Monstera Care for Beginners: Light, Water and Support

A large monstera plant in a living room

Monstera deliciosa, the "Swiss cheese plant," gives a room a jungle feel. It is easy once you understand what it likes: bright light, a good soaking, and a chance to dry out in between. Here is a simple beginner guide.

Pet note: Monstera is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Keep it out of reach, or pick a safe option from my pet-safe list.

Quick monstera care facts

  • Light: bright, indirect light. A few feet from a bright window is ideal.
  • Water: when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Temperature: 65 to 85 F. Protect from cold drafts below 55 F.
  • Humidity: average home humidity is fine. A little extra is a bonus.
  • Soil: chunky and well draining, such as potting mix with orchid bark and perlite.

Light and the famous holes

New leaves are solid and heart-shaped. The splits and holes (called fenestrations) develop as the plant matures and gets enough light. If your plant has small leaves with no splits, it probably needs more light. Avoid hot direct sun, which can burn the leaves.

Watering

Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. Wait until the top 2 inches are dry before watering again. Yellow leaves with constantly wet soil mean overwatering. Brown, crispy edges and drooping with dry soil mean it needs a drink. Check my yellow leaves guide if you are not sure.

Support and pruning

Monstera is a climber. Give it a moss pole or sturdy stake, and it will grow larger leaves. Trim long or damaged stems with clean scissors, just above a node. Wipe the big leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks so they can absorb light.

Propagation

Cut a stem just below a node that has an aerial root. Put it in a jar of water in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. When roots are a few inches long, pot it in soil. It is the same method used for pothos cuttings.

Common problems

  • Yellow leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Leggy growth with no splits: not enough light.
  • Brown edges: dry air or uneven watering.
  • Webbing or sticky leaves: spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe and treat with insecticidal soap.

In winter, water less and move it to a bright spot away from cold glass. See winter care for indoor plants.

These are general guidelines based on commonly accepted houseplant care.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ZZ Plant Care for Beginners: Light, Water, Problems

Image
The ZZ plant ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ) is a great pick if you forget to water or your home is a bit dim. It has thick, shiny leaves, grows slowly, and handles neglect better than most houseplants. Here is a simple guide, based on university extension advice. Pet note: Clemson Extension lists the ZZ plant as not pet safe. Keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and small children. See our pet-safe plant list for safer choices. Quick ZZ plant care facts Light: bright, indirect light to low light. Avoid full sun. Water: only after the soil has dried out completely. Clemson Extension suggests about once or twice a month. Temperature: normal indoor temperatures. Keep it above 60°F (about 16°C). Soil: a coarse, well-draining mix. Size: usually 2 to 4 feet tall, and it grows slowly. What light does a ZZ plant need? ZZ plants survive in low light, so they suit offices and darker rooms. Bright, indirect light speeds up their very slow growth. Put it anywhere except in full...
Read more

How to Care for a Pothos Plant (Beginner Guide)

Image
If you want one houseplant that forgives mistakes, pick a pothos. It grows in low light, bounces back from dry spells, and looks great in a hanging pot, on a shelf, or climbing a wall. This guide covers everything you need to keep one healthy, in simple steps. Pet safety note: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. If you have pets that chew plants, keep it out of reach or choose a pet-safe plant instead. Quick pothos care facts Light: medium to bright indirect light. Tolerates low light. Water: when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Temperature: 65 to 85 F. Keep away from cold drafts below 50 F. Soil: well-draining potting mix. Fertilizer: every 4 to 8 weeks in spring and summer, if you like. Difficulty: very easy. 1. Light: bright but not burning Pothos grows best in bright, indirect light. That means a spot near a window where the sun does not hit the leaves directly for hours. A few feet back from an east or north window works wel...
Read more

Spider Plant Care for Beginners: Light, Water and Brown Tips

Image
The spider plant ( Chlorophytum comosum ) is one of the easiest houseplants to keep happy. It grows fast, forgives missed waterings, and it even makes baby plants for free. Here is a simple beginner guide, including how to stop those brown leaf tips. Pet note: The ASPCA lists the spider plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, it is on my pet-safe plant list too. Quick spider plant care facts Light: bright, indirect light. It tolerates medium light but grows best with more. Water: when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Water well, then let the extra drain out. Temperature: normal room temperatures. Keep it away from cold drafts and frost. Soil: regular, well draining potting mix. Pot: any pot with drainage holes. A hanging basket shows off the baby plants. Where to put a spider plant A spot near an east or north facing window works well. Strong afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and fade the stripes. If the white stripes on the leaves look dull, the ...
Read more