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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)


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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To pole or not to pole? I've seen many people mention moss poles with their Monstera. Mine is definitely starting to grow outwards rather than up but I believe that's to access the light and she isn't huge yet or anything.... Should I get a moss pole and is there a particular "type" I should get? Pictures show her currently, apologies at the bad quality and ignore the messy room! #monstera #happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #mosspole #monsteramob #newplantmom
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Hi my plant is starting to get brown on leaves most leaves are still Very green. #Monstera
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New growth, so excited to see her happy here so much all at once. I can't wait to see her new leaves open up 3 in the process. #happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #newgrowth #plantaddict
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Monstera Trouble? Hi Everyone. My big, beautiful monstera suddenly got this discoloration on a couple leaves. It’s still healthy and thriving despite this, new growth coming in and very happy dark green leaves everywhere else. But two of the leaves have this discoloration on them. It’s not on the surface; I can’t brush or clean it off. But it’s not like a brown crinkly spot as if it were needing more water (it’s watered regularly). The whole plant is huge and generally a pretty easy pal to care for. But I’m not sure what to do about this or if I should just leave it alone? #MonsteraMonday #Monstera #MonsteraMob
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The leaves have a dull waxy look, what can I do to correct this? #Monstera
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Happy Friyay! New leaf coming out on my monster monstera #freshleaf #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #HappyPlants #NewGrowth #Monstera
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Deliciosa vs Borsigiana How do I tell what kind of monstera I have? #HappyPlants #PlantAddict #MonsteraMonday #TropicalPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #NewPlantMom
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Almost there !! #newgrowth #happyplants
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Y’all…I can’t. I just can’t 🥹 Mayra just gifted me with this beaut of a leaf 🤗
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I have a Monstera that has leaf tips curving downwards. I don't know what is causing this but I suspect maybe over-watering or placement...I haven't a clue. Please help!
Care Summary for Monstera
Monstera
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 3ft from a window

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












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.





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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.