Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa

Scientific Name

Monstera deliciosa

AKA

Split-leaf philodendron, Swiss cheese plant

Origins / Hardiness Zones

Central America / 10-12 USDA

About

Likely the most recognizable houseplant—Monstera are widely admired for their glossy green split leaves with fenestrations (holes), but equally appreciated for their easy going ways. Monstera are happiest (and grow bigger leaves) when given the opportunity to climb.

Light Needs

Water Schedule

Temperature

Humidity Levels

Toxicity

The ideal range for a Monstera is 60-70% humidity. If the levels are lower than this, you may start to see some of the leaves turn yellow or brown and drop off. The plant may also start to look a little wilted.

Monstera leaves are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. Some people experience skin irritation when handling.

Bright, indirect light is ideal for this jungle dweller. Susceptible to leaf burn in long stretches of direct light. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but be sure to adjust watering and don't expect much growth.

Give the plant regular waterings during the growing season every one to two weeks. Water until excess drains through drainage holes. Do not put the excess water back into the plant's container because the plant has taken all the water it needs. The soil will need to dry out slightly in between waterings. Water only occasionally in fall and winter.

The Monstera will grow in most household temperatures, but a temperature between 65°F - 85°F is ideal. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F, but the cold temperature will stop growth.

Wiping dust or debris off leaves with a damp sponge or paper towel will keep the plant clean and avoidant of pests. However, common pests that can invade the plant include mealybugs, aphids, thrips, scale, and spider mites. If any are found on the foliage, spray the plant with a direct water stream. Leaves can also be washed with insecticidal soap.

All you need to propagate a Monstera is a piece of stem with a node or aerial root. This is particularly easy to spot since it's a brown knob or full on wiggly root sticking out along the green stem. Try to cut just below this node and remove the lower leaves to ensure a clear stem before rooting. This cutting will grow roots directly in water and in just a few weeks! Once the roots are a couple inches long, you can pot up as you would with any plant. Something to note, if you use a cutting with a leaf that’s already split or fenestrated, you’ll be more likely to create another plant with hole-y leaves.

These ambitious growers are fairly quick to fill out their pot and become rootbound. Try to repot every 1-2 years in the spring, especially when tending to a younger plant. Increase the pot size by about 2 inches each time. Once mature and becoming unwieldily to maneuver—you can reduce your repotting frequency and switch to a routine of refreshing just the top few inches of soil.

Choose a balanced liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer to feed the plant every few weeks during the growing season. Dilute 1/2 teaspoon of the fertilizer in a gallon of water. Use the diluted fertilizer in place of a regular watering. Pour the mixture into the soil until it begins to flow out of the drainage holes. Throw out the excess diluted fertilizer because the plant has taken what it needs and cannot use the extra that it drains off.

If the tips of the leaves are turning brown, that usually means the soil could be dry or you need to consistently water the plant on a schedule to keep it moist. Remove the affected leaves.

If there's a yellow halo around the brown spots or tips, that means your plant has contracted a fungus. The fungus likely got there because of overwatering or keeping the plant in overly wet soil for too long. Remove the affected leaves and let the plant dry out a bit before watering.

Yellowing leaves is an indication of dry soil. The oldest leaves on the plant will turn yellow first.

If you see wilting leaves, there's a watering issue, as well. The plant is either overwatered or underwatered. If it's overwatered, the plant could be suffering from root rot.

The gorgeous XL large leaves on this plant can quickly accumulate dust. Dust blocks the plant from absorbing light—so be sure to keep their leaves clean and dust-free. You can do this by misting and wiping each leaf or a routine hose-down/shower.