Monstera deliciosa Care: What to Know

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Today we are going to be talking about the split-leaf philodendron, botanically known as Monstera deliciosa. This is one of my favorite plants. This particular one is an adolescent Monstera, and you can already see some splitting in the leaves. As the plant gets bigger, it will produce more leaves with even more splits. I’ll show you a picture here of a more mature plant, where you can see how many split leaves happen as it ages.

This is a gorgeous plant and one of my personal favorites. It reminds me, especially when it has a lot of split leaves, of the snowflakes we made in elementary school by folding and cutting paper. Every time I see that, I often think of those snowflakes. It is also called the Swiss cheese plant because of all the holes in the leaves.

Today, we’re going to talk about how to care for this plant and keep it healthy and happy in your indoor garden. I do have another video that covers its background and where it comes from, but today we’ll focus on care.

Monstera deliciosa is native to very tropical areas, particularly the jungles of Central America, so it does require some humidity to thrive. One way to increase humidity is by placing it over a humidity tray. I have videos explaining how to create humidity trays, where you put marbles or pebbles in a dish and add water just below the top of the marbles or pebbles. This creates extra humidity for the plant. You can also place it among other plants, as plants humidify each other. If your Monstera has crispy outer leaves, it may be a sign that it needs more humidity.

In terms of lighting, Monstera deliciosa prefers medium to bright light but should be kept out of direct sunlight. Direct sun can cause sunburn on the leaves. I also have a video on sunburn in plants and how to handle it, but your best bet is to keep this plant a few feet away from a very bright window, such as those with western or southern exposure. Southern exposure windows will vary in brightness depending on the time of year, so you may need to adjust the plant’s placement. They love eastern exposure, which gives them gentle morning sun. If you only have a northern exposure window, I recommend supplementing with full-spectrum lighting.

Monstera means “giant,” referring to how large the leaves can get, and deliciosa refers to the fruit it sometimes produces. While it rarely fruits indoors, if it does, the fruit tastes delicious. I’ve had one Monstera that fruited indoors, and I have a video on that. The fruit takes about a year to ripen, so patience is key.

In its native habitat, Monstera climbs up trees using aerial roots. These roots can appear on your plant as it matures. You can either train these roots to climb a support, such as a moss pole, or direct them back into the soil, where they will grow more leaves. A moss pole can be purchased or made by wrapping a wooden dowel with sphagnum moss, which absorbs moisture and provides additional humidity for the plant.

When watering Monstera, always use warm to tepid water, as cold water can shock the roots. If possible, use demineralized water, such as rainwater or reverse osmosis water, to prevent browning or crusty leaf tips. You can use a moisture meter to check when to water, typically when the meter reads about four, just before the soil dries out completely. Picking up the plant to gauge its weight is another good way to determine if it needs water.

Monstera deliciosa is a relatively heavy feeder, so I recommend fertilizing about once a month. Use a balanced organic fertilizer and stop feeding during the coldest winter months. Repotting may be necessary as the plant grows. Use an organic soil-based potting medium that retains some moisture, as these plants are moisture lovers. However, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

While pests are not common on Monstera deliciosa, watch out for mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Cleaning the plant’s leaves regularly with a damp cloth helps prevent infestations. I also recommend using insecticidal soap, especially in the fall before winter sets in.

That’s it for keeping Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, happy and healthy. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and click the bell to be notified when new videos are released.

Monstera Deliciosa Plant Care FAQ

What is the Monstera deliciosa plant?

The Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is a tropical plant native to Central America. It is famous for its large, split leaves and sometimes produces delicious fruit.

How much humidity does Monstera deliciosa need?

Monstera deliciosa thrives in humid environments. To increase humidity, place the plant on a humidity tray or group it with other plants, which help humidify each other. If the plant has crispy outer leaves, it may need more humidity.

What kind of light does Monstera deliciosa require?

This plant prefers medium to bright light but should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. It thrives in eastern-facing windows with morning sunlight. For northern exposures, supplement with full-spectrum lighting.

Can Monstera deliciosa fruit indoors?

While Monstera deliciosa rarely fruits indoors, it is possible. The fruit takes about a year to ripen and tastes delicious.

How do I care for the aerial roots of Monstera deliciosa?

Aerial roots help Monstera deliciosa climb in its natural habitat. You can train them to climb a moss pole or direct them back into the soil, where they will grow more leaves.

How should I water my Monstera deliciosa?

Water your Monstera with warm or tepid water, and use demineralized water like rainwater if possible. Water when the top inch of soil is dry or when a moisture meter reads about four. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

When should I fertilize my Monstera deliciosa?

Fertilize once a month using a balanced organic fertilizer, but stop feeding during the coldest winter months. Regular feeding helps the plant maintain its large, healthy leaves.

When should I repot Monstera deliciosa?

Repot Monstera deliciosa as it grows, ensuring to use an organic, moisture-retaining potting mix. A two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio works best to prevent root rot.

What pests affect Monstera deliciosa?

Monstera deliciosa is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap if necessary.

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