Abbey Ryan
In the world of beloved indoor plants, one name stands out with an air of mystery and allure: the Monstera. Often dubbed the “Swiss Cheese Plant” due to its distinctive hole-riddled leaves, the Monstera has earned its place as a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Don’t start stressing if you’re lucky enough to welcome this green beauty into your home but don’t know how to care for it. We’ve put together this ultimate guide on how to care for a monstera plant so you can have a happy, thriving, flourishing botanical masterpiece.
What Is a Monstera Plant?
How to Care for a Monstera Plant
Soil
Water
Light
Common Monstera Plant Problems and How to Fix Them
Yellow Leaves
Curling Adult Leaves
Root Rot
What Is a Monstera Plant?
Before diving into the art of nurturing one of the best houseplants out there, let’s introduce you to a few members of the fascinating Monstera family.
The Monstera genus boasts a wide variety of species, but the Monstera deliciosa, with its iconic fenestrated leaves, takes center stage. These leaves are often likened to art, showcasing intricate patterns created by nature herself. It’s one of the most popular versions of this family.
The Monstera borsigiana is another popular variety. It has a more vining growth pattern, growing long stems with big, stunning leaves. The plant tends to have a speedier growth rate than the Monstera deliciosa and needs a lot of support to grow large.
The Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’ is a unique version of the monstera that has variegated leaves. Some leaves are green, some are white, and some are a mixture of the two. It grows into a breathtaking, show-stopping plant.
Another intriguing, well-loved member of the Monstera clan is the Monstera adansonii, characterized by its charming heart-shaped leaves and equally captivating fenestration. It tends to be much smaller than the other varieties mentioned and loves to climb, so a moss poll is a must.
Costa Farms Monstera Plant
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How to Care for a Monstera Plant
Proper Monstera plant care depends on the unique variety you choose, but there are some similar preferences among the entire family. Unlocking the secrets to your monstera plant care comes down to understanding soil, water, and light.
Soil
Choosing the right soil is paramount. This is the foundation of your monstera plant care. Choose quality potting soil that’s well draining. You want to allow your monstera to get proper hydration without being waterlogged.
Ideally, your potting mix will have soil and peat moss to give your plant enough nutrition and support without rotting the roots. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of your plant so the roots don’t sit in water.
Water
The Monstera likes a balanced watering routine, meaning they like to be hydrated but don’t enjoy sitting in water. Typically, monstera plants do well being watered every 1 to 2 weeks.
A clever trick is to water your monstera thoroughly until the soil is fully saturated and water seeps from the pot’s drainage holes. Then, allow excess water to drain away fully, and don’t water again until the soil can dry out a bit.
Monsteras will require more water in brighter areas and during the growth season and less water in dimmer areas and during the dormant season.
Light
Imagine your Monstera basking in its natural habitat—Central America’s rainforests. To replicate its happy place, provide a full day of bright, indirect light.
This means your monstera wants to be in a room with plenty of windows…but it doesn’t want to be next to the window if it’s in the direct sun. Too much light may burn their leaves, while too little light will lead them to wilt and yellow.
California Tropicals Monstera Adansonii Real Live Indoor Houseplant
If you're looking for a cute addition to your monstera family, the monstera adansonii is ready to join!
Common Monstera Plant Problems and How to Fix Them
Like any plant family, monsteras present a common list of problems. Learning how to care for a monstera plant means recognizing those problems and addressing them correctly. Here are a few to keep an eye out for so you can help your monstera thrive:
Yellow Leaves
If your Monstera’s vibrant green leaves are turning yellow, it’s most often a signal of overwatering or bad drainage. Allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings and improving your drainage will help.
Keep in mind this can also be a pest issue, a lighting issue, or a normal part of your monstera’s growth.
Curling Adult Leaves
If your unfurled monstera leaves begin to curl up again—inward or outward—this is usually a sign of dehydration. Make sure you’re watering your monstera consistently and not letting it get too dry between waterings.
Remember, if it’s been excessively hot, your monstera may need more water than normal.
Root Rot
If your monstera’s roots begin to rot, this serious issue can quickly destroy your plant. Root rot happens when your plant has been continually overwatered or if it doesn’t have adequate drainage.
If you suspect your monstera may have root rot, check for mushy, smelly roots. Rotten roots must be pruned for your monstera to survive. Plant it in fresh soil and be patient while your plant recovers.
Witnessing your Monstera’s journey from a tiny sprout to a thriving, captivating foliage display is truly a rewarding experience. Embrace the adventure, and as you care for it, you’ll become attuned to its unique needs…and you’ll be ready to add other great plants to your collection.
