Monstera care
Monstera deliciosa — also called Swiss cheese plant, Split-leaf philodendron. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium. 1–2h gentle morning sun is fine; harsh afternoon sun scorches. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 7 days in summer, every 12 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix — 4 parts bark, 3 parts perlite, 2 parts potting mix, 1 parts coir |
| Humidity | At least 40%, happiest near 60% |
| Temperature | 65–85°F. Cold damage below 40°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~30 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Insoluble calcium oxalates — burning mouth irritation if chewed. |
What people get wrong about monstera
No fenestrations (splits) usually means not enough light or an immature plant — not a disease.
Aerial roots are normal; tuck them into the pot or leave them, but don’t cut them off routinely.
Common problems
Watch for spider mites, thrips, scale, mealybugs, fungus gnats. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterMonstera FAQ
How often should I water a monstera?
Roughly every 7 days in the growing season and every 12 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Water thoroughly to runoff, then let the top 2" dry. It tolerates a missed week far better than a soggy pot.
Is monstera toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Insoluble calcium oxalates — burning mouth irritation if chewed. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a monstera need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with medium. 1–2h gentle morning sun is fine; harsh afternoon sun scorches.
Why does my monstera have brown tips?
Monstera is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for monstera?
Chunky aroid mix: 4 parts bark, 3 parts perlite, 2 parts potting mix, 1 parts coir. Aroids grow on tree bark in the wild — they want air around the roots, not dense soil.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.