Plant Care Monstera monkey leaf

Monstera monkey leaf

About Monstera monkey leaf

The nearly 50 species of plants in the Monstera genus all share some incredible traits, like being world class climbers! 🧗 These plants use aerial roots to grab onto trees as they grow up towards the sun. They've been known to grow more than 60ft/18m tall and many have holes (fenestrations) in the leaves that are believed to help sunlight pass through to lower leaves. The genus name Monstera comes from the Latin word for monstrous/abnormal and is thought to refer to these abnormal leaves!

Taxonomy

Monstera monkey leaf
Monstera
Araceae
Alismatales

How to care for Monstera monkey leaf

💦 Water

How often to water your Monstera monkey leaf

Water needs for Monstera monkey leaf
0.5 cups
every 9

Monstera monkey leaf needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Monstera monkey leaf

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Monstera monkey leaf in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Monstera monkey leaf: 3ft from a window
3ft or less from
a window

Monstera monkey leaf may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Monstera monkey leaf in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Monstera monkey leaf

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Monstera monkey leaf: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Monstera monkey leaf after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

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💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Monstera monkey leaf prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Monstera monkey leaf may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


💨 Humidity

Monstera monkey leaf prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.


🪴 Soil

Monstera monkey leaf does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!


💩 Fertilizer

Monstera monkey leaf should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Monstera monkey leaf to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Monstera monkey leaf is native to Central America.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Monstera monkey leaf

Monstera monkey leaf

Monstera monkey leaf


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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