In this article, we will be sharing effortless ways on how to care for a Monstera.
So, you got yourself a new monstera plant, but have no idea on how to properly care for it. I won’t blame you. Monstera is one of the most aesthetic plants, and also known as the “It” plant. Interior designers love to use this plant as home decor because it looks great with different interior styles. Plus, you can see its pretty leaves almost everywhere, from wallpaper to throw pillows, and even as table decor at dinner parties.
Monstera or its scientific name monstera deliciosa is also known as Swiss cheese plant, hurricane plant, or Mexican breadfruit because of its corncob-shaped fruit. However, be careful since the whole Monstera plant, except for its ripe fruit, is poisonous and also dangerous to your cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. Monstera is a tropical plant popular for its bizarre-looking leaves that are often punched through with holes.
You don’t need to be a plant expert to grow a Monstera. Check out our effortless ways on how to care for a Monstera, and how to add it as home decor.
How to Care for a Monstera #1: Location
Monsteras needs space. LOTS of space. It’s ideal to position your Monstera in the living room or a shaded location outdoors. Keep in mind that Monsteras are climbing plants in its natural habitat. If you’re planning to grow your Monstera tall indoors, support it with moss sticks to guide its growth upward.
How to Care for a Monstera #2: Sunlight
Monsteras can stand low light, however, it grows faster in a bright spot. The right amount of sunlight plays an important role in Monstera’s leaf development. Avoid placing your Monstera under strong, direct sunlight because it may burn the leaves. It’s best to place it in a spot where it can receive indirect sunlight.
Bonus Tip: Having trouble on how to measure light for your plants? The Greenery Unlimited created a simple method of getting a light reading at your home. Choose a spot in your home where you’re planning to place your plant. At the brightest time of the day, usually around noon, hold your hand up and observe at the shadow.
High light: Crisp, well-defined shadows and stark contrast.
Low light: Faint shadows, unclear outline.
Furthermore, half-turning your Monstera will help and maintain the growth of your plant even since leaves automatically bend toward the light.
READ MORE: 7 Effective Tips on How to Keep Your Plants Alive
How to Care for a Monstera #3: Water
One of the most important rules in keeping your houseplants alive is water when the soil is dry. One of the characteristics of Monstera is its sort of drought tolerant. Being a tropical plant, you don’t need to worry about watering it all the time. It’s enough to water it once a week or when the soil is somewhat dry.
Bonus Tip: We’ve shared this in our other plant care blog that it’s best to use warm water for your plants, especially if the tap water is chlorinated since it’s toxic to plants. A simple solution is to fill a few bottles with water, set it out in the sun for about 30 minutes to evaporate the chlorine, then use it to water your Monstera.
How to Care for a Monstera #4: Humidity
Monsteras thrive well in normal room temperature surroundings. If you want to give your Monstera a special treat, you can gently spray the leaves of your Monstera once a week. This recreates like a tropical and humid environment for your Monstera, and it will make your plant feel at home.
How to Care for a Monstera #5: Repotting & Propagation
When to repot Monstera: Monsteras, while young, are recommended to be repot every year to support its growth and freshen the soil. When it outgrows its current pot, you can repot it every two years. When repotting a Monstera, it’s best to choose a pot a few inches larger in height and width than the old one to give your Monstera more room to grow.
Buy Now: Omysa Mid Century Planter and Stand
How to propagate: Air layering is the most common but solid method of propagating Monstera. Follow the steps below from Pro Flowers if you want more of these pretty houseplants.
Things you will need:
Floral or sphagnum moss
Sharp, clean pruning shears
A plastic bag
Twist ties
Procedure:
- Locate a leaf with a small aerial root below it.
- Cut a notch below that root that’s about one third of the stem’s diameter.
- Wrap this area (notch, root and node where leaf meets the stem) with a layer of damp floral or sphagnum moss.
- Wrap the moss in plastic tight enough so it stays secure, but loose enough so you can open it and check the roots. You can secure the moss and plastic with string or other ties.
- Once you start to see roots, cut the stem and plant it in new soil.
How to Care for a Monstera #6: Toxicity
As I have mentioned at the beginning of this blog, Monstera, except for its ripe fruit, is poisonous to humans and pets (cats and dogs). The larger version of Monstera is not ideal for pet owners, but you can opt for a mini Monstera deliciosa borsigiana that you can safely place on high shelves to keep away from your pets.
If indigested, Monstera can cause mouth irritation and stomach pain and possible vomiting. Also, skin irritation if touched because of the calcium oxalates found in its sap. However, it’s still safe to care for a Monstera, as long as you do not ingest any part of the plant and be extra careful when touching it.
How to Care for a Monstera #7: Pests & Additional Care
Monstera is vulnerable to pests like mealybugs. As well as scale insects and spider mites. To save your plant from these pests, it’s best to wipe them off with a mild soap solution or use a gentle insecticide. Also, Monstera’s large leaves can collect dust. Wipe their leaves down with a damp cloth and gently dry to maintain their dark green leaves healthy and clean.
Monstera deliciosa plants are not only perfect interior decor to your home, but it’s also easy to care. You can get more ideas on how to keep your houseplants alive and healthy with our 7 Effective Tips blog.
Want to learn more about other houseplants? Read more on our Plant Care blog page.
