Monstera Deliciosa Care Guide
About Monstera Deliciosa Swiss Cheese Plant
A Monstera Deliciosa Plant doesn’t exactly blend into the background. With broad green leaves that split and form holes as they grow, this tropical plant brings that relaxed, jungle-style look people love from the Swiss Cheese plant.
The Monstera deliciosa plant comes from the tropical forests of Central and South America, where it climbs using aerial roots. It grows outdoors in USDA Zones 10 to 12, but most plant lovers grow it indoors. It’s also known as Split Leaf Monstera, Monstera Swiss Cheese plant, or Split Leaf philodendron, although it’s not a true philodendron.
Symbolically, the Deliciosa Monstera is often linked with growth, abundance, and success, and is fairly easy to care for, compared with fussier tropical plants.
This and other varieties in our Monstera collection, such as Monstera Thai Constellation and Swiss Cheese Monstera, are not pet-friendly.
Monstera Plant: Benefits
- Large split leaves create a bold focal point
- Adds a lush, tropical feel indoors
- Easier to care for than many exotic plants
- Works beautifully as a floor plant
- Makes a memorable gift for plant lovers
Monstera Deliciosa Plant Care: Growing Tips
Monstera deliciosa plant care is not too demanding once you understand what this plant likes. Give it bright filtered light, a well-draining potting mix, and enough space to stretch, and it should settle in nicely.
Monstera Deliciosa: Light Requirements & Temperature
- Light: Your Monstera deliciosa will need plenty of bright, indirect light. Gentle morning sun tends to be fine, but strong afternoon sun will scorch the leaves.
- Temperature: The best indoor temperature for your Split-leaf Monstera is between 65°F and 85°F. Avoid chilly windows, exterior doors, and vents blasting hot or cold air.
Monstera Split Leaf Philodendron: Watering & Humidity
- Watering: Check the soil; if the top 2 inches feel dry, water your Monstera deliciosa indoor plant well and let the excess drain away.
- Humidity: Average room humidity levels are usually enough for your Monstera deliciosa indoor plant. However, if your home is dry, use a humidifier or group with other plants to keep it healthy.
Monstera Deliciosa: Soil, Fertilizer, and Repotting
- Soil: Choose a light, airy mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
- Fertilizer: Use diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
- Repotting: When you can see roots circling the container or pushing through drainage holes, your Monstera needs repotting into a slightly bigger pot.
Monstera Deliciosa: Propagation
The best way to propagate Monstera deliciosa is from a stem cutting, ideally an aerial root, or where there’s at least one node. Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix, then pot it when strong roots appear.
Swiss Cheese Plant: Problems and Pruning
Common Swiss Cheese plant problems include yellow leaves, brown tips, drooping stems, pests, and slow growth. These are usually caused by overwatering, poor drainage, low light, dry air, or cold temperatures. Remove damaged leaves with clean scissors.
Split Leaf Monstera: Companion Plants & Placement Options
You can pair your Monstera deliciosa houseplant with other tropical plants that enjoy similar conditions. The large leaves of this air-purifying beauty also make a dramatic backdrop for softer or colorful foliage.
Great to Place on
Smaller Monstera deliciosa indoor plants look best on a sturdy plant stand, low table, or wide shelf. Larger specimens are better placed on the floor near a bright window, supported by a moss pole, whether in a living room corner or by an entryway.
Monstera Deliciosa Houseplant Grows Well With
Pair your Monstera deliciosa plant with companions that enjoy similar indoor conditions.
- White Bird of Paradise: The tall, upright leaves of the White Bird of Paradise add height next to the broad foliage of a Swiss Cheese Monstera.
- Philodendron White Princess: The variegated leaves of Philodendron White Princess bring a lighter contrast against the deep green Split-leaf Monstera.
- Bamboo Palm: The soft, feathery Bamboo Palm adds texture and helps create a fuller tropical display.
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