Monstera deliciosa houseplant
Growing Monstera Plants: Watering, Lighting, Repotting, Propagation, and Pests
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Lush, tropical, and gorgeous, a massive, thriving Monstera in your home is a definite statement that you are a houseplant person. Learn all about growing the Monstera deliciosa and the M. adansonii, which is commonly called the ‘Swiss Cheese’ plant.
About Monstera
In North America, the Monstera plant is a houseplant. However, it is a tropical plant in the Araceae family, like Philodendron, Anthurium, Epipremnum, and Caladium. In their native portions of southern Mexico and Central America, they are an evergreen vine that grows up tree trunks—up to 70 feet long—up to the rainforest canopy to find light.
The most common variety in the home is Monstera deliciosa, which stays between 6 to 8 feet. This large leaf variety makes a wonderful floor plant. The Monstera deliciosa is sometimes called a split-leaf philodendron (though it is not actually a philodendron). The huge leathery leaves are as wide as 18 inches with natural perforations. The holes are meant to allow light to reach the other leaves below and also weather tropical storms.
The Monstera adansonii, is also commonly called the ‘Swiss Cheese’ plant because it has small holes in the leaves (versus perforations). It has a smaller growth habit suitable for sitting on a shelf with trailing vines or in a hanging basket. The care is the same for both tropical plants.
Monsteras grown indoors rarely flower or fruit. However, in their native climate, their fruit is sought after. Monstera deliciosa derives part of its name from those tasty fruits flavoring drinks and desserts. The green fruits look like a cob of corn and are said to taste like a banana-mango-pineapple combo.
Growing
Monsteras are relatively easy houseplants to grow. Follow these care tips for lush foliage.
- Water this plant thoroughly, then allow the top quarter to one-third part to dry between waterings.
- As with many houseplants, misting leaves helps increase the humidity in dry interior settings. (If your monstera has a moss support pole, mist the moss, too.)
- If humidity is too low, the leaf edges will turn brown. To boost humidity, try setting the pot in a tray lined with pebbles and keep water in the tray. Small, local humidifiers are also available to increase the humidity if your home is especially dry.
- If you are overwatering or the growing medium is too moist, the leaves will “sweat.” If this happens, reduce watering to prevent root rot. Water less in winter.
- For potted monsteras, fertilize several times per year (from spring until fall) with a diluted liquid fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.
- Monstera needs regular repotting as they grow to accommodate the root system.
- During the summer, you can move your monstera outdoors. Be careful to slowly acclimate the plants to higher light levels, or the plants will sunburn (just like we do!).
Propagating your Monstera
Monsteras are simple to propagate and root well in water. Follow these steps to make more Monstera plants (and share them with your plant-loving friends!).
- Select a piece of stem with at least one node and leaf. If the node has a brown aerial root growing, it’s even better. Check this page from the University of Minnesota Extension to see a picture of what a monstera node looks like.
- Cut one inch below the node with sanitized, sharp shears. Rubbing alcohol does an excellent job of sterilizing pruners.
- Fill a clear-walled jar or vase with water and set the cutting inside. Keep the node submerged. Use bottled water if your tap water is heavily treated.
- Place the jar in a brightly lit and warm spot out of direct sunlight.
- Change the water weekly to keep it fresh.
- In 2 to 4 weeks, your cuttings should start to root. Transplant to moist potting mix once the baby roots are about an inch or two long.
- Monstera deliciosa is the classic houseplant of this group. With proper care, it can eventually reach your ceiling and display beautifully fenestrated glossy leaves 1 to 2 feet long.
- M. adansonii (“Swiss Cheese Plant”) is a slightly smaller plant with heart-shaped leaves and holes in the leaves. An agile climber if given support, water, and a little fertilizer.
- M. dubia has smaller, variegated leaves and loves to climb, reaching about 3 feet.
- Any variegated Monstera deliciosa variety! Unique and rare–and often expensive–variegated plants are suitable to be the centerpiece of your houseplant home. Cream and white colored bands and patches contrast starkly with the rest of the deep green leaves.
Andy Wilcox
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Mine is just starting out from being cut rooted in glass container. Just potted it but leaves are small and not split anymore. Am I doing something wrong or just needs time?
I had a monstera growing in water for at least 10 YEARS with a Beta fish, and it was small & puny. Then the fish died so I planted the monstera in soil about 5 years ago & it is now HUGE.
