Monstera Deliciosa Care Guide

Light

Bright indirect light is the sweet spot. A spot within a metre or two of an east or south facing window, with the harshest midday sun filtered, gives you big leaves with proper splits. Low light will not kill it, but new leaves come out small, plain, and far apart.

Water

Water when the top five centimetres of soil feel dry, then soak it fully and let every drop drain away. In most homes that lands every one to two weeks in summer and closer to monthly in winter. Yellow lower leaves almost always mean it is getting too much, not too little.

Soil and potting

Use a chunky, free draining mix: regular potting soil with perlite and orchid bark stirred through. The pot must have drainage holes. Move up one pot size when roots circle the bottom or poke out of the holes, usually every eighteen months or so while it is young.

Humidity and temperature

Average home humidity is fine; it grows faster and unfurls cleaner leaves above sixty percent. Keep it in the 18 to 29 degree range and away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Feeding

A balanced houseplant feed at half strength once a month through spring and summer is plenty. Skip feeding in winter when growth slows.

Propagation

Cut just below a node with an aerial root, root the cutting in water or moist soil, and pot it up once roots reach five centimetres. One healthy stem can become a whole shelf of plants.

Common problems

Symptom	Likely cause	Fix
Yellow leaves	Overwatering or poor drainage	Let the soil dry out properly between waterings and check the pot drains freely	Water
No splits in new leaves	Not enough light	Move it closer to the window or add a grow light	Light
Brown crispy edges	Low humidity or underwatering	Check soil moisture first, then raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier	Humidity
Small pale new growth	Hungry or rootbound	Feed monthly in the growing season and check whether roots have filled the pot	Feeding

Quick questions

Is Monstera deliciosa safe for cats?
No. It contains calcium oxalates and is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Keep it out of reach or choose a safer swap.

Why is my monstera not splitting?
Light, almost every time. Young plants also produce plain leaves first; splits come with maturity and bright indirect light together.

How fast does a monstera grow?
In good light, expect a new leaf every four to six weeks through spring and summer.