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Monsteras, or Monstera deliciosa, are native to tropical regions of Central America. These vining aroids are easy-care houseplants that can grow quite large under the right conditions. What makes monsteras so distinctive are the holes that develop in their leaves as the plants mature.
Monsteras appreciate consistent care tailored to their needs as tropical plants. By providing the right amounts of bright, indirect light, moderate water, warm temperatures, humidity, and nutrients, your monstera will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage and impressive growth over time. Read on for monstera growing tips!
As young plants, monsteras have solid deep green leaves without fenestrations (holes). With age, slits and holes begin to appear in the leaves, creating their “Swiss cheese” look. Mature monsteras can produce enormous leaves over 1 foot long!
These are vining plants that can be grown upright with support, allowing their aerial roots to cling and branches to trail. Given proper conditions, monsteras can grow over 6 feet tall.
While they thrive in bright, indirect light, monsteras can tolerate low to moderate light environments. They especially appreciate some direct sun filtered through sheer curtains. Insufficient light leads to small leaves and slow growth.
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Monsteras cannot tolerate overly wet or overly dry soil. Consistent moisture is key!
Monsteras prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F and appreciate humidity levels around 50-60%. Cooler temps or drier air causes leaf browning. Group plants together or use a pebble tray to boost humidity.
Selecting Monstera Variegata varieties to grow indoors that align with current trends.
Beyond their striking leaves, there are many reasons monsteras make fantastic houseplants!
For such impressive plants, monsteras require relatively little specialized care compared to other tropicals. Keep them warm, moderately moist, and in bright indirect light—that’s it!
Like many aroids, monsteras efficiently filter airborne toxins like xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene from indoor spaces. Adding these to your home decor helps purify the air!
Monsteras offer a sculptural, tropical vibe to indoor spaces. Let them trail or train them up supports to showcase their dramatic leaves as they grow. Their natural form is incredibly unique!
Caring for monsteras is straightforward. Apply these growing tips for a thriving plant!
A north or east-facing window is ideal, or a west or south window filtered by a sheer curtain. Low light results in small, weak leaves with no fenestrations. Slowly acclimate plants to increased light levels.
A quality potting mix that drains well but also retains some moisture is essential. Adding perlite improves drainage. Make sure pots have drainage holes at the bottom.
Check soil moisture with your finger. Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes below, then discard excess water in the saucer so the plant doesn’t sit in it.
Use a pebble tray, group plants together, or use a humidifier to keep humidity around 50%. Improve air circulation with fans which also helps prevent disease.
Add plant supports to encourage upright growth habit. Gently prune wayward branches and aerial roots to control size and shape.
Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength from spring through summer when plants are actively growing. Discontinue in winter.
Here are some common monstera care issues and how to resolve them:
This often results from low humidity or inconsistent watering. Improve humidity near the plant and water regularly without over saturating the soil.
Usually a sign of overwatering root rot or insufficient light. Cut back on watering and give the plant more bright, indirect light if possible to encourage new growth.
Indicates the plant needs more water immediately. Check for rootbound roots and repot in fresh soil if necessary.
Insufficient light exposure, or a plant that’s still too young and developing. Slowly increase light levels and be patient!
Caring for monsteras is quite simple when you meet their basic needs for light, water, humidity and nutrients. Provide plenty of indirect sunlight, let the soil dry out between moderate waterings, maintain warm temperatures and humidity around the plant, and fertilize every few weeks during growth periods. Address issues promptly by diagnosing the cause and implementing solutions. With consistent, attentive care your monstera will thrive indoors for years to come!
Use pebble trays filled with water, group plants together, or run a humidifier nearby to keep humidity ideal around 50-60% for monsteras.
Monsteras do best in loose, well-draining potting soil that retains some moisture. Amend regular potting mix with perlite to prevent dense, overly wet soil.
Repot monsteras when their roots have filled the current container or every 2 years or so in fresh potting mix for optimal growth. Go up just 1 pot size at a time.
Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering issues leading to root rot. Allow the soil dry out more between waterings. Insufficient light can also cause yellowing. Increase sunlight exposure gradually if possible.
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