Monstera Plant Care

INSIDE : Learn the best practices for how to care for Monstera Plants! Helpful tips for Monstera Plant Care, from watering needs, light requirements, grow big healthy Monsteras. 

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This post has been updated from it’s original August 2019 post date.

I read recently that Monstera Plants or Monstera deliciosa is one of the most popular bought plants of 2019, however I am not surprised to learn that because I adore mine!  My plant is a little over a year and a half old and he’s done nothing but easily grow and bring me such joy.

There are numerous variations of this plant, my favorite one being the big monstera deliciosa or Monstera Split Leaf Philodendron – swoon. I recently also got a Swiss Cheese Vine baby plant, monstera adansonii and he’s so precious.

I’ve learned a lot about Monsteras over the last year and I’m excited to share some of the important care tips I’ve found out about!

What are the best growing conditions for Monstera plants?

When thinking about how to care for Monstera plants, it may be easier than you may think.  They often prefer higher humidity and filtered, indirect light. Too much harsh sunlight can result in scorching, but if it doesn’t get enough light the plant may not develop as many perforations or holes in its leaves.  You can check out my post about the Best Sunlight Levels for Indoor houseplants.

Be sure to keep leaves clean and dust-free by wiping with a soft cloth about once a month. And although it’s not required, the plant also appreciates regular misting of its leaves (mine sure does).  Check out my post on How to Clean your Plant leaves.

Looking for more helpful tips like this for other plants? You would definitely enjoy my easy to read Happy Houseplants ebook !  Check it out today.

How often should I water a Monstera plant?

You should set your monstera on a weekly watering schedule, or whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.   I like checking in on all my plants each Friday.  

However since Monstera plants can be somewhat drought tolerant, you don’t need to drench them with water each week.  Especially in the winter, I still check on him but maybe don’t give him quite as much water as I would during the warmer summer months.  

And be careful to not let the pot to stand in water, as this will cause root rot and is a quick way to killing your plant.

What type of sunlight does a Monstera like?

Place your monstera in a bright location, out of direct sunlight, because they can be prone to sunburn.  I have my Split Leaf Monstera in our dining room where he doesn’t get any direct sun and he still is so happy.  They tolerates lower light, but will grow faster and becomes more dramatic in a brighter spot. 

I told you they were great plants to have in your home!

What supplies are needed in growing Monstera?

Plant Moisture Meter | Pruning Shears | 6″ Pot Monstera | Pot | Spray Bottle

What are other names for Monstera?

Monstera Swiss Cheese plant, Split Leaf Philodendron, Mexican breadfruit, Hurricane Plant and many others.

Love plants like I do?  You might like some of my other Plant Care + Tip posts.

Why do Monstera have holes on some leaves and not on others?

Monsteras are known for their leaf holes.  There are many theories about why they have holes.  Some think it is to get more water access to their roots.  Others think the holes develop to protect their leaves during hurricane force winds.  The current theory is the holes are due to lighting conditions. 

When should I repot monstera plants?

Monstera plants typically outgrow their current pot about every two years.  You can then transplant it to a new pot a few inches larger in diameter and depth than the old one.  This also helps with soil nutrition and space for the rapidly growing plant.

If your plant looks slightly wilted despite giving it enough water, there may be lots of roots in the pot, preventing the soil from holding onto moisture long enough for the plant to soak it up. Choose a pot that has plenty of drainage holes. 

Why is my Monstera leaving turning yellow?

The most common reason that plants leaves turn yellow is because of moisture stress, which can be from either over watering or under watering. If you have a plant that has yellow leaves, first check the soil in the pot to see if the soil is dry or wet.  Either give your Monstera more water or if wet, let him dry out for a week.

If you are being very aware of how dry your plant is getting and he still is getting yellow leaves, it might be wise to check his roots.  Have your plant root bound, meaning he needs a bigger pot or having root rot in Monstera can start with yellow leaves.  

Miscellaneous Monstera Care tips:

-Their large leaves can easily collect dust. If you notice the leaves are dirty or dusty, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and gently dry to keep them clean and healthy.  I like giving my plant monthly baths outside with the hose in the warm summer months.

-They can grow up to 30′ tall in their native habitat.  But no need to worry, they won’t ever get that big as houseplants.

-Aerial roots on a Monstera plant are good and normal.  They grow them to help support the plant due to it’s larger size.  

Where to buy Monstera Plants?

I’m so glad you are excited to buy yourself a Monstera plant, yay!  Typically most local nurseries carry many Monstera varieties.  However, they are an easy plant to purchase online, too.   The Sill carries a potted Monstera deliciosa that is gorgeous .  I’ve seen numerous shops on Etsy carrying them.  And I love that Amazon is now selling many different types of them, too.

You might be interested in some of my other Plant Care posts:

Mistletoe Cactus Care + Tips

Pilea Care and Best Tips

Marimo Moss Ball Care Tips

Air Plant Care

Fiddle Fig Care Tips

Peperomia Plant Care