How to care for: Monstera (Cheese plant)

The Monstera Deliciosa is great for homes and office spaces. Their leaves are eye-catching and add an exotic feel to the place. Monstera plants are easy to care for. The plant can get massive what makes it a statement wherever you place it. You can also know the Monstera by the name of Swiss Cheese plant.

Medium light

Water once a week

Toxic

Air-purifying

How do you take care of a Monstera?

Location

It is best to place the Monstera on a location with medium bright light to partial shade. Too much light will cause the leaves to turn yellow. The Monstera prefers a spot that's spacious. Don’t forget to turn the Monstera! The plant grows towards the sun. If you do not rotate the plant will only get full on one side and that is what you want to prevent.

Watering

Monstera plants prefer a balanced level of moisture, not too wet nor too dry. Therefore, the best way to check if your plant needs water is to check the top centimetres of the soil. If it's dry, then you can water the plant. Watering once a week during the year is fine. It's better to skip a watering than to water too much. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot.

Plant nutrition

The Monstera uses a lot of energy from spring onwards to make new leaves. As a result, the plant needs extra nutrients. You can provide these nutrients by plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once weeks from spring until autumn. After autumn and in winter it is better not to give extra nutrients. In the winter, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Monstera!

Repotting

Repotting the Monstera is necessary every year. The plant is a fast grower, so its roots soon become too tight in the pot. Repotting the plant every year gives it new nutrients and more room for root growth. The airier soil is also very good for the water flowing through. The best period to repot is spring.

Temperature

The most ideal temperature for a Monstera plant, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is typically between 18 to 29 degrees Celsius. It thrives in warm and humid environments, but it can tolerate slightly lower temperatures for short periods.

Pruning

Pruning a Monstera is not necessary, but it can be done for maintenance and its looks. Occasional pruning can help remove yellowed or damaged leaves and control the plant's size. Trim back unruly or excessively long vines to encourage bushier growth. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.

Why does my Monstera get brown spots on its leaves?

Brown spots on leaves are usually a sign of burning due to too much light. In this case, move the plant to a place where there is less sunlight. Affected spots will unfortunately not turn green again. You can choose to cut off affected spots or leaves.

Why are the leaves of my Monstera turning brown?

If several of the Monstera's leaves turn brown, this may indicate a water deficiency. In this case it is advisable to give the plant more water.

Are only a few of your leaves brown? Then this can also be a natural process. Plants often let older leaves die off so that there is more room and energy for new leaves.

Why are the leaves of my Monstera turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are often a sign of too much water. In this case, give your plant less water. You can remove the affected leaves so that the Monstera does not put any energy into these yellow leaves.

How big can the Monstera get?

Monstera's can grow up to 6 metres tall. To reach this height, however, Monsteras need a moss pole. Without a moss pole the Monstera will grow mainly in width.

What to do with aerial roots of Monstera?

You can leave the aerial roots on your Monstera, as they are. There is no right or wrong! If you feel that the aerial roots of the Monstera are getting too long you can shorten them with a knife or scissors.

Can you propagate a Monstera?

Yes, you certainly can. Check out our tips on how to propagate the Monstera.