Monstera Deliciosa Care: The Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera deliciosa is the ultimate statement plant. The massive, split leaves (fenestrations) are instantly recognizable and bring bold, tropical vibes to any space.

It is also surprisingly easy to grow. Monstera tolerates lower light, forgives missed waterings, and grows fast. Give it a few years and a moss pole, and it will take over your living room in the best way possible.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light (tolerates medium light)
  • Water: When top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry
  • Humidity: Normal household humidity is fine (higher is better)
  • Support: Benefits from a moss pole or trellis
  • Biggest mistake: Not providing vertical support

Light

Monstera deliciosa does best in bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light surprisingly well.

Best light:

  • East-facing window
  • A few feet back from a south or west window
  • North-facing window works but growth will be slower

Signs of too little light:

  • Leggy growth (long stems between leaves)
  • New leaves have fewer or no splits
  • Slower growth

Signs of too much light:

  • Faded, pale leaves
  • Brown, crispy edges

Watering

Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Monstera is forgiving and can handle slight underwatering better than overwatering.

How to water:

  1. Stick your finger into the soil
  2. If the top 2 to 3 inches are dry, water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

Typical schedule:

  • Spring and summer: Every 7 to 10 days
  • Fall and winter: Every 14 to 21 days

Humidity

Monstera tolerates normal household humidity but prefers higher humidity.

  • Ideal humidity: 50 to 70 percent
  • Will tolerate: 40 to 60 percent

Signs of low humidity:

  • Brown, crispy leaf edges
  • Smaller new leaves

Soil and Pot

Use well-draining, chunky soil.

Best soil:

  • 40% potting soil
  • 30% orchid bark
  • 20% perlite
  • 10% peat moss or coco coir

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Large enough to accommodate growth (Monstera gets big)
  • Heavy pot to prevent tipping

Support Structure (Important)

Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant. In nature, it climbs trees. Indoors, it needs vertical support to produce larger leaves and more splits.

Best support options:

  • Moss pole (coco coir or sphagnum moss)
  • Wooden plank or trellis
  • Wall-mounted support system

How to support:

  1. Insert the pole deep into the soil when planting
  2. Gently tie the stem to the pole with soft ties
  3. Keep the moss pole moist (spray it when watering)
  4. Aerial roots will attach naturally

Without support, Monstera will trail sideways and produce smaller, less-fenestrated leaves.

Temperature

Monstera deliciosa is tropical but adaptable.

  • Temperature: 60 to 85 F
  • Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 55 F

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

  • Fertilize every 4 weeks in spring and summer
  • Use balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength)
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Pruning

Monstera can get large. Prune to control size or remove damaged leaves.

How to prune:

  1. Cut back overgrown stems near the base
  2. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves
  3. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears

You can propagate the cuttings you remove.

Propagating Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera propagates easily from stem cuttings.

How to propagate:

  1. Cut below a node (the bump where aerial roots grow)
  2. Include at least one leaf
  3. Root in water or sphagnum moss
  4. Wait 4 to 8 weeks for roots
  5. Transplant to soil when roots are 2 to 3 inches long

Common Problems

New leaves have no splits

The plant is too young, not enough light, or no vertical support. Young Monstera leaves do not split. As the plant matures and gets enough light, new leaves will split. Add a moss pole to encourage larger, split leaves.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering or natural aging. Check soil moisture and drainage. Lower leaves yellowing naturally over time is normal.

Brown leaf edges

Low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and water more consistently.

Leggy growth

Not enough light. Move to a brighter spot.

Aerial roots

Monstera produces thick aerial roots as it climbs. These roots help anchor the plant and absorb moisture. Do not cut them off. You can:

  • Tuck them into the soil
  • Direct them toward a moss pole
  • Let them hang naturally

Pests

Monstera can attract spider mites, thrips, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly and inspect for pests.

Monstera Deliciosa vs. Monstera Borsigiana

There are two common forms of Monstera deliciosa:

Monstera deliciosa:

  • Larger leaves (up to 3 feet across)
  • Ruffled, wavy leaf edges
  • Slower growing

Monstera borsigiana:

  • Smaller leaves (up to 1 foot across)
  • Smooth leaf edges
  • Faster growing

Both have the same care requirements. Borsigiana is better for smaller spaces.

What To Do Next

  • If your Monstera is not splitting, add a moss pole and move to brighter light
  • If you love fenestrated plants, try Monstera adansonii or Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
  • If your Monstera is getting too big, prune it back and propagate the cuttings
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