DIG THIS
Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is famous for its signature leaf slits called fenestrations.
In the wild, these holes allow wind and rain to pass through without damaging the plant. These stylish leaves can grow over 3 feet wide! Making them one of the largest houseplant leaves you can have indoors.
Needs Some Love
Indirect Sunlight
Water When Dry
Not Pet Safe
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN
Monstera can survive in low light, but it will not thrive.
Low light = slower growth, fewer fenestrations (leaf holes), and leggy stems.
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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WATER WHEN DRY
Give a Monstera Deliciosa a thorough soak rather than small, frequent waterings. Water until it drains out, then let the soil dry before the next drink.
HIGH HUMIDITY
Consider using a humidifier to boost humidity levels around a Monstera Deliciosa. A pebble tray can also help, but may not have the best results.
SOIL
MONSTERA DELICIOSA DIGS A CHUNKY, WELL-DRAINING MIX
When choosing a potting mix for this houseplant, look for mixes that include:
PERLITE
PERLITE
Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
ORCHID BARK
Looks like chunky, reddish-brown wood chips. Adds airflow and helps keep soil from getting too dense.
COCO COIR
Looks like fluffy, light brown fibers like shredded coconut husk (what it's made from). Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.
COMMON ISSUES
YELLOWING
Yellowing leaves/edges is a possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.
Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.
If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.
BROWNING / CRISPING
Often due to low humidity, underwatering, or sun scorch.
Make sure to keep up with those humidity levels, check soil moisture and/or move the Monstera Deliciosa away from direct sun.
SNIPPING BROWN TIPS
DROOPING
Likely caused by underwatering or overwatering. A little tricky!
⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Soggy: Likely overwatered or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Allow soil to dry out a bit. Consider mixing in perlite or orchid bark for extra airflow.
Bone dry: Needs a drink and/or a humidity boost. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom.
AERIAL ROOTS
Not always a cause for concern! Monstera Deliciosa can naturally develop aerial roots as it matures.
You can leave them be, provide a moss pole for support, or tuck them into the soil.
You can also trim them away without harming the plant by using clean scissors and cutting close to the stem.
NO FENESTRATIONS (leaf holes)
A sign of not enough sunlight or the Monstera Deliciosa has not reached maturity.
Move to a brighter spot and give it time.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
