Monstera
Kiersten Rankel
Kiersten lives in New Orleans, LA and graduated with her masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in 2019.
She has conducted or assisted on research studies covering trees such as the bald cypress, swamp maple, and water tupelo, as well as important marsh grasses including Juncus, Spartina, and Phragmites.
Kiersten is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and regularly volunteers with local community gardens and nonprofits to help restore critical ecosystems along the Gulf Coast.
4.8 out of 5 (1781 experiences)
Large, lush leaves
Fast grower
About Monstera
Monstera deliciosa is a species of flowering plant native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico down to Colombia. Both the root and leaf have a long history of use in traditional medicine. In Mexico, a leaf or root infusion is taken daily to relieve arthritis. In Martinique, the root is used in remedies for snakebites. 🤒 The holes in Monstera leaves let water drip close to the roots, and they absorb the scattered beams of sunlight that make it down through the forest canopy. Their fruit also tastes like a mix of pineapple and banana! 🍍🍌
Taxonomy
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera
Araceae
Alismatales
Also known as
Swiss Cheese Plant and Philodendron Monstera
How to care for Monstera
How often to water your Monstera
every 9
Monstera 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.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Finding light for Monstera in your home
a window
Monstera 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 in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Monstera
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 after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Good morning, plant lovers! Welcome to today’s showcase for #brunchataudreys I hope everyone’s staying as warm as they can during this cold & for some of yall, freezing temps! I feel a little neglectful of a few plants recently, as I’ve been dealing with some post car accident pains / issues from an accident 3 years ago!! Like cmon now, I’m 25…let me feel like I’m 25 😅 So due to my neglect, my Odora and Monstera have… shed some leaves 😂 However, it appears my PoO is taking one for the team as she threw a gorgeous new 🍊 leaf 🤩 & then my cute little Ficus “Shiv”, had a little spider mite issue after coming home from Lowe’s, but that’s nothing we can’t handle right?? 😈 Well, that’s all for today folks. I hope everyone has a happy Wednesday! Make it a great day on purpose 🤍🌅 @lifeis2short @nellz4estfairyz @AC73LoveCats @theloveofplants @realsimplemama @PoisedAlbo @CourtlyKingfern @ehery @Chevysgirl11 @PlantJedi @ILoveMyPlants @TheOddAsity @SweetAzurebluet @SuperblyLilac @Ninabeena @MariansOasis @Amateurbotany @Arid_oasis @Babevila @FitBrowalia @JenniB81 @JenniferNoel @Michelle5986 @debbiedo @PrizedShadscale @planthoe40 @AmusingRedhill @Pineapplemom @Popcornjoness @debbiedo @craaa777 @grateful_68 @basementforest @TRose @AmyM @Motheroforchids @BuffCaperspurge @PrincessPitStop @Plants_Galore @Prentyce #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PlantTherapy #GregGang #Monstera
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Should I repot my Monstera? I just picked up my first Monstera from Lidl about a week ago! I’ve heard it’s generally a good idea to repot store-bought plants into fresh soil after bringing them home since the soil they come in isn’t always the best quality. I was planning to repot my Monstera today, but after some research, I learned that repotting in winter (their dormant season) can be risky. So now I’m stuck wondering, what’s riskier? • Leaving my Monstera in the soil it came in, which might not be ideal, until spring? • Or repotting it now during its dormant season? A few other things to note: • It has several large roots sticking out well above the soil line, with one root visibly circling the perimeter of the pot. • I checked underneath the pot, and there are roots visible at the bottom too. Is it normal for Monsteras to have exposed roots like this on top and/or bottom, or is this a sign that it’s rootbound? If it’s rootbound, I might need to repot now—but I’m not entirely sure. What would you recommend? Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏽🌱 #Monstera #HappyPlants
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Transferred my Monstera cutting from water to soil with perlite. Initially saved it after it nearly died from too much direct sunlight.
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🤩😳 are yall seeing what Im seeing?! THE GROWTH in 8 days?! Okay so I would like to thank this #RootPorn post and shout out some huge helpers 😭🤩🌱 @MockingJay @MariansOasis @GreenPurpose for Propogation inspiration, water knowledge & expert advice 🤩😭🥹 yall! This water filter (the distilled water cousin I think ) & prop drops have changed the game! 😏🤠✨ I will be propagating everything from now on! LOLOLOL catch me #ChopAndProp ‘ing it up!! Xoxoxo a proud plant parent 😭🥹
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Somebody was ready for soil today. Fingers crossed! #monstera #plantsmakepeoplehappy
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What's wrong with my Monstera? 🆘 I got this Monstera from a friend 2 weeks ago. I repotted it in a bigger vase and she's not doing well ever since. Idk if it's related to the moving and it's still adapting to the new home. It's also winter in Denmark (cold and dark days), and I don't have a growing light. Should I buy one? Should I cut the yellow leave? Or should I just wait and see what happens? #monstera #help #newplantmom
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Recuse Plant #Monstera Hi! I rescued Mochi on Monday from Walmart’s Clearance section. Some of her leaves have fallen off and I cut off the Brown. But do you think I can save her and what should I do to save her?
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It’s been a little limp lately and a few dry spots on the leaves although I’ve been watering once a week. What can I do to bring its liveliness back? #SadPlant #Monstera
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Help me name my new Monstera 🤍☺️ Just picked up this beaut from Lidl ($12!!). My first ever Monstera and by far my biggest plant thus far - a single leaf of this guy is bigger than any of my other plants (I have mostly succs). I have no idea how to care for him yet, so any and all tips are welcome - but first, I need a name that suits him. What do y’all think? Send any and all name suggestions (or care tips) my way! 😊🌱 #Monstera #HelpMeNameMyPlant
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Need help for Monsty! She’s dying? #Monstera I have had Monsty for about five years and need some guidance as her health is really starting to deteriorate and she’s really stretching (should I add a plant light?). I’ve intentionally not transplanted her to a larger pot as we don’t want her to get too large for our space. Clearly she needs help. What do I do? Should I break her up and propagate her for several new ones, transplant her into a larger pot with new soil? Some of her leaves have recently gone quite brown, but she’s putting off new ones still. Help! Thank you for any guidance you can share.
Care Summary for Monstera
Monstera
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.
What other plant parents say
Large, lush leaves 1542
Fast grower 981
Survivor 719
Easy to propagate 514
Browns easily 129
Blooms easily 96
Pest magnet 46
04/09/2022
-Needs drainage
-Moss poles make it grow quickly
-likes bright indirect
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Fast grower
04/07/2022
Don’t over water…. Let dry out between watering a bit and don’t put in direct sunlight
Large, lush leaves
Browns easily
03/30/2022
Great and beautiful plant!
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
03/22/2022
They are stunningly gorgeous and can be a centerpiece of any room. We’ve put ours through so much and they are still ticking, even when we thought there is no hope. They require some care, but fully worth every effort.
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Survivor
Fast grower
03/19/2022
My favorite plant! 💕🪴
Large, lush leaves
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
03/13/2022
This plant is easy to care for, I follow the water recommendations from the App and I haven’t had any problems.
Large, lush leaves
Survivor
03/09/2022
Love my Monsteras! Always fun to see how the new leaves will unroll!!
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Blooms easily
03/06/2022
I love this plant. I really don’t do anything special to her. I just let her be and water when she is half way dry. Seems to like being next to my east facing window. I love her lush green leaves.
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Survivor
02/27/2022
Beautiful lush green leaves!
Large, lush leaves
Survivor
02/26/2022
Get a humidifier
Large, lush leaves
02/24/2022
Such a lovely plant, excited to watch it grow. Easy to care for just water once soil dry.
Large, lush leaves
Fast grower
Survivor
02/22/2022
Big but can be trained vertically if you stay on it as it grows. Build yourself a big moss pole. Plan for 6 ft. Can get brown tips if you are not regular with your watering but reasonably robust. Likes light a grow light over head works though I’ve had reasonable success with an “up light” grow light.
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Survivor
02/19/2022
10/10
Large, lush leaves
Blooms easily
Fast grower
02/15/2022
It’s a beautiful, long, lush plant. It’s not too finicky and fills my space perfectly
Large, lush leaves
Fast grower
02/06/2022
Monstera's are happy, until they're not. 😅 Definitely not a fan of Summer heatwaves and no air con. 🙅🏼♂️
Large, lush leaves
02/06/2022
so pretty 😩
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Browns easily
02/06/2022
so pretty 😩
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Browns easily
02/04/2022
Just a great plant ;);)
Large, lush leaves
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
02/04/2022
Get a grow light and watch this baby grow!!!
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Survivor
02/03/2022
I love this plant that much that I actually have 3!!! Hoping to grow them over time and propagate more to share with loved ones as these can be expensive where I live!!
Large, lush leaves
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
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Greg’s plant care information is derived from first-principles biology and physics and supported by peer-reviewed research, academic institutions, and industry experts. We are committed to providing the highest-quality plant care information available, so if you have any concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to our support.
- Plants for a Future. “Plant Database.” pfaf.org. N.p., n.d. Web.
- Encyclopedia of Life. “Encyclopedia of Life.” eol.org. N.p., n.d. Web.