Monstera care
Monstera deliciosa
- Water
- Every 7–10 days in summer
- Light
- Bright, indirect
- Pet safe
- No — toxic to cats & dogs
The monstera earned its “Swiss cheese plant” nickname with the split, holey leaves that made it the houseplant of the decade — and it stays surprisingly easygoing as long as you get one thing right: let it dry out between drinks.
Monsteras are aroids from Central American rainforests. They climb, they lean, and they drink moderately — most problems people blame on mystery diseases are really just watering rhythm.
How often to water a monstera
| Season | Frequency | Cue |
|---|---|---|
| Spring & summer | Every 7–10 days | Water when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil is dry |
| Fall | Every 10–14 days | Growth slows; stretch the interval |
| Winter | Every 14–21 days | Low light = slow drinking. Err dry. |
Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage hole, then empty the saucer. A monstera in a bright room and a chunky aroid mix can take weekly water; the same plant in a dim corner may need half that.
Light
Bright, indirect light is the sweet spot — near an east window, or a few feet back from a south or west one. Direct midday sun scorches the leaves; deep shade means small leaves that never develop their signature splits (fenestrations).
If your monstera has stopped producing split leaves, more light is almost always the answer — new leaves fenestrate, old ones never will.
Common monstera problems
Yellowing lower leaves
Why: Overwatering — the #1 monstera killer. Fix: Let the top 5 cm of soil dry fully before watering again. Check the pot drains freely.
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Why: Underwatering or very dry air. Fix: Shorten your watering interval slightly; mist or group plants to raise humidity.
No splits in new leaves
Why: Not enough light (or a young plant). Fix: Move it closer to a bright window. Juvenile leaves are naturally solid — splits come with maturity.
Leaning or flopping
Why: It’s a climber with nothing to climb. Fix: Add a moss pole or stake and loosely tie the main stems to it.