Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

How much light does a Monstera need?

Bright, indirect light is what Monstera deliciosa needs most indoors. Place it near a window that gets plenty of light but stays out of the sun's direct path for most of the day. This plant also tolerates medium light, so it still grows well a few feet back from a bright window. It can handle some hours of strong, direct sun too, though bright, indirect light suits it best overall. A north or east facing window often gives the right mix of bright light without too much harsh, direct sun. Whether the light is bright and indirect, medium, or occasionally direct, this plant has some flexibility in what it accepts.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light and direct sun¹

How often to water a Monstera

The soil should stay between slightly dry and medium for this plant, never bone dry or soggy. Let the top few inches of soil dry out somewhat before you add more water. Once the soil reaches that medium moisture level again, it is time for your next watering. This plant does not need constant moisture, but it also should not sit in fully dry soil for long stretches. Aim for a middle ground, soil that feels lightly moist to slightly dry rather than wet or parched. Checking the soil directly, rather than watering on a set number of days, gives the most reliable result for this plant.

• Water: Dry to medium^2,3

Best soil for a Monstera

Well-drained soil that still holds some moisture suits Monstera deliciosa best. Soggy, waterlogged soil is not a good match for this plant, and neither is soil that dries out completely and stays that way. This species also grows well across a fairly wide pH range, from about 6 to 8. That range covers slightly acidic, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil, so most general potting mixes will work. Both the drainage and the pH matter, since roots need air as much as they need water and the right pH range.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^2,3
• Soil pH: pH 6–8^2,3

Temperature and humidity

This plant's cold tolerance stops at about 30°F (-1°C). Below that point, cold can damage its leaves and stems. It grows best in warm, steady conditions well above that low mark. Keep it away from cold drafts, chilly windowsills, and unheated rooms in winter. Indoors, most homes stay warm enough for this plant without any extra heating. Outdoors, only grow it where winter temperatures stay well above that same low point. This minimum matters most for plants kept outdoors or on a cold porch, rather than in a heated home. Humidity needs are not documented for this plant.

• Minimum temperature: 30.2 °F (-1 °C)⁴
• Humidity: High⁵

Fertilizing a Monstera

During its growing season, feed Monstera deliciosa every two weeks. This regular, biweekly schedule helps support its big, glossy, splitting leaves through the growing season. Outside the active growing season, this plant does not need that same biweekly feeding schedule. Stick to the two-week rhythm rather than feeding it more often. A balanced approach on this two-week cycle avoids both overfeeding and underfeeding during active growth.

• Fertilizer: Every two weeks in the growing season³

Pruning a Monstera

Light shaping, not heavy cutting, is all Monstera deliciosa usually needs. Trim it now and then to control its size or remove a stem growing in an awkward direction. This kind of light, occasional shaping is enough to keep the plant looking full and tidy. You do not need to cut it back hard on a set schedule. Regular light trims also let you shape the plant's growth as it climbs or spreads.

• Pruning: Light shaping⁶

How to propagate a Monstera

Several methods work for propagating Monstera deliciosa. Growing it from seed works, though it takes patience. Division and offsets let you split off a rooted piece from an established plant. Stem cuttings are a common and simple method, since a cut piece with a node can root in water or soil. Layering, where a stem roots while still attached to the parent plant, is another option. Whichever method you choose, seed, division, stem cuttings, layering, or offsets, each is a documented way to start a new plant.

• Propagation: Seed, division, stem cuttings, layering and offsets^4,7

Common problems

A wide range of pests can affect Monstera deliciosa, including aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, fungus gnats, and thrips. It can also attract citrus blackfly, Japanese wax scale, Florida red scale, and armyworms in some cases. The main diseases reported for this plant are anthracnose and root rot. Check leaves and stems regularly so you can catch any of these problems early.

• Common pests: citrus blackfly, japanese wax scale, florida red scale, fiorinia phantasma, yellowstriped armyworm, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, fungus gnats and thrips^8,3,1,7
• Common diseases: anthracnose and root rot⁷

Questions and answers

Is Monstera deliciosa toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, Monstera deliciosa is toxic to both cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of your pets, and contact your vet or a pet poison line if your cat or dog chews on it.

How often should I water Monstera deliciosa?

Water it once the soil moisture drops to somewhere between slightly dry and medium, rather than on a fixed schedule. Avoid letting it sit in fully dry soil or in soil that stays wet and soggy.

What kind of light does Monstera deliciosa need indoors?

Give it bright, indirect light for the best growth. It also tolerates medium light and can handle some hours of direct sun as well. A spot a few feet back from a bright window usually works well for this plant.