal. Always follow the label directions for whatever product you use to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leaf burn and salt buildup in the soil.
When I use a slow-release fertilizer, I feed monstera plants a few times a year starting in late winter to help them out of dormancy, then again in late spring to encourage new growth, and in late August to feed them before they go into winter dormancy in late fall.
Supporting/Staking
Monsteras are natural climbers. As your plant grows, provide it with support to prevent it from becoming leggy. A moss pole is a great option, allowing your Monstera to climb and display its impressive foliage.
Monstera Plant Care: Bonus Tips
- Use a moss pole or trellis to encourage your Monstera to climb, mimicking its natural habit.
- Regularly wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and encourage photosynthesis.
- Don’t be afraid to prune your Monstera to control its size and shape.
Common Monstera Plant Problems
Mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips are the most common Monstera plant pests. Look for their telltale signs: mealybugs appear as fuzzy white cottony masses, spider mites leave behind fine webbing, and thrips cause tiny brown speckles on leaves. Depending on the problem you identify, you can treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Root rot, caused by overwatering, is the most common Monstera disease. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor from the soil. If you suspect root rot, repot your Monstera into fresh, well-draining soil and adjust your watering habits.
How to Propagate a Monstera Plant
Whether you propagate a monstera for yourself or give it away to others, propagation is easy to do. While there are a few ways to propagate monstera plants, it’s easiest to take cuttings. But they can also be propagated by air layering and division too.
How to Propagate a Monstera Plant With a Cutting
The best time to propagate a monstera by taking a cut is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Look for a young healthy leaf with a node to find the best cut. Monstera plant propagation in water is very similar to propagating pothos in water, except it takes a little longer to root.
Supplies Needed to Propagate a Monstera Plant in Water
You don’t need much to multiply your monstera plants and this process could not be easier to do. The key is using sharp pruners to make the best cuts.
- sharp pruners
- monstera plant
- vase of clean water
Directions for Monstera Propagation
- Find a young healthy leaf and a node.
- With clean pruners, cut a section off the monstera with the node. (Feel free to do this when you want to control the size of the monstera. Instead of tossing the cuts in the compost pile, you can propagate them.)
- If propagating a monstera deliciosa or similar, drop the fresh cut in a tall clear glass of clean water with some rooting hormone and move it to a bright, indirect spot in your home. If propagating monstera adanosii or similar, the vase can be smaller.
- Change the water once a week or less to keep it clean.
- Within a few months, you’ll see roots will form. Wait until roots are roughly 1-2″ long before planting.
Propagating Monstera Plant in Soil
But, you can also take that cutting and plant it directly in soil if you want to skip propagating in water.
- Instead of dropping it in water, make a hole in the soil, dip the fresh cut in rooting hormone then gently put in the hole and cover with soil. (You can also do this without dipping it in rooting hormone first, but I prefer using it before planting).
- Move the container to a location with bright, indirect light.
- Make sure the soil stays evenly moist.
- To keep cuttings healthy and encourage root growth, mix rooting hormone with the water when hydrating it.
So which is the better method?
I prefer propagating in water because to me, it’s easier and I can see the root growth. But try it both ways to see what method you prefer.
How to Divide Monstera Plant
Much like you would divide a perennial, monsteras can be divided the same way if you notice the plant has sections. Simply pull the plant from its current container and carefully split apart the plant. Repot each in clean containers with fresh potting soil, fertilize, and keep in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. I recently divided my monstera deliciosa plant and now I have 2 full plants.
5 Reasons You Should Grow a Monstera Plant
Now that I’ve shared a bit about my own Monstera journey, let me convince you why you need one (or more!) in your life. Here are 5 reasons why Monsteras are the perfect plant for your home:
1. Monstera Plant Care is Easy
As I mentioned, Monsteras are ridiculously easy to care for. Seriously, they’re practically indestructible! While it’s not impossible to kill them, you’d have to put in a real effort with extreme overwatering, underwatering, or neglect. Even then, chances are you could still bring them back from the brink.
They’re incredibly resilient and can tolerate a bit of inconsistency, unlike some finicky houseplants. Just provide them with the right light conditions (bright, indirect light is best), and be mindful of overwatering.
Speaking of overwatering, that’s a common pitfall for new plant parents. It’s tempting to stick to a rigid watering schedule, but resist the urge! Instead of watering on a set day, check the soil moisture regularly. When the top inch or two feels dry, it’s time to give your Monstera a drink. This simple approach will reward you with years of healthy growth.
Monsteras: Champions of Resilience
You might be surprised just how tough these plants are. Let me share a personal story real quick… A few years ago, we moved to our current home in December. During the chaos of packing and preparing for the move, my Monstera deliciosa ended up relegated to our dark basement. To be honest, with everything going on, I completely neglected it. It received very little light and no water for about two months!
I felt terrible when I finally remembered it, but I was amazed by what I found. Although a little droopy, my Monstera was still alive! With some water and a sunny spot in our new home, it quickly bounced back and is now thriving.
This experience really opened my eyes to the incredible resilience of Monsteras. Life can throw curveballs—we get busy, we go on vacation, things slip our minds. But your Monstera will be there, patiently waiting for a little love and attention.
2. Monstera Plants Make Great Home Decor
Monsteras are design superstars! Those large, dramatic leaves with their unique splits and holes add instant impact to any space. Whether you’re sprucing up a corner, adding life to a shelf, or creating a lush indoor jungle, Monsteras bring a touch of the tropics indoors.
Sure, you can find faux Monsteras at home decor stores, but nothing beats the real deal. A living, breathing Monstera brings vibrancy and energy that a fake plant just can’t replicate. Plus, caring for a thriving plant is incredibly rewarding!
3. Monstera Propagation is EASY
One of the best things about Monsteras is how easy they are to propagate. This means you can easily create new plants from cuttings to expand your own collection or share with friends.
While there are a few methods, taking stem cuttings is the simplest. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Take a Cutting: Select a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves grow) and make a clean cut with sharp pruners.
- Water Propagation: Place the cutting in a vase of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly and wait for roots to develop.
- Soil Propagation: Alternatively, you can dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it directly in moist soil.
Both methods work well, so experiment to see what you prefer.
4. Monstera Plants Help Purify the Air We Breathe
Another reason to choose a real Monstera over a fake one? They actively clean the air in your home! Studies have shown that Monsteras, along with other houseplants, can remove harmful toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality.
5. Monstera Plants Boost Our Moods
Caring for plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. There’s something truly therapeutic about nurturing a living thing and watching it thrive. Monsteras, with their lush foliage and vibrant green color, bring a sense of calm and tranquility to any space.
Ready to Grow Your Own Monstera Plant?
With so many benefits and such easy care, Monsteras are the perfect choice for beginner plant parents and busy individuals alike. So why not add one to your home and experience the joy of growing your own tropical oasis.
Are you growing a monstera plant or have any tips you’d like to share? I would love to hear about it in the comments below…let’s chat!
For more information about how to grow monstera deliciosa, please see this article from the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:
- Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
- From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
- Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
- How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
- Is Your Houseplant Getting Enough Light? Here’s How to Tell.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
Where to Buy Monsteras and Other Easy Care Houseplants
My Experience With Monstera Plant A Test of Resiliency
I have to admit, I really tested the resiliency of my monstera deliciosa when we moved a few years ago.
We moved to our new home in December 2021 so after I brought my monstera deliciosa indoors from summering on the deck, I moved it into our finished basement to reduce the amount of houseplants I had on the main floor while we were showing our home to prospective buyers that fall.
The deliciosa plant received very little light there for a few months and I never watered it. Terrible, I know. But at the time, I had just had surgery, we were showing the house and something had to give. This plant probably stayed downstairs in close to darkness for 2 months before we moved from October through early December.
And it looked a little sad once we arrived in our new home. But I watered it well and moved it to the sunroom where it bounced back and then some.
The point of the story is to let you know that monstera plants are pretty resilient and can handle almost whatever you throw at them. Life happens and when it does, the monstera plant will still be there.
As I started decorating and moving plants around my new home for spring, my monster plant found a permanent home in the northern corner of my family room where it enjoys bright, indirect light from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Are you convinced to grow a monstera plant yet? If not, read on!
