Complete guide to Monstera care

Learn how to care for your Monstera with our detailed guide. Discover its needs in terms of light, watering, soil type, and benefit from all our tips.
8 min. read
Guide complet sur l'entretien des Monstera - plantandstories

Discover the secrets to making your Monstera thrive!

monstera thai constellation

Whether you own a Monstera Thai Constellation , a Monstera Adansonii Mint , a Monstera Siltepecana , a Monstera variegata or any other variety of Monstera, this comprehensive article perfectly meets the essential needs of the Monstera genus and applies to all its species.

Follow our advice to ensure your plant grows healthily and vigorously , whatever type of Monstera you have chosen to adopt!

Introduction :

Monstera plants , with their impressive foliage and large, deeply cut leaves, have become a must-have for indoor plant enthusiasts .

Originating from the tropical regions of Central and South America, these exotic plants are distinguished by their unique appearance and vigorous growth.

With more than 50 different species , the genus Monstera belongs to the Araceae family , renowned for its plants with broad leaves and aerial roots.

Among the most popular varieties is the famous Monstera deliciosa , also known as the "Swiss cheese plant" because of its perforated leaves that resemble the holes in a Gruyère cheese.

Monstera plants naturally grow as semi-epiphytic plants , meaning they grow partly on other plants or supports.

monstera hanging from a tree in nature

In their natural habitat , these plants climb along trees using their aerial roots to cling on, allowing them to capture light from the upper layers of the rainforest.

When grown indoors, they retain this growth habit and will greatly appreciate a support on which they can lean to grow.

In this article, we will explore in detail all aspects of Monstera care: from choosing the location to their water , light , and nutrient requirements.

You will discover how to create an optimal environment for your Monstera to thrive and reach its full potential, while avoiding common mistakes that could harm its health.

Follow this comprehensive guide and transform your Monstera into a true living work of art that will add a tropical and sophisticated touch to your living space.

Did you know that?

Monstera deliciosa plant

The Monstera, with its perforated leaves , is not only fascinating for its unique aesthetics.

These perforations also have an important ecological function in its natural habitat.

In addition to allowing the plant to withstand heavy rain and wind by letting water and air through, the holes in the leaves play a crucial role in capturing light.

They allow sunlight to filter through the dense upper foliage to reach the leaves lower on the plant, thus optimizing photosynthesis at all levels.

This ingenious adaptation ensures light even for older leaves, illustrating the Monstera's remarkable ability to make the most of its underlying forest environment.

HOW TO CARE FOR A MONSTERA? | IN BRIEF

monstera plant

Light :

Prefers bright but indirect light . Avoid direct sunlight which can damage and burn the delicate leaves.

Water :

Water when the soil is dry throughout . Does not tolerate overwatering.

If possible, use rainwater to avoid the accumulation of minerals that can cause spots on the leaves.

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Temperature :

Ideally between 18°C ​​and 25°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C.

Humidity :

Prefers high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly ( especially in summer ) or use a humidifier to maintain a relative humidity of 60% or higher. We recommend our fine mist sprayer to prevent the leaf edges from drying out.

WHAT TYPE OF SOIL FOR MONSTERA PLANTS?

monstera potting soil from the brand plantandstories

Monstera plants require a specific substrate to thrive. That's why we've also named our special Araceae Substrate Monstera Soil , in homage to this iconic plant.

They prefer a very well-drained , light and aerated soil that allows the roots to breathe while retaining sufficient moisture.

Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, a common problem with Monstera.

A soil composed of specific elements is therefore essential .

We recommend using our Special Araceae mix which will perfectly meet its needs.

Our Araceae potting mix includes elements such as coconut chips, perlite, fertilizer and biostimulants.

This mixture includes essential elements for its well-being and is enriched with fertilizers and biostimulants to nourish your plant sustainably.

monstera potting soil from the brand plantandstories

WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I REPOT MY MONSTERA?

Repot in the spring when the roots begin to grow out of the current pot.

Choose a pot with drainage holes, preferably transparent , slightly larger than the previous one, and use well-draining potting soil .

The transparent pot will allow you to observe the development of the root system and easily monitor the moisture of the substrate, thus helping to avoid overwatering or, conversely, excessively long periods of drought.

For repotting, we recommend a mixture composed of potting soil enriched with essential elements, coconut chips , and perlite , to retain moisture while allowing good drainage.

Our Araceae Substrate is perfectly suited to the needs of Monstera plants. Make life easier and enjoy a custom blend that promotes healthy and sustainable growth.

Araceae substrate

Steps to Repot a Monstera

1. Preparation : Lightly water your Monstera the day before repotting to make it easier to remove the plant without damaging the roots. Prepare the new transparent pot by placing a layer of drainage material at the bottom to prevent excess water; we recommend clay pebbles.

2. Removal : Carefully turn the current pot upside down while holding the base of the plant. Tap the pot to loosen the root ball, then gently remove the plant without forcing it to avoid breaking the roots.

3. Root Cleaning : Gently loosen any excess soil from the roots. Inspect them and remove any damaged or blackened roots using clean pruning shears, thus promoting better plant health.

4. Potting : Place your Monstera in the center of the new pot, keeping the plant upright. Fill around the root ball with the recommended potting mix , being careful not to pack the soil too tightly to allow the roots to breathe.

5. First Watering : Water generously after repotting to moisten the new potting mix, but ensure that excess water drains well through the drainage holes in the pot. Place your Monstera in a bright location, out of direct sunlight, to help it acclimate.

By following these steps, you will allow your Monstera to thrive in its new pot, stimulating vigorous growth and a healthy appearance.

The Importance of Tutoring

Variegated monstera on a transparent plant stand from the brand plantandstories

In its natural habitat, the Monstera Deliciosa uses trees as support to climb towards the light, which stimulates the development of its large, iconic leaves.

Indoors, providing a support for your Monstera helps it replicate this natural behavior, thus promoting healthy growth and larger leaves.

The best plant supports are made ofsphagnum moss or coconut fiber.

Adding a support will also encourage the plant to produce more aerial roots, which, in addition to clinging, absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, contributing to the overall health of the Monstera.

The Monstera will also develop larger leaves.

Be sure to gently attach the plant to the stake with flexible ties to avoid damaging the stems and leaves.

By following these tips for repotting and staking, your Monstera Deliciosa will continue to thrive.

HOW TO PROPAGATE A MONSTERA DELICIOSA?

monstera deliciosa cutting

Monstera deliciosa is easily propagated from stems with at least one aerial node.

Place the cutting in water or directly into moist potting soil until strong roots develop, then plant in a pot.

Living sphagnum moss , thanks to its ability to retain moisture and provide an aerated environment, has proven to be an exceptional substrate for cuttings.

Your Monstera cuttings can be planted directly insphagnum moss .

Lightly moisten the sphagnum moss and place the cutting, ensuring that the aerial node is in good contact with the substrate.

Sphagnum moss not only retains the moisture necessary for rooting but also promotes good aeration around the node, reducing the risk of rot and stimulating growth.

Make sure to place your cutting in a warm spot with indirect light to encourage growth.

Living sphagnum moss , in particular, offers the advantage of a smoother transition to repotting in soil, as the roots are already developing in an environment that simulates natural soil.

For 100% successful cultivation , choose our superior quality Living Sphagnum Moss !

sphagnum moss plant in a transparent pot

WHAT FERTILIZER FOR MY MONSTERA?

We recommend our Green Plant Fertilizer . It is easy to use , practical and very effective .

It is essential to provide fertilizer to our houseplants to nourish them and support their healthy and sustainable growth. Without nutrients, plants' development slows and they risk dying.

HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT PESTS?

monstera variegata

Inspect regularly to prevent any signs of infestation.

In case of infestation, treat with natural and biological methods such as black soap.

Find our organic recipe for fighting pests on the product page of our concentrated black soap for plants .

For greater effectiveness, we recommend applying the solution with our pair of microfiber plant cleaning gloves.

It will allow you to gently eliminate unwanted elements.

If you are facing an invasion of flying pests such as fungus gnats or thrips etc., our yellow sticky traps are a very effective solution to combat them.

HERE ARE OUR EXPERT ADVICE

  1. Ensure bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

  2. Maintain high humidity to prevent leaves from drying out. Mist the foliage when the air is dry. For best results, use our fine mist sprayer .

  3. Important : Remember to feed the plant during its active growth period ( March to October ). We recommend our Liquid Fertilizer : easy to use, convenient, and very effective.

  4. Water with filtered water ( if possible ), allowing the substrate to dry thoroughly between waterings.

  5. Repot to encourage healthy growth. Choose a transparent pot to control watering and monitor the condition of the roots.

  6. Use our Special Araceae Soil to make your life easier and provide all the essential elements for Monstera.

  7. Promote photosynthesis with our pair of plant cleaning gloves . Effectively captures dust and limescale.

  8. Inspect the leaves regularly to prevent pest infestations.

monstera thai constellation

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