Monstera Deliciosa Care Guide
Monstera deliciosa
The Swiss Cheese Plant is beloved for its dramatic, fenestrated leaves. Native to Central American rainforests, it's an easy-care tropical that thrives indoors.
Watering
Water your Monstera when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. In spring and summer, this is typically once a week. Reduce to every 10-14 days in winter when growth slows. Monsteras prefer consistent moisture but will suffer from overwatering, so ensure your pot has drainage holes.
Light Requirements
Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate medium light but will grow slower and produce smaller leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. East or north-facing windows are ideal. More light = more fenestrations (holes) in mature leaves.
Humidity & Temperature
As tropical plants, Monsteras prefer humidity levels of 60% or higher. They'll adapt to average home humidity (40-50%) but will thrive with a humidifier nearby or regular misting. Brown leaf edges often indicate low humidity. Keep temperatures between 65-85ยฐF and avoid cold drafts.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and brown leaf tips.
Common Problems
- Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering. Let soil dry more between waterings.
- Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
- No fenestrations: Young plants and low light both cause solid leaves. Be patient and provide bright indirect light.
- Leggy growth: Not enough light. Move closer to a window.
- Brown spots: Could be sunburn (direct light) or bacterial infection (overwatering).
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