Monstera are species of evergreen tropical vines/shrubs that are native to Central America. Trim aerial roots if they get too unruly for the space, though tucking them back into the pot is preferred. NYC & NJ Delivery Only Large Monstera From $175 More Options. It has beautiful large green leaves that feature slits and fenestrations as it matures and not only is it a hardy, easy to care for plant, it also grows fruit! Taking care of your monstera is sure to bring you great deals of compliments as well as a happy plant! Monsteras are epiphytic just like orchids, bromeliads & all its relatives listed above. If these furry friends live in your home, consider an animal-friendly houseplant instead. They’ll tolerate low light but will show little if any growth. By: Gloria Ballard. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Displaying and growing: These look fantastic in large rooms, hallways, within offices and anywhere else that can cater for their size and caring needs. Monstera (nicknamed Swiss cheese plant because of the holes in its leaves) is a tropical plant from the Araceae family that is happiest as a houseplant in colder climates. The most common, Monstera deliciosa, is named so because of the edible fruit the plant produces, though they rarely flower indoors. I have a lovely top cutting of a Variegated Monstera Albo Borsigiana. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, thrips, scale and spider mites. Potting mix. Before we talk about how to care for a monstera, one of the hottest newcomers on the houseplant scene, let’s discuss a little about this fabulous plant. Steinkopf says you can also try placing a cut stem in clean, unchlorinated water and changing the water frequently until roots form. If you want to share your Monstera with friends, Steinkopf says you can propagate it with air layering, a technique she also uses for woody plants like fiddle-leaf figs. Monsteras are very recognizable plants with big and beautiful leaves. It is also called Swiss cheese plant due to the perforated leaves, which can grow up to three feet long and are significantly larger than the related petite variety M. adansonii. Your Monstera may survive in less light, but the leaves might not develop those cool holes and it won’t grow as large. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. In the rainforest, these slits are used to help withstand the heavy winds and rainfall. In your home, they will likely max out at six to eight feet and will possibly flower, but fruiting indoors is rare. Hoya Heart Plant ... Monstera Learn how to care for most varieties of Monstera! You can prop these roots onto an indoor plant support to help your Monstera grow tall and bushy. 3. Still, set indoor plants outside at least once a year in direct sunlight to encourage lush growth. Martin says monsteras are “very forgiving plants” and “generally care-free.” But keep an eye out for common indoor plant pests like aphids, thrips and scale. The soil pH should be in the range of around 5.5–7 for strong growth; this can be easily monitored with a pH kit. It prefers high humidity, but it will adapt fine to dry indoor conditions. Minor skin irritation from just handling the plant, is possible, though quite rare, making the Monstera deliciosa a beloved, versatile houseplant in many parts of the world. While the name Monstera is believed to refer to the abnormally perforated leaves, your Monstera can also get monstrously large for a houseplant. Caring for the Monstera Deliciosa is surprisingly easy because it prefers to be left alone. She plants food and flowers in her native Zone 6B. Photo of this monstera is made by roosanur on Instagram. Stems and leaves respond well to trimming. If your Monstera has what looks like cords pointing down from the stems, those are aerial roots. Water only occasionally in fall and winter. Just water them when their soil is dry to the touch, about once a week, and give them plenty of sunshine. Martin holds off on fertilizing between Thanksgiving and March, when lower light levels create a natural rest period for your plant. Still, keep away from pets and children. mobile app users. Apply a balanced fertilizer three or four times a year and the plant may grow 10 feet tall or more. Experts at the University of Georgia Extension Service say, “Of all of the factors affecting plant growth in interiors, adequate light is by far the most important.” Monstera deliciosa likes bright but indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window. The only pruning required is to maintain its size or to remove dead or damaged foliage, snipping the entire leaf and attached stem back to the plant’s main or central stem.. Swiss cheese plant also needs moderately moist soil and high humidity. Give the plant regular waterings during the growing season. She has also developed content for clients in a range of industries, from tech to the green industry. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Watering: Only water your monstera when its soil is dry, this should be once per week. Cuttings can be used to start new plants. If the soil is naturally salty in your region, move it to the patio or indoors. They're not the type of roots that damage walls or surfaces. But, as the temperature drops, it will struggle even more with its water intake. Fruiting is not common in houseplants. Check the “What is Monstera Borsigiana” section of this care guide for more information. They prefer bright, natural light—what I would call a moderate exposure. When planting outdoors, establish in part-shade in well-draining soil. This evergreen prefers bright, indirect sunlight in temperatures that remain consistently between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Monstera Deliciosa plants are frequently mistaken for Philodendron Bipinnatifidum, as both have similar characteristics when it comes to foliage and growing habits. This climbing evergreen is a popular easy-to-grow houseplant and a favorite of many interior designers for both residential and commercial spaces. To help your Monstera reach its full potential, Steinkopf recommends using a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to one-third to one-half strength once a month.