Monstera Plants Care Tips

Monstera Plants Care Tips: They are found in southern Mexico and Panama, and they are frequently called the Swiss Cheese Plant or Philodendron Split Leaf due to the holes they make in their leaves as they become older.

Monstera leaf holes are a consequence of their genesis in the rainforest, where sunlight is blocked by overhanging plants. Therefore, sunlight should be able to reach both the top and bottom leaves through the perforations.

How Often Do Monstera Plants Need Water?

Monstera require consistent irrigation. In general, monsteras enjoy their soil to dry out a little bit in between waterings and like somewhat moist soil.

Since they are epiphytes—plants that grow on other plants in their natural habitat—they cannot withstand damp soil because of their aerial roots. Generally speaking, your Monstera needs some watering when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry.

Given that Fran, my Monstera, is housed in a large pot, I water her once a week during the growing season, which runs from spring through early fall, and then less frequently throughout the winter.

I made a long-term commitment to water all of my houseplants once a week, with Saturday being the day I would remember to do it the most, and I have been following that schedule for many years.

Since some plants prefer more water than others, I modify the amount of water I give each plant according to the type of plant and how the soil feels when I examine it.

I forego watering that week if the soil feels at all wet. Every week I make a schedule to water all the plants in the house, so I never forget to do so. I also set aside time each week to dust them off, prune them if necessary, and look for bugs or indications of stress.

How Much Light Is Necessary for Monstera Plants?

Bright indirect light attracts monsteras. Although they may become lanky in that setting, they may adapt to medium light levels. Consequently, I put her in a room with lots of windows facing west.

Even though Fran’s seat is far from the windows, the room receives enough light in the afternoons and nights for her to seem to enjoy it there. All of my plants, regardless of where they are located, adore that room.

In addition to getting to brag about being the biggest plant in a room full of plants, she never receives direct light, which helps her leaves avoid burning—an important consideration when choosing a location for a Monstera.

Should My Monstera Plant Be Fertilized?

I bought a huge bottle of fertilizer after discovering one that I could use on all of my houseplants because fertilizers can be confusing.

I fertilize once a month throughout the growing season at the start of each month with SUPERthrive since I use a fertilizer that I mix with my water.

It is a little expensive, but in my experience, it has outperformed other fertilizers in keeping my plants healthy. By God!

Recognizing Typical Issues

  • Curling leaves: they can be dehydrated; see if the soil is wet or dry.
  • Yellowing leaves: check to see if the soil is wet or dry; overwatering may be the cause. Perhaps there isn’t enough indirect sunlight.
  • Blackish stems could indicate overwatering; see if the soil is moist or dry.

Monstera Plant Staking

Monsteras can reach a height of 66 feet in the wild and climb up on other trees as they become bigger! Their maximum height inside is approximately nine feet, and they will use a stick as their inner host—mine isn’t covered in moss, but it would be ideal.

I discovered the hard way that staking is essential for Monsteras when tending to a smaller but bushier one in a another room.

Sadly, many stems tore off the main plant when I pushed it over into the desk below where it was placed one day while cleaning the leaves. It had not been staked for a long time.

I’m glad I was able to reproduce some of those stems, but I’ve learnt my lesson. In addition to helping the plant grow upward, stakes can also help maintain the equilibrium of all those large leaves.

Plant Propagation for Monstera

I helped Fran propagate some stems, and I put some of them in her pot! I reasoned that there was ample room and that Fran might benefit from some companionship. Additionally, the addition helped to balance out her enormous top half and bottom half.

Although she has a few new, tiny leaves from a node at the base of her stem, the majority of her leaves come from another Monstera.

Frequently Asked Questions For Monstera Plant

Can monstera grow indoors?

Yes. Monstera thrive best in indirect light, in warm environments. Monstera will not survive in cold outdoor areas.

What kind of light does monstera need?

A Monstera plant thrives in bright, indirect light; this means placing it near a window that receives filtered sunlight, like an east or west facing window, is ideal for optimal growth while preventing leaf burn from direct sunlight. 

Why are my monstera leaves curling?

Monstera leaves curl most commonly due to improper watering, either overwatering which leads to soggy soil and root rot, or underwatering which causes the plant to stress and curl its leaves to retain moisture; other potential causes include low humidity, extreme temperatures, pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and excessive light exposure. 

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