Monstera Care Guide: How to Care for All Types of Monstera Plants

Monstera Quick Facts:

• Light: Bright to medium indirect light
• Water: Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity, but adaptable to household conditions
• Temperature: Prefers 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested

Understanding the Monstera Family

There are several types of Monstera plants, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Monstera Deliciosa: Known for its large, split leaves. Often called the "Swiss Cheese Plant."
• Monstera Adansonii (Wide Mouth, Mint Variegated, Narrow Leaf): Features smaller, perforated leaves and is often referred to as "Swiss Cheese Vine."
• Monstera Albo & Thai Constellation: Variegated varieties with striking white or cream-colored patterns.
• Monstera Dubia: A shingling Monstera with smaller, heart-shaped leaves that climb up surfaces.
• Monstera Peru (Karstenianum & Variegated): Noted for its thick, textured leaves with deep grooves.
• Monstera Siltepecana: Known for its elongated, narrow leaves with a silvery sheen.

These are just a few of the many Monstera species available. Each one requires similar care but may have slightly different preferences, which we'll explore below.

Light: The Key to Healthy Growth

Monsteras thrive in bright to medium indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can slow growth and reduce leaf fenestration (the holes and splits that make Monsteras so distinctive).

2 to 3 feet from a window would give your monstera plenty of light to grow.

Tips for Lighting:

• Best Placement: A few feet away from a bright window. A sheer curtain can help filter the light if that sunlight is direct.
• Low Light: While Monsteras can tolerate lower light conditions, they may not produce as many fenestrations. For rooms with limited light, consider Monstera Adansonii, which can adapt more readily.

Watering Your Monstera

The general rule for watering your Monstera is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. The monstera should feel light when picking it up.

Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause leaves to brown and curl.

How to Water a Monstera:

Monsteras like to be drenched in water until the soil can't soak up any more. Depending on how much light your plant gets you may only need to water it every 3 weeks.

1. Thorough Soak: Put your plant in the sink, or fill the pot with water. Your plants soil will soak up everything it needs over 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain Excess Water: If your monstera is in the sink, drain the sink and leave your plant to drop-dry for a few minutes. If your plant is soaking in the pot, dump out the water, let your plant drip-dry, and place it back in the pot. 

Plants like to dry out! If your plants had a choice to be on the drier side, or the wetter side, they would always prefer to be dryer. Plants need air in their soil to breathe. Wet soil will also attract pests.

Lift your plant after it's watered and feel how heavy it is. Pick it up once in a while and you'll feel the difference. Once your plant looks "sad", starting to go limp, it's time for another soak!

Repeat that pattern of drying out, and then a thorough soaking, and your monstera will love you for years to come.

Humidity: Creating a Tropical Environment

Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests and thrive in high humidity environments. However, they can adapt to the lower humidity levels found in most homes.

Humidity Tips:

• Natural Humidity Boost: Place your Monstera in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity tends to be higher.
• Humidifiers & Pebble Trays: Use a humidifier to maintain a consistent humidity level of around 60%. Alternatively, place a tray of water with pebbles under your plant pot to increase humidity.
• Misting: Lightly misting your Monstera (with purified water) can help increase humidity around the leaves, but be cautious not to overdo it, as constant moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues.

Common Monstera Problems and Solutions

Browning Leaves:

Cause: This can result from under-watering or exposure to too much direct sunlight.

Solution: Adjust watering frequency and move the plant to a spot with indirect light.

Yellowing Leaves:

Cause: Often a sign of overwatering.

Solution: Allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. Check for signs of root rot.

Root Rot:

Cause: Caused by overwatering and poor drainage.

Solution: Repot the plant in fresh soil, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage. Cut away any rotten roots before repotting.

Pest Issues:

Common Pests: Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs.

Solution: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations. Regularly check the undersides of leaves for signs of pests.

Enhancing Your Monstera’s Growth

To encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage, consider these additional care tips:

• Support: Monsteras are natural climbers. Add a moss pole or trellis to encourage upward growth and larger leaves.
• Fertilization: Feed your Monstera with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Pruning: Trim back any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep your Monstera looking its best.

Enjoying Your Monstera

With the right care, Monsteras will reward you with their stunning foliage and vigorous growth. Each species and variety has its own charm, so observe your plant and adjust care as needed. Whether you’re growing a Monstera Deliciosa or a rarer Monstera Oblique Peru, these tips will help ensure your plant thrives.

Happy growing!