Monstera Deliciosa Plant Profile
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera are one of my personal favorites. They have fascinating patterns and can grow into stunning centerpieces for any plant collection.
With consistent sunlight and plenty of water, they will happily continue putting out bigger and more breathtaking leaves throughout their life.
In this post, I’ll be sharing tips for optimal care so you can feel confident adding this beautiful plant to your collection. We’ll look at:
How to Care for the Monstera Deliciosa
Sunshine Requirements
How to Achieve Ideal Humidity
Soil Type
Watering Frequency
Fertilizer Requirements
How to Care for the Monstera Deliciosa
Sunshine Requirements
Monstera grow best in bright, indirect light. In our camper, I keep mine right next to the window. I open the blinds so they can get full morning sun, and in the afternoon I usually lower the blinds and open them at an angle to diffuse the light. If you have a big window with intense sunshine, using sheer curtains will help reduce the likelihood of burning the leaves.
How to Achieve Ideal Humidity
To keep your Monstera plant looking its best, find ways to give it the warmth and humidity it’s most familiar with. (It is after all, a tropical plant) While average indoor humidity is typically sufficient, higher moisture levels help the leaves look vibrant and ensure the plant enough humidity to avoid drying out between waterings.
Soil Type
Monstera have large, sturdy roots, that like to cling to the soil and edges of the pot. Arial roots will also come down from high up on the stem and grow into the soil. A fast draining mix is ideal for these plants, as they like lots of water, but have low tolerance for sitting water. Tropical mixes amended with orchid bark are good for regulating moisture levels, while providing a sturdy base for large foliage plants like Monstera.
Watering Frequency
Give your monstera a thorough watering. Allow the excess water to drain out. Place the plant over a humidity tray. Allow the soil time before watering again, until the top 1-2 inches are dry. Then repeat the process. I personally like to water mine during my coffee and plant time on Tuesday mornings.
If you see water droplets on the leaves, don’t worry! This is just guttation. Guttation is the process of the plant purging excess water that it absorbed but cannot use at the moment (as a brief summary).
It will form as beautiful little drops on the edges of the leaves. They’re most noticeable early in the morning, especially after a deep watering when the soil is nice and moist.
Fertilizer Requirements
One mistake I made as a beginner plant enthusiast is not giving fertilizer frequently enough. If you think about it, in nature, there’s a constant cycle of nutrients being added back into the soil. Monstera especially need rich soil, and if you want to promote healthy new leaf growth, you should incorporate fertilizing into your routine. I dilute a tropical blend liquid fertilizer 1-0.5-1 in my watering can and soak all my tropical babies every other time I water.
I heard recently from a friend that she uses cow manure to fertilize her Monstera, and it has doubled in size this year. If you have natural resources available, definitely go for it! Just be sure to do your research before throwing just any farm waste on your plants. Some types of manure have to be aged or the acidity neutralized so they don’t burn your plants.
Whatever your schedule, find what works for YOU. Your plants should bring you joy and an opportunity to reset. Find ways to enjoy your jungle without making it more complicated than it has to be.
Fun Fact!
Monstera are native to the tropical forests of Central America, ranging from Southern Mexico to Panama. Given the right conditions, they will happily grow up trees over 60ft high and even produce fruit.
Monstera flowers look similar to those on a Peace Lily, and turn into fruit that is known to be edible. Pictured here are un-ripened Monstera fruit.
