Caring For and Maintaining Your Monstera

A species of tropical evergreen vines and shrubs native to Central America, Monstera is an easy to grow houseplant. Although rare indoors, one form of Monstera, Monstera deliciosa, makes a wonderful addition to any room. As bonus, it bears an edible fruit.

Sunlight: Monstera thrives in medium to bright indirect sunlight, but keep it out of direct sunlight.

Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, which in Colorado with our dry climate, means about every 5-7 days it should be watered. Your Monstera will need less water in low light conditions and during the winter, but more water under brighter conditions and during spring in summer. Test soil moisture around your Monstera by sinking your index finger into the soil to the depth of your finger. If, when you remove your finger, it feels wet and is covered with soil, then let the soil around your Monstera dry out just a bit more. If you finger comes out feeling dry with no soil sticking to it, get the watering can out and give your Monstera a good drink.

Humidity: Colorado is a dry state with humidity levels much lower than the native environments in which Monstera inhabit. To help create a more humid environment for your Monstera, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Monstera. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Monstera to increase local humidity. Misting your Monstera with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level. Although the more humidity the better, a constant relative humidity of 50-55% will promote your Monstera’s growth and health.

Temperature: Like most houseplants, Monstera prefers temperatures in the range of 65-85 degrees F (18-30 degrees C). Avoid having your Monstera experience temperatures below 60 degrees F (15 degrees C).

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. We recommend either Fertilome or Fox Farm Potting mix.