Monstera deliciosa, which you might know as the split-leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, is a fabulous tropical plant that many people love to keep indoors. This super simple climbing plant is a total showstopper! Its size and cool shape really make it stand out in any space. Monstera deliciosa features shiny, heart-shaped leaves with cool splits, and it’s super simple to take care of! This plant grows really quickly, about 1 to 2 feet each year, and it takes around three years to become fully mature.

Which Monstera Varieties Should You get?

Choosing the right Monstera plant is not an easy task. Various factors come into play when making your choice.

Do you want your plant to be big or small; do you want it to have variegation or plain leaves; do you want it to be a classic shape or an elegant shape.

Whatever your choice is, there is bound to be one Monstera variety that will suit all your needs.

First time Adopter

The Monstera Deliciosa is an excellent plant for those who are just getting started. It’s not too big or too small, making it easy to maintain. This plant also has beautiful split leaves and is a classic shape. It will suit your needs as well as your taste!

Another great choice is Monstera Adansonii. It is a beautiful plant with an elegant shape and fenestrated leaves (holes), which are very popular among plant lovers today.

The Collectors

If you’re someone who collects plants, then you might want to buy the variegated Monstera.

Variegated Monstera has mutated leaves with lighter patches on them. These patches can be light green, yellow, or white.

Variegated Monsteras are difficult to care for because they’re more likely to contract root rot; their patterns may be unstable and able to revert back to full green.

The two most popular variegated Monsteras are Monstera Albo Borsigiana and Monstera Thai Constellation.

The One We All Dream About

Monstera Obliqua is arguably the rarest of the Monstera genus. It is claimed that the Monstera Obliqua has only been seen in the wild 17 times.

Many people confuse Monstera Obliqua with Monstera Adansonii. They both share the same characteristics but there are some key differences. One observation of Monstera Obliqua is that it seems more hole than leaf. The fenestrations are so extreme that on occasion the leaf looks like lace. And their leaves are much more delicate compared to Adansonii’s thick, sturdy leaves.

This is by far the most expensive type of Monstera. A single cutting can cost between $5,000 to $8,000 USD

How to Pick a Healthy Monstera

If you are looking to purchase a Monstera, it is important to be aware of the different signs that it may not be a healthy plant.

There are several things you should look for when trying to determine if the Monstera plant you are considering purchasing is healthy or not. Problems with foliage, and pests can all lead to poor health in your new plants.

Watch for Monstera leaves curl and browning 

The first sign you should look for when considering a plant is the overall health of the leaves. If the leaves are curled, or if there is browning in any part of the plant, avoid purchasing this particular Monstera plant.

A Monstera with leaves curling and browning may have been exposed to a condition that includes an excessive amount of sunlight, or even water for too long–or too little water.

Check for Pests Infestation

Another indication that your newly purchased Monstera is not healthy is if there are any signs of pests on the leaves or stems. There are a variety of pests you may find on a Monstera, such as spider mites, mealy bugs, etc.

Pest Infestation on Monstera can be identified by the presence of small insects or small white “dust” on the leaves. also check for dark spots or discoloration around the stems and leaves as well.

5 Must Know Tips for Growing Big and Bold Monstera

Use This Magic Powder

Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and spray it once a month on foliage. This foliar application will make the leaves big, lush, and healthy.

You can also mix a pinch of Epsom salt with all-purpose liquid fertilizer before feeding the plant.

Wipe your monstera leaves

In order to photosynthesize, the foliage needs to be clean and dust-free. This will make the plant absorb sunlight better, helping it produce lush and big leaves.

After all, whether you grow your plant at home or in the office, the air is full of dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can land on your Monstera’s leaves.

When enough gunk is on the leaves, the plant will struggle to drink in the sunlight. This affects how well it can photosynthesize.

The result? A stunted split-leaf philodendron.

All you need to keep the leaves clean is a soft microfiber cloth. Lightly moisten the cloth and then rub it on both sides of the leaves.

Are You Sure About the Light?

What kind of lighting does the Monstera require to thrive? That would be bright, indirect sunlight.

The difference between indirect and direct sunlight is that there’s a medium between the sunlight and your Monstera, typically a curtain.

That curtain safeguards the plant from receiving too much direct sunlight.

An easterly-facing or northerly-facing window with a curtain will ensure your Monstera gets just the light it needs without the risk of burning.

Per day, the monstera plant requires five to eight hours of indirect light. 

If you’re not getting that much sunlight per day, such as in the wintertime, then set up an artificial grow light for your Monstera.

I’ve talked about this before, but plants cannot differentiate between natural sunlight and artificial light. So providing either natural or artificial light will work just as well.

If your Swiss cheese plant’s leaves aren’t splitting to develop those trademark holes (aka fenestrations), then it’s not receiving enough light.

You might also notice leggy stems that are arched towards one direction. The Monstera is aiming for whatever little light it can get.

Repot Every Two Years or So

All indoor plants outgrow their pots. The Monstera may wait two or three years after settling.  But that’s not usually accurate.

If your plant has roots growing out of the drainage holes, you must repot it immediately. Slow or stopped growth indicates upgrading. You should measure your Monstera pot. Add 2–4 inches to that diameter. Purchase that size pot.

Please don’t buy bigger pots, even though it’s tempting. Pots larger than plants tend to tip.

In addition, extra dirt slows pot water drying. Root rot may result.

When should Monstera be repotted? Best in spring, when the plant is actively growing.

Monstera may be stressed following transplanting. Most plants experience this while moving to a new pot.

With time, your Monstera should get healthy.

In order for your Monstera to grow strong and healthy, it requires a mix of several key nutrients such as NPK:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes healthy leaf growth and is critical for the plant’s overall development.
• Phosphorus (P): Supports strong root development, along with promoting flowering and fruiting in plants.
• Potassium (K): Aids in the overall health of the plant, boosting resistance to diseases and pests.

Additionally, your Monstera will benefit from micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and trace elements like iron and zinc.

Frequency and Application Methods

It’s essential to provide your Monstera with the proper nutrients at the right frequency. Here are some recommendations:

Liquid fertilizer

Dilute a high-quality liquid fertilizer according to the package instructions and apply it to your Monstera’s soil every four to six weeks during the growing season.

This method allows nutrients to reach the roots quickly, promoting faster growth.

Slow-release granular fertilizer

These types of fertilizers release nutrients gradually into the soil, allowing your Monstera to receive a steady supply over time.

Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, either by mixing it into the soil or sprinkling it on the surface.

Top Care Tips for Growing Big and Bold Monstera

1. Don’t underestimate the power of light.

I can’t emphasize this enough. Most people fail to understand how much light houseplants, particularly more fragile variegated cultivars, actually need.

Sure, you shouldn’t overdo it, as their lack of chlorophyll makes them susceptible to burning in direct sunlight. But your Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ definitely can’t be more than a few feet away from the window either!

Find your plant a spot that receives plenty of bright but indirect light for the best results, or go for artificial lighting if you don’t have any suitable window spaces.

How Much Should a Monstera Grow Per Year?

To wrap up, as promised, I want to discuss the average growth parameters of a Monstera so you can learn what to expect from this fenestrated indoor plant.

If your Swiss cheese plant is both happy and healthy, then every year, you might see its growth expand by one to two feet.

You’re likelier to see this plant grow wider than it does taller, which is something to keep in mind.

For those indoor gardeners who want their split-leaf philodendrons to grow as tall as they are wide, then you’ll need trellises or stakes to encourage vertical growth.

It will take time to train the Monstera to grow that way, but it’s by no means impossible.

A mature Monstera can reach widths of eight feet and heights of 10 to 15 feet. Yes, that’s the Monstera’s expected growth indoors, so you will need a big, open area for this plant!

How Should I Water a Monstera Deliciosa?

Water your monstera once the first few inches of soil are dry. Stick your finger in to test the soil, then water slowly and deeply until water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom. The soil should not be moist all the time; it should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Limp and curling leaves are a common sign your monstera needs water.

During the growing season, a monstera in bright, indirect light might need watering once a week. In winter months, it may only need watering every few weeks.

What Temperature and Humidity Do Monsteras Need?

Monstera deliciosa grows best in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to 50°F and up to 90°F but will stop growing at these extremes. It prefers high humidity, about 60%. To increase humidity indoors, add a humidifier.

Do I Need to Fertilize a Monstera Deliciosa?

Monstera Deliciosas need to be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. To fertilize a monstera deliciosa, choose a balanced liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer. Dilute 1/2 teaspoon of the fertilizer in a gallon of water. Use the diluted fertilizer in place of regular watering. Pour the mixture into the soil until it begins to flow out of the drainage holes. Throw out the excess diluted fertilizer because the plant has taken what it needs and cannot use the extra that it drains off.

Repot your monstera when it outgrows its home

With their long aerial roots, it’s likely that your monstera will eventually outgrow its pot. If you don’t take care to move it into a larger container, you could risk the plant becoming pot-bound.

There are lots of signs that indicate when to repot a monstera but you can quickly check by taking it out of the pot and examining its roots. If there isn’t much more room in the soil for them to grow, it’s time to give it a bigger home.

‘It’s common to repot a monstera every couple of years. This will also help to encourage more growth as it settles into a larger space,’ says Rachel.

Soil Mixture

If you notice that the Monstera you’ve bought is not growing well, sometimes it might be because of the soil. See if the soil is too dense, too wet, or lacks nutrients.

Monsteras prosper on a well-drained and aerated soil. This means the soil should be porous and have room for air to circulate. For this type of soil, mix a combination of Orchid bark chips, coconut coir, perlite, activated charcoal, and worm casting together.

Fill the pot with the soil mix and plant your Monstera so that the top of the roots are just barely below the surface.

Propagating Monstera in Water

After pruning your Monstera, don’t throw away the cuttings! Instead, put them in water and watch roots grow! There are many ways to propagate the Monstera, but this one is both easy and fun.

When propagating you can either take small cuttings of just one or two leaves, or you can cut one full cutting that has 4 to 5 leaves and nodes on one vine. It is also ideal if some aerial roots are on your cutting.

Place the cuttings on a vase or jar that you have filled with rainwater or distilled water, and place the vase in bright, indirect sunlight.

After 2 to 3 weeks, you should see roots developing. Keep the cuttings in the water until they have developed about 10 to 15 new roots (each about 2 – 3 cm long) before planting them in the soil. This may take a few weeks, but it is very well worth the wait.