Monsteras are beautiful, relatively easygoing houseplants witch dramatic leaves that will surely capture the attention of every houseguest. As vining plants, Monsteras will naturally trail over the pot or climb along a stake or trellis. 

A species of evergreen tropical vines and shrubs that are native to Central America, two different species of Monstera are cultivated as houseplants – Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii. 

Monstera adansonii is distinguished from M. deliciosa by having longer, tapering leaves, as well as having completely enclosed leaf holes. Monstera deliciosa leaf holes eventually grow towards the edge and open up as they mature. 

They love bright, indirect light, but can grow even under fluorescent lights. Tolerant of the occasional missed watering, these plants are ideal for inexperienced plant parents or those whose schedules make regular waterings a problem. The plant species is well known for their distinctive leaf patterns and the slits and holes in Monstera leaves are called fenestrations.

You should try and water your Monstera every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often if you place your plant in an area with brighter light and less often in lower light.

Monsteras prefer humid conditions, although the humidity of your house should be fine . You can consider incorporating a humidifier or mister to boost humidity level indoors if you live in an area that is very dry.

Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix or add in ingredients like perlite or lava rocks to increase soil aeration.

While the Monstera is an easy-going plant and is generally pest-free, if you notice any bugs bothering your plant, be sure to treat them as soon as they appear with weekly sprays of a natural pesticide like neem oil and regular wipe-downs of the plant.  

If your Monstera’s leaves are turning brown and crispy at the edges , it’s probably because the plant is thirsty or has a high salt build up

If your plant is looking droopy and the potting mix is dry, the problem is under watering or your plant is pot bound and will require repotting.

If your Monstera’s leaves are turning yellow or the stems are black and your potting mix is wet to the touch, you are probably over watering it. We would suggest letting the plant dry out before you next water it.

A note of caution if you have either fur or human kids, do note that Monsteras can cause irritation if they decide to snack on its leaves, so be sure to keep it in an area that cannot be accessed by nosey little-ones and fur babies..

Advertisement