How to Grow and Care for Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa, known as the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, is a tropical houseplant. This plant is easy-to-grow climbing evergreen. You may see monstera deliciosa in many designer environments. Let’s see an overview of this plant, based on information from NC State University [1]:

Botanical Name	Monstera deliciosa
Common Names	Swiss cheese plant Split-leaf philodendron Ceriman Window leaf
Plant Type	Houseplant Poisonous Vine Edible
Soil Type	Moist Well-drained
Sun Exposure	Partial
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Green White
Toxicity	Toxic to humans [2], cats, and dogs.
Poison Part	Leaves Roots Bark Seeds Stems Fruits Flowers

Monstera genus is native plants in the rainforest of Central America with more than 50 species [3]. Here are some common Monstera Plants:

• Monstera adansonii: it’s also known as a Swiss cheese plant. This type of plant of Monstera has larger leaves, holes and lighter green coloration compared to Monstera acuminata.
• Monstera albo: this type of plant is rare and also expensive with white, speckled coloring.
• Monstera obliqua: Compared to monstera albo, it more expensive. The special about Monstera obliqua is their rarity. It has large, delicate holes and splits in its leaves.
• Monstera acacoyaguensis: their mature leaves are perforate, not split as other types.

Monstera acuminata: also known as Shingle plant. Their leaves are dark green, small and narrow with small holes.

Monstera deliciosa is not a tough-to-care plant. However, it needs some care requirements to take care:

• It needs dappled sunlight or partial shade.
• Can grow well in 10 through 12 in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.
• It requires warmth and humidity.
• Can’t grow well if they live in a salty soil or full sun environment.

For information in detail, read carefully all requirements below to know how to take care of monstera plant.

Temperature and Humidity

The best temperature for a monstera deliciosa to grow is between 65 and 85 (Fahrenheit degrees). They will stop growing if the temperature is below 50F or above 90F, which is considered to be an extreme temperature. About humidity, high humidity is the best environment for monstera deliciosa, about 60%.

Soils

It demands peat-based potting material when it is grown in a pot. Light sandy, moderate silt loam, and dense clay soils with an acidic or neutral pH are good for use outdoors. But even so, it does best on soil that is well-drained and slightly damp.

Water

During the growth season, make sure to water your every one to two weeks . A small amount of soil evaporation is required between waterings.

Fertilize

The nutrients in your gardening soil mix will be consumed by your Monstera. For the plant to live a long time, it is crucial to restore these nutrients using a high-quality fertilizer. Monstera needs to feed more frequently during the seasons of spring and summer since that is when it tends to develop the fastest. Fertilizer feedings for your plant should typically be done 1-2 times a month throughout these months of rapid development. You shouldn't fertilize your Monstera once the weather starts to get a little cooler and it goes into dormancy. Your plant needs feeding with the proper mineral compositions, which are potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Generally, a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer is ideal for a broad-leaf type like the Monstera to reach optimum health. This harmonious combination of the primary three promotes robust, healthy growth.

Light

This plant requires bright, indirect light with constant temperatures of 65-75F. In the summertime, too much direct sunshine risked burning the greenery. However, to promote luxuriant development, place indoor plants outside in full sunshine at least once every year. Outside, the Monstera plant may flourish in both the full and partial shade of dense and light forests.

As long as it's actively developing, monstera deliciosa may be easily propagated all year round. They make excellent propagation choices because of how quickly they develop, making it possible to give them to friends or add more plants to your home. There are several ways to spread monstera. Below is the easiest way.

• Fill a pot with a new all-purpose garden soil mix to handle 3 or 4 cuttings.
• Choose a healthy monster plant from the original tree and cut a piece off with a sharp blade. Pick a section of the plant with several leaves.
• Separate that stem into a number of leaf-containing pieces. Aerial roots may also be affixed to segments.
• Insert 3 or 4 stem pieces into a single pot. Before potting, the stem needs to be propagated in water for a couple weeks. The junction between the leaf and stem is where new leaves will develop.

Every two years or so, monstera deliciosa will likely exceed its container. To allow for growth, transplant into a pot that is a few inches broader and deeper. This plant requires well-draining porous pots with drainage holes, such as terra-cotta or ceramic; however, any material container with drainage holes would suffice. To pot the plant, see step-by-step below:

• Use peaty potting soil to pot the plant.
• Make a stake for the monstera deliciosa’s stem to climb on.
• Place the roots and surround these roots with soil in the container.
• Secure the stem to the stake using plant ties.

Monstera plants thrive in brilliant, indirect light, although they may also flourish in intense electric lighting or low-light environments. The growth of leaves will be slower and less sporadic without intense light. In low-light situations, Monstera could also produce smaller leaves. To avoid halting development, place your monstera deliciosa in a location where temperature doesn't fall below 60 degrees.

Try different things with your plant to determine what works best, then do it again! These suggestions are a wonderful place to start if you want to cultivate enormous Monsteras. Continue with what worked well with your Monstera Deliciosa and obey to the preceding instructions.

Are Monstera Easy to Care For?

The answer is yes. Monsteras are one of the easiest houseplants to care for. Their needs include enough light and proper watering. Although they have different preferences, these two are the most vital for a healthy Monstera deliciosa.

Does Monstera Plant Need Direct Sunlight?

No, direct sunlight is not suitable for monstera plants to grow since it might burn the foliage. Monstera can grow in low light but grow quicker and more dramatically under indirect strong light.

How Often Do You Water a Monstera Plant?

You should water a monstera plant every 1-2 weeks, leaving the soil to dry in between. Water more frequently in bright light and less frequently in dim light.

Does Monstera Have to Be in a Window?

Yes, a monstera will grow better if you place it near window. As we said above, a monsteras want bright, indirect sunlight. So, near a window where the sun's rays do not directly hit the leaves is the best place for a monstera.

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Monstera deliciosa - NC State University
2. Safe and poisonous garden plants - University of California, Davis
3. Split-leaf philodendron, Monstera deliciosa - University of Wisconsin-Madison