How to care for Monstera Deliciosa

Native to Southern Mexico and Central America, the Monstera Deliciosa, or the Swiss Cheese Plant, displays breathtakingly large foliage that earns it its name from the Latin word for ‘monstrous’. Its famously perforated leaves, called fenestrations, are a unique adaptation that allows sunlight to pass through its broad canopy and reach the forest floor. These unique patterns are genetically predetermined when the leaf sprouts and, over time, become larger and more common while the leaves themselves grow larger and darker.

With easyplant’s self-watering system, caring for your Monstera Deliciosa is effortless. Simply check the easyplant reservoir once a month and top it up when it’s empty!

The Monstera Deliciosa grows best in a space with bright, indirect light, where the sun’s rays are diffused. It can also adapt to spaces with bright, direct light, where sunlight streams directly into the room. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or no natural sunlight.

In the first few days at home, your Monstera Deliciosa may lose one or two leaves. This is no cause for concern. Simply cut the leaf and look forward to new, healthier growth. To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a quarter turn once a month. To maintain its aesthetic shape and height, you may periodically prune it to your liking. To encourage upward growth, instead of sideways, you may attach the plant to a totem or moss pole and watch it grow tall.

Monstera Deliciosas can grow quite large, spreading outwards and producing new leaves every few weeks. Over time, the leaves grow larger and darker, developing more fenestrations.

The Monstera Deliciosa is a tropical lover, thriving in conditions between 18°C and 27°C. While it can tolerate a slight dip in temperature, avoid letting it experience conditions below 15°C.

Humidity is a key factor in maintaining the Monstera Deliciosa’s health. It prefers humidity levels around 60%, mimicking the moist, tropical environment of its origins. To maintain this, especially in the dry winter months, consider using a pebble tray filled with water.

With easyplant, managing the optimal temperature and humidity for your Monstera Deliciosa is a breeze. Set your desired conditions and let easyplant take over the rest. This way, you can enjoy the lush greenery and unique beauty of a tropical rainforest right from the comfort of your home, hassle-free.

Monstera Deliciosas can be moderately toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep them away from curious children and pets.

Observing how your Monstera Deliciosa reacts to its environment can help you diagnose any issues. Each plant signals when it’s not entirely comfortable. If you notice your Monstera Deliciosa's leaves turning yellow and later brown and crispy, relocate the pot to a more brightly lit area. If the leaves become droopy, move the pot to a less brightly lit spot. If the iconic split leaves start to appear solid and whole, it could be a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough indirect light. Consider placing it in an area with better light exposure, ensuring it's indirect to avoid leaf burn. Wilting or yellowing leaves can also indicate overwatering. If you're using an easyplant self-watering pot, it’s important not to refill the reservoir until at least a month has passed since the last watering or if the tank is not yet empty. If you're not using an easyplant pot, regularly check the soil, watering only when the top 2-5 cm are dry. Pests, including mealybugs and aphids, can pose a threat to your Monstera Deliciosa. If you notice sticky residue on the leaves or nearby surfaces or see spots or discoloured areas on the plant, these could be signs of a pest issue. Using a pre-mixed neem oil spray or a solution of mild soapy water can help manage the problem. Remember, regularly wiping down the leaves can help keep them clean and discourage further infestations. If the air around your Monstera Deliciosa is too dry, the leaves may start to curl or brown. Increasing humidity is vital, but avoid misting as this can contribute to leaf spot disease. Instead, group it with other plants or use a humidifier. By diligently addressing these needs, your Monstera Deliciosa will flourish, gracing your space with its dramatic, jungle-like foliage.