Thriving Botanicals Care Tips: Monstera
One of the most common, and recognizable, interior plants in the hobby is the Monstera Delisoa.
These beautiful plants get massive leaves with unique fenestrations or holes in the leaves, allowing light to pass through for the lower leaves to access. It was the first “big” plant that I got 2 years ago. This was the plant that really got me wanting to learn more about how to take care of the plants I got properly. I will be the first to admit, in the first few months I did not take care of it properly; I did not give it the proper humidity, I underwatered it, and I didn’t give it enough light. These plants are easy to take care of but, like any plant, have a few requirements that must be addressed for them to be happy.
Light
These plants like a lot of light, but they do not like bright and direct lighting. In nature, they grow on huge trees where they are protected from most of the bright light. Keeping this in mind when placing them in your home is important, too little light and they will stretch to find it, too much light and the leaves will burn. Monstera like West, East, and South facing windows, these directions will allow the monstera to get enough light to not stretch. But, if you have a West or South window, put the monstera a few feet back to help prevent the leaves from burning in the sunlight.
Water and Soil
Monstera like chunky soil, this allows their roots to breathe and have room to grow. They do like to have the solid around them moist, but not wet. Letting the pot dry about 25% of the way will be perfect. Monstera will produce aerial roots, these help balance the plant in nature and look for water. If you do not like the look of them you can cut the aerial roots off, or you can point them back to the soil. As said before, monstera like chunky-well draining soil. Adding orchid bark to the potting soil will help give it the well-draining soil that it needs to keep its roots healthy and happy.
Humidity
We talked about humidity in our last post, monstera is one of those plans that love humidity. Their big leaves need a lot of water and, at times, can have brown edges due to them not getting enough. Having a humidifier close by will help resolve these issues! The leaves will capture the moisture in the air and you will not have to worry about those browning tips anymore!
Monstera Delisoa is just one of those plants that stop people in their tracks because of their beauty. Their huge leaves, the monster way that they grow, and the beautiful green color are a statement to any room and any style. These plants are one of my favorites and I cannot recommend them enough! If you have any questions or want tips about your monstera DM us on Instagram and we will be happy to help.
HEY, I’M ANDREW
I am the Brand Manager here at Thriving Botanicals. I got into house plants back in 2020, and have never looked back. I love helping people understand their plants better, so please reach out if you have any questions or just want some advice about what is going on.
