How to Care for Monstera Houseplants

Monstera, also known as “Swiss Cheese Plants”, are icons in the plant world known for their fenestrations (the holes in their leaves that resemble swiss cheese), being easy-to-care for while having a unique and tropical look, and feature stunning variegations like the Thai Constellation. In the wild Monstera can grow up to 65 feet high and species like “Deliciosa” produce an edible fruit that tastes like a mix between pineapple and banana with hints of mango, strawberry and sometimes coconut.

In addition to growing tall, some of their aerial roots have been measured at 60 feet long which helps them to climb trees and rocks so they can get sunlight under a tropical rainforest canopy.

Collectors love the fenestration for the unique patterns, and you likely recognize them from posters at botanical gardens, theme parks with tropical rides, and party invitations. But these holes serve a purpose, they reduce wind damage and allow rain to pass through the plant and get to the roots. Both of these help them survive in the tropical climates of South America and Central America.

Fun fact: Monstera gets its name from the word “monster” as a reference to its unique foliage with holes and large size giving it a “monstrous” appearance.

Although some of the fruits are edible once fully ripe, Monstera is toxic (click here for humans and here for pets to learn more), and that includes all parts of the plants including unripened fruit, so don’t take a bite! Click here if you want to find pet safe houseplants.

Monstera plants grow naturally from Mexico to Panama in the rainforests and are understory (meaning they live under the tree canopy) and use aerial root systems to climb up other trees so they can get ambient sunlight. The unique leaves are an evolution where the size helps it to get enough sunlight underneath the canopy while the fenestrated holes allow wind and rain to pass through and sunlight to reach lower leaves so the Monstera plants can stay secure on the host tree and thrive.

Although Monstera grows on other trees, they’re hemi-epiphytes meaning they do not take nutrients from the host tree, they only use it for support. They absorb nutrients from roots in the ground and that they get from the air and soil via their aerial roots. Because they germinate and can keep roots in the ground, and they can survive while growing on trees without needing grounded roots, they’re hemi-epiphytic vs. being full epiphytes like Anthurium, Birds Nest Ferns, and Mistletoe Cacti. 

Now that you know where Monstera originates from and how they survive in the wild, here’s their classification, specs, and plant care instructions.

Monstera is part of the Araceae family which includes Elephant Ears and other tropical houseplants. Unlike some of its family members, the Swiss Cheese plant is easier to care for and can grow much larger than Anthurium.

Monstera are one of the easiest to care for rare tropical houseplants, not to mention some of the best looking too! Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Monstera plant healthy.

Water your Monstera plant once every week or every 9 days when the top 1 - 2” of potting mix are dry. Use your finger to test the moisture level or a water meter if you have one.

Monstera need 5 to 8 hours of bright but indirect sunlight per day, so place the plant near a window that gets natural light but not where it will be directly in the sunbeams. If planting your Monstera outside or setting it on a patio, place it behind a pillar or somewhere with shade so its leaves do not get burned by direct sunlight.

Although Monstera can tolerate humidity levels of 50%, they thrive in the 60% - 70% range. If you have a dehumidifier in the room, group your Monstera with other houseplants or use a pebble tray to keep the moisture levels up around it. Monstera can thrive in most homes as their natural habitat ranges from 65° to 85° Fahrenheit.

Holes in the leaves of Monstera are likely not a health issue, that’s its signature look giving it the nickname “Swiss Cheese Plant.” Although they are tough, Monstera can discolor, get leaf burn, and root rot.

If you notice the green colors of the leaves or the variegation is fading, chances are your Monstera is stressed or developing an issue. Here’s what to do to diagnose and treat discoloration.

1. For fading colors try giving your Monstera plant a bit more time near bright and indirect sunlight. If your Monstera plant also has brown and crunchy spots on the leaves, it is likely too much sun and called leaf burn. Move your plant further away from the light source and trim the brown crunchy parts off.

2. Check the potting mix to make sure it isn’t too dry or too moist. If it is dry try watering it slightly more frequently, and add some nutrients once a month or during normal watering cycles like our Arber Nutrient Mix. If it is too moist you may have root rot.

3. Temperature stress is the third most common cause of discoloration and means your plant is outside the recommended 65° to 85° degree temperature

Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the potting mix and will cause leaves to wilt and discolor. To detect it dig up your Monstera plant and smell for a foul musky, fishy, or bad odor. This is the telltale sign of Root Rot. If your Monstera has root rot:

1. Remove it from the pot and rinse the roots and pot clean.

2. Disinfect the pot with a plant safe fungicide 

3. With disinfected shears, cut any mushy and discolored sections of roots off

4. Replant your Monstera in well draining, aerated, and moisture retaining potting mix

Monstera need well draining, strong aerating, and moisture retaining potting mix so look for options with chunky materials like orchid bark, or ones that help prevent compacting while retaining some nutrition including vermiculite and perlite.

Most of our potting mixes will work for Monstera plants including the signature Dirt Bag that works for all indoor houseplants if you’re repotting multiple. For something specific to Monstera, try the COCO bag instead.