Konnichi wa / Great Outdoors

Introduction

Monstera plants are one of the most popular houseplants today, and it’s easy to see why.

With their large, glossy leaves, they bring a touch of the tropics to any home.

But there’s more to these plants than meets the eye.

In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need to care for your Monstera plant, from the basics of light and water requirements to more advanced tips on how to propagate and repot them.

Watch this video on Grow BIG, Beautiful Monstera!

What is a Monstera Plant?

The most common Monstera plant is the Monstera deliciosa plant, or delicious monster, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant or Fruit Salad Plant by its common names.

It is primarily an indoor plant in the United States with aerial roots, but its natural habitat is in the tropical rainforests and tropical areas of Central America and Southern Mexico, and is easily recognizable by its large, split-leaf foliage.

Other varieties of Monstera include the Monstera adansonii (also known as the Split Leaf Philodendron) and the Monstera obliqua (or Mexican Breadfruit).

It grows edible fruit and its leaves may cause skin irritation in humans.

Light and Water Requirements

Monstera plants thrive in indirect light and high humidity.

They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, but can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon.

During the winter months, they should be kept away from cold drafts and direct heat sources.

When it comes to watering, Monstera plants prefer moist soil, but not soggy.

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

During the summer months, you may need to water your Monstera with filtered water more frequently.

In the winter, water less often, but make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.

To ensure proper drainage, make sure your Monstera pot has a drainage hole.

If it doesn’t, you can add a layer of lava rocks to the bottom of the pot to help keep the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Propagation and Repotting

Monstera plants can be propagated by stem cuttings or air layering.

To propagate by stem cutting, take a healthy stem cutting with at least two nodes and place it in a jar of water.

Change the water every few days until roots form.

Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, you can plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil.

To propagate by air layering, cut a notch in the stem and wrap it in damp moss.

After a few weeks, roots will form and you can cut the stem below the moss.

Plant the new stem in a pot with well-draining soil.

When it comes to repotting, Monstera plants should only be repotted when necessary to prevent root rot.

If you notice the roots growing out of the drainage hole, it’s time to repot.

Use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, and make sure it has a drainage hole.

Fill the pot with well-draining soil and gently place the plant in the new pot.

Monstera Care

When caring for your Monstera plant, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure the soil is kept moist but not soggy. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and curl.

Second, make sure your Monstera gets enough light. If the leaves start to turn yellow, move the plant to a brighter spot.

Third, make sure to check for pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. If you find any, treat them with an insecticidal soap.

Finally, make sure to fertilize your Monstera plant every few weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer and dilute it to half strength.