Monstera
Monstera deliciosa · Swiss Cheese Plant
🪴 Indoor Seasonal Care
How this houseplant's needs shift through the year indoors.
💡 Give it a moss pole to climb for bigger, fenestrated leaves.
🖨 Printable care card (PDF)At a Glance
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | Monstera, Swiss Cheese Plant |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant type | climber (Vigorous evergreen climbing aroid with iconic split leaves; give it a moss pole to climb.) |
| Height × Spread | 1–3 m × — |
| Position | Partial shade |
| Light (indoors) | Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light but grows leggier. Avoid harsh direct sun. |
| Humidity | Average to high; mist or use a pebble tray for bigger, healthier leaves. |
| Pet safety | Toxic to cats and dogs (insoluble calcium oxalates) — per the ASPCA. Causes mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep out of reach; contact a vet or the Animal PoisonLine if ingested. |
| Soil | Peat-free houseplant compost with added bark/perlite; let the top dry between waterings. |
| Flowering | — |
| Toxicity | Harmful if eaten — sap irritates the mouth and skin. Keep away from children and pets. |
| Native range | — |
Monstera deliciosa, the iconic split-leaf philodendron, is a vigorous evergreen climber that thrives indoors with the right conditions. Its striking perforated leaves and ability to grow tall make it a popular statement plant, though it requires specific care to maintain its health and distinctive appearance. Providing a moss pole or similar support is essential for its natural climbing habit.
Light
Monstera deliciosa demands bright, indirect light to develop its signature large, split leaves. Position it near a north- or east-facing window where it receives ample filtered light throughout the day. While it tolerates medium light, this will cause the plant to become leggy and produce smaller, less perforated leaves as it stretches for light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially from a south-facing window, as harsh rays can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches and damage. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning towards the light source.
Watering
Water Monstera deliciosa thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm (1 inch) of its peat-free houseplant compost feels dry to the finger. This typically means watering every 1-2 weeks in spring and summer, and less frequently in autumn and winter when growth slows. Always ensure excess water drains freely from the pot to prevent waterlogging, which is a common cause of root rot. Never let the plant sit in standing water, and avoid misting the leaves as a substitute for proper soil moisture checks. Overwatering is far more damaging than occasional under-watering.
Humidity and temperature
This tropical plant prefers average to high humidity levels (50%+), which encourages larger, glossier leaves and reduces the risk of brown leaf tips. In typical UK indoor environments, especially during winter heating, boost humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot sits above the water level) or using a humidifier. Misting the leaves can offer temporary relief but is less effective than a pebble tray or humidifier for consistent moisture. Maintain temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F) and avoid cold draughts from windows or doors, as sudden drops can shock the plant and cause leaf drop.
Feeding and repotting
Feed Monstera deliciosa monthly during the active growing season (spring to early autumn) with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop feeding entirely during the darker winter months when growth naturally slows. Repot only when the roots become pot-bound, usually every 2-3 years, using a pot one size larger. Always use a peat-free houseplant compost mixed with added bark or perlite for excellent drainage. When repotting, gently loosen the root ball and remove any dead or circling roots before placing it in fresh compost.
Propagation
Propagate Monstera deliciosa easily through stem cuttings taken during spring or summer. Select a healthy stem with at least one leaf and a visible node (the bump where leaves or roots emerge). Cut just below the node using clean, sharp scissors, then place the cutting in water or directly into moist peat-free compost. Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture; roots should develop within a few weeks. Once roots are 2-3 cm long, transfer to a small pot. Do not propagate from leaf-only cuttings, as Monstera requires a node for successful growth.
Common problems and how to fix them
Yellowing leaves are most often caused by overwatering. Check the soil moisture before watering and ensure the pot has drainage holes. If roots are mushy or smelly, repot into fresh compost, trimming any rotten roots first. Leggy growth with small leaves indicates insufficient light – move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light. Brown leaf tips typically signal low humidity; increase humidity using a pebble tray or humidifier. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs may appear in dry conditions; treat with a soapy water spray or insecticidal soap, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides.
Is it toxic to cats and dogs?
Monstera deliciosa is toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates present in all plant parts. Ingestion causes immediate mouth and throat irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The sap can also irritate human skin on contact. Keep the plant securely out of reach of pets and children at all times. If your pet ingests any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian or the Animal PoisonLine immediately (01206 798223 in the UK) for advice – do not wait for symptoms to appear. Never assume a plant is safe for pets; always treat Monstera with caution.
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