Monstera care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Monstera

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

As a guide, water thoroughly two to three days after the topsoil dries; in midsummer it dries faster, so shorten the gap.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

The soil dries more slowly as it cools; wait about three to four days after it dries before watering.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Growth stops, so water lightly about a week after the soil dries and keep misting the leaves as a guide.

Light and placement for Monstera

Bright shade to a window with sheer-curtain light is generally right; strong midsummer sun scorches the leaves, and a dim spot gives leaves without splits.

Overwintering Monstera

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Move it to a bright spot indoors once nights fall below about 10°C; it tolerates around 5°C, but pull it back from the cold glass at night and out of the heater's draft.

Fertilizing and repotting Monstera

Fertilizer

During growth from May to September, give slow-release pellets about every two months or diluted liquid feed roughly every two weeks, and nothing from autumn on.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Monstera

• Overwatering rots the roots and the lower leaves turn yellow.
• Direct summer sun scorches the leaves, leaving brown patches.
• In a dark room it grows leggy, with long stems and small leaves.

Tips for growing Monstera

• Guide the aerial roots to a stake or into the soil instead of cutting them; the plant steadies and the leaves grow larger.
• Wiping the large leaves with a damp cloth clears dust and lets them catch more light.
• If the stems get too long, cut them back from May to July; the cuttings root in water.

More foliage plant care guides

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