How to grow and care for Monstera deliciosa

What a wonderful houseplant! Its Latin name translates to “delicious monstrosity”. It is native to the tropical forests of Central America and southern Mexico, where it flourishes under the cover of large trees.

It’s so easy to grow, and grow it does! Monstera is a good choice if you lead a busy life or are a lax plant parent, because it’s easy to care for. Some monsteras can get rather big, so they might need a little extra room to bring that tropical rainforest vibe into your home or office.

In this article, we guide you step-by-step on how to provide your monstera with the ideal conditions for it to truly thrive.
 

Why is it called Swiss cheese plant?

The monstera is often called the Swiss cheese plant because as it matures, the heart-shaped or rounded leathery leaves develop Swiss cheese-like oblong holes and/or large cut clefts as they grow older.

These leaves, it is said, have evolved as a natural adaptation to give them a much better chance to tolerate heavy downpours or hurricanes. Aside from this adaptation for damage resistance, these holes and slits allow rain to penetrate through to the lower leaves and plant roots. There is also a theory that this modification of the leaves allows the plant to maximize light capture in a heavily shaded forest, to give it more leaf area.

Good to know: The common name "Swiss cheese plant" is also used for the variety Monstera adansonii, which is a related species from the same genus. This monstera can easily be identified by its mature leaves that develop holes, making it resemble Swiss cheese.

How tall will a Swiss cheese plant get?

In the house, its glossy leaves tend to unfurl between 15-45 cm (6-18”) wide on tall leafstalks. Under ideal growing conditions, the leaves on mature plants can get twice that size. A young monstera plant typically grows at a rate of 30-60 cm (1-2 ft) a year.

You can expect it to grow 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) tall and just as wide without any pole support. With a supporting pole, it can grow up to 2.5 m (8 ft) tall.
 

Do Swiss cheese plants climb or hang?

In their natural habitat, monsteras are climbing plants, vines that twine around trees. Indoors, using a moss pole support helps your plant grow taller and encourages the development of larger, beautifully perforated leaves. While it is possible to let your monstera trail, you should expect its leaves to be smaller and less prominent.
 

What's the lifespan of a Swiss cheese plant?

The monstera can live for decades. With proper care, it can live much longer. In fact, a monstera could live up to 40 or 50 years, either in the wild or indoors under optimal conditions. Easy to propagate, you can easily keep your plant for a lifetime by multiplying it.
 

Location and light requirements

Monsteras thrive in bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight since this will scorch its leaves. A monstera can tolerate 1-3 hours of direct morning sunlight, because the light isn’t as harsh at that time of day.

Watering the monstera

The monstera needs plenty of water and may require frequent watering. Although it prefers slightly moist soil, allow the top 2.5 to 3 cm of soil to dry out before watering again, as excess water causes yellowing leaves and other issues.

Monsteras appreciate moist soil, but ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and avoid watering on a strict schedule. Do not water too frequently or provide more water than your plant can absorb. Empty any water that collects in the saucer. The monstera tolerates slight dryness better than excess moisture. Indeed, it is highly susceptible to root rot.
 

The ideal temperature for the monstera

The monstera likes to grow in temperatures that range from 18-30 °C. It will survive in colder temperatures as low as 10 °C but prospers in warmer temperatures. Be consistent in the air temperature: avoid placing it near a heat register or fireplace, or beside an air conditioning vent or open window in winter.
 

Humidity and misting

The monstera thrives in an atmosphere with moderate to high humidity. While it can tolerate humidity levels as low as 50%, it prefers levels above 60%. If the air in your home is too dry, use a humidifier or a pebble tray. The bathroom is another spot where it will flourish.
 
You can mist your monstera, but it is better to increase the ambient humidity using a humidifier or a pebble tray. If you do mist the plant, prevent fungal diseases by doing so in the morning and ensuring good air circulation in the room.

Fertilization

Look for a balanced high-nitrogen soluble or liquid fertilizer that can be added in the watering can. Liquid fertilizers like Schultz All Purpose 10-15-10 are designed for leafy houseplants like the monstera. Feed once or twice a month.

As with all houseplants, fertilizing is recommended when the plants are actively growing from spring until late fall. Let the plant rest during the winter months.
 

Repotting and choosing the pot

With good light, watering and feeding, it’s normal for your plant to outgrow its container rather quickly.

Young plants will need repotting every year. Do this in the spring. Go up one pot size (2”), adding fresh potting mix to fill the pot each time. In their native tropical forests, monsteras use their aerial roots to hold onto trees. When you repot, add a trellis, stake or moss pole to provide support.

Monsteras prefer pots that are slightly wider than they are deep, as their roots tend to spread horizontally rather than grow deep. When repotting, choose a pot that is 2.5 to 5 cm larger than the root ball. This will give them enough room to grow. Choose an appropriately sized pot and a well-draining potting mix like Schultz Potting Soil.

Routine maintenance and pruning

A monstera requires little maintenance. However, like all broad-leaved plants, it needs to be dusted regularly. Gently clean the leaves with a damp cloth.

Dead or yellowing leaves can be removed, along with their stems. Finally, if your monstera becomes too large, you can prune it to maintain its shape and reduce its size.
 

How do you encourage bushier growth?

Pruning the main stems by a third every three years will help your monstera maintain a bushy appearance.
 

Aerial roots

These aerial roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and other surfaces.

You can let the roots grow freely in a natural, jungle-like way if you don’t mind the appearance. You can cut them off without harming the plant. Cut them close to the main stem. If you are cutting them off, do so in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Another alternative is to guide the roots back into the soil where they will absorb water and nutrients from the potting mix, and they’ll also provide more support for the plant.

Your monstera will probably want to continue to push out new aerial roots over time. These roots help support the plant as it climbs. If there is nothing to grab onto, they can get quite long.

Propagating Monstera deliciosa

If you want to start a new plant from cuttings, for yourself or a friend, this plant can easily be propagated.

You need to pick out a leaf and stem that has a node and cut below the node. A node is the small bump or point on the stem where a leaf or aerial root grows. Ideally, the cutting should also have an aerial root attached. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut the stem about 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) below the node.

Place the cutting in a clear jar with a few inches of water, ensuring the node and any aerial roots are fully submerged. Place the jar in indirect light and top up the water regularly. After a month or two, it should have enough root mass to be transplanted in a potting mix.

Tip: You may be tempted to propagate a monstera with just a leaf without the node. This won’t work, as you need to have a node and/or a root present for propagation to happen and be successful.
 

Monstera toxicity to animals

Monsteras are considered mildly toxic to pets. If a cat or dog ingests any part of the plant, it may irritate its mouth, throat, and stomach, but it is unlikely to be fatal.

Why are monsteras expensive?

Some monstera varieties, such as the 'Thai Constellation', are unique. Each leaf features a different pattern. Some varieties display cream-coloured half-moon markings, while others boast starry variegation reminiscent of a galaxy. This distinctive feature, which adds to the plant's charm and appeal, justifies the higher price.
 

Successfully growing Monstera deliciosa

Caring for a Monstera deliciosa is not an exact science. Rather, it is a wonderful opportunity to observe, understand and adapt to your plant's needs. By providing plenty of indirect light, regular yet measured watering, and sufficient humidity, you create the ideal conditions for vigorous growth and a lush plant.

However, keep in mind that even with the best care, your monstera may sometimes send out warning signs. To help you identify and quickly resolve these issues, we invite you to read our article on the most common health problems affecting Monstera deliciosa.