Monstera Deliciosa
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How hard is it to care for?
Monstera Deliciosa is an easy care, low maintenance plant. It's very forgiving, adaptable and quite difficult to kill. It won’t mind much if you miss a few waterings and can tolerate almost all light conditions.
The one thing you must know.
Watering too frequently is Monstera's kryptonite, so always check its soil's moisture before watering to ensure it's ready for a drink.
When to water.
For best results, Monstera's like their soil to be evenly moist. Check soil moisture every week or so by sticking your finger 1-2” into the soil. If the soil still feels moist, don't water yet and check the soil again in a few days. If the soil feels dry, it's time for a drink.
How to water.
Water the surface of the soil throughly, aiming to soak the soil evenly. Water should flow freely from the drainage hole at the base of her pot. Leave your plant to drain in a sink or bath for 15-20 minutes.
Have a look at the short video here to see more.
Light needs.
Monstera Deliciosa will survive in any room of your home that gets at least some natural light during the day.
For the most growth and those spectacular split leaves that she's known for though, we recommend putting her in a spot where it'll get lots of bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh, direct sunlight which can burn its leaves.
Where should I place it in my home?
BEST - Bright, indirect light (will grow most and require more frequent watering):
- In a shaded spot very close to a window - roughly five feet away or less.
- Right up against or very close to a window with a semi-transparent curtain.
GOOD - Spaces with low light (will grow less and require less frequent watering):
- A bathroom, kitchen or office with a small window.
- A bedroom or living room corner far away from natural light sources.
OK - Full sun for parts of the day (may take some time to adapt to prolonged sun exposure and could get sunburnt in process):
- In an unobstructed East or West facing window.
Common questions we get about Monstera Deliciosa:
Why doesn't my Monstera have split leaves?
Immature Monstera Deliciosa plants don't have split leaves as yet and they only appear in new leaves once the plant is roughly 2-3 years old.
This is because the splits are an evolutionary adaptation to allow light to filter from above, where the bigger leaves are, down to the base of the plant where new leaves grow. Nature, eh?
How do I get my Monstera to grow split leaves?
Lots of bright, indirect sunlight, and patience. Consider supplementing with a grow light if your space doesn't get much bright light.
A little fertilizer in the springtime will help too.
When should I repot my Monstera?
Unlike some other houseplants, Monstera's actually like to be a root-bound so you can leave them in the nursery pot they come in for several years. The most telltale sign that it needs to be repotted is brown, papery leaf edges.
If you want to encourage faster growth, you can repot it every year (preferably in the spring which is best time of year for plant growth) by increasing up one pot size - approximately 1-2 inches larger, e.g. from a 4" pot to a 5-6" pot.
Think Monstera Deliciosa might be the plant for you?
Click here to shop Zilla, the Monstera Deliciosa.