Hello! I’m a Monstera deliciosa, and I’m here to help you care for me. First, you should know that I’m a tropical plant native to Central and South America. I love warmth, humidity, and bright, indirect light. My leaves grow large and develop unique splits (called fenestrations) when I’m happy. If you mimic my natural habitat, I’ll thrive in your home.
I adore bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can scorch my leaves, leaving unsightly brown patches, while too little light slows my growth and reduces fenestrations. Place me near an east- or north-facing window where I can bask in filtered light. If you only have south- or west-facing windows, use sheer curtains to soften the intensity.
Overwatering is my biggest enemy! My roots hate sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Water me only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. When you do water, give me a thorough drink until water drains from the bottom of the pot. In winter, I need less frequent watering. Always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking my roots.
As a tropical plant, I thrive in humidity levels of 60% or higher. If your home is dry, mist my leaves occasionally or place me near a humidifier. You can also set my pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (just make sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in water). Bathrooms with good light are great spots for me!
I need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works well for me. My pot should have drainage holes, and I prefer one that’s slightly snug—too much space can hold excess moisture. Repot me every 1-2 years or when my roots start poking out of the drainage holes.
During spring and summer (my growing season), feed me with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Dilute it to half strength to avoid burning my roots. In fall and winter, I take a break—stop fertilizing or reduce it to once every 8-10 weeks.
In the wild, I climb trees using aerial roots. Indoors, I’ll appreciate a moss pole or trellis to cling to. Gently tie my stems to the support with soft ties or plant clips. This encourages larger leaves and better fenestrations. If I start leaning, rotate my pot occasionally to promote even growth.
Trim any yellow or damaged leaves with clean scissors to keep me healthy. Wipe my large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust, which helps me absorb more light. If my aerial roots get unruly, you can trim them or tuck them back into the soil.
I can attract pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. Check my leaves regularly, especially underneath. If you spot pests, wipe them off with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap. Yellow leaves often mean overwatering, while brown edges suggest low humidity or underwatering. Adjust care as needed!
