Monstera: how one plant became a symbol of modern interiors

There's a plant whose leaf you recognize even when it's not a real plant: on a pillow, a tote bag, wallpaper, a tattoo. That signature split-leaf shape made it into pop culture and stayed there.

Monstera deliciosa. The name comes from the Latin for "monster," because of how big it gets in the wild. In the jungles of Central America, it grows as a vine, climbs trees up to 20 meters high, and grows leaves bigger than a person.

In your home, it stays tame. But still impressive.

Why the leaves have holes, and what that says about your plant

The slits and holes in monstera leaves aren't damage. They're an evolutionary adaptation.

In the rainforest, monstera grows under the canopy of tall trees. Rain falls hard and rarely. The slits let water pass through the leaf and reach the roots, instead of running off only at the edges. They also reduce wind resistance up at the top of the canopy.

Why doesn't a young monstera have holes?

Young leaves are whole, with no slits. The holes start to appear only when the plant matures, usually after two to three years. If your mature monstera is still putting out leaves with no holes, that's a signal: not enough light, not enough nutrients, or it's still too young.

The right spot for monstera at home

Monstera is a plant that defines a room, but only if it's in the right spot.

Light:
Bright indirect light. Near a window, but not in direct sun. Direct summer sun can burn the leaves (brown spots). Ideal is a northeast or northwest window, or 1 to 2 meters back from a south-facing window.

In a dark spot, monstera survives but grows slowly and the leaves stay small. It doesn't want shade. It tolerates shade.

Space:
Monstera needs room. It's not a plant for a small shelf. The corner of a living room, next to a sofa, by a staircase: places where it can spread out horizontally and vertically.

A mature monstera with a moss pole can reach 2 meters or more indoors. Plan the space ahead.

Temperature:
Room temperature, 18 to 27°C. It doesn't tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C. Keep it away from AC vents and radiators.

Watering: less than you think

Monstera doesn't like too much water, and it doesn't like too little. The middle ground:

Water when the top 3 to 4 cm of soil is dry. Stick a finger in the soil. If it's dry to the second knuckle, time to water. If it's damp, wait.

In summer: about once a week. In winter: once every 10 to 14 days.

Water:
Room temperature, not cold straight from the tap. If your water is hard, leave it out overnight; the chlorine evaporates and some of the calcium settles.

Humidity:
Monstera comes from the tropics and likes humid air. In homes with dry winter heating, mist the leaves once a week or put a humidifier nearby. Dry air leads to brown leaf edges.

Wiping the leaves: the step everyone skips

Big monstera leaves collect dust. Dust blocks photosynthesis. The plant literally has a harder time breathing.

Once a month: gently wipe each leaf with a damp cloth or sponge, top and bottom. Use clean water or a diluted natural soap.

The result: glossy, healthy leaves that look much better than dusty ones. And the plant grows better.

Feeding and growth

In spring and summer, feed once a month with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (NPK). Monstera grows fast in season and uses up nutrients.

In winter, don't feed. The plant slows down, and nutrients build up in the soil and can damage the roots.

Repotting:
When you see roots coming out of the drainage hole, it's time for a bigger pot. Usually every one to two years for young plants, less often for mature ones. Always repot in spring.

Moss pole: why and how

In the wild, monstera climbs trees. Indoors, a moss pole stands in for the tree. It gives the plant support and pushes it to grow up instead of crawling along the floor.

The aerial roots that grow out of the stem: don't cut them off. Those are the roots monstera uses to attach itself. Guide them toward the moss pole and tie them gently. Over time, they attach on their own.

A monstera on a moss pole grows upright, compact, and produces bigger leaves than one that sprawls along the floor.

Aerial roots: what they are and what to do with them

Monstera grows aerial roots that come out of the stem and either hang in the air or crawl along the floor. They look strange, but they're normal and healthy.

Options:

• Guide them into the soil; they take in extra moisture and nutrients
• Guide them onto a moss pole; the plant climbs better
• Cut them off; won't hurt the plant, but you lose its natural growth mechanism

Don't wrap them in wire or plastic. That damages them.

Monstera in the office

Monstera is one of the first plants we recommend for offices that want statement greenery. Impressive, recognizable, relatively easy to care for.

A reception area, a meeting room, an open-plan space: one large monstera in a corner changes the feel of the whole room.

Read more about office greening

FAQ

Is monstera toxic?
Yes, for pets and small children. The leaves and stem contain calcium oxalate, which causes irritation. Keep it out of reach of cats and small babies.

Why are my monstera leaves turning yellow?
Most often too much water, or too much direct sun. Check your watering and move the plant farther from the window.

Can monstera flower indoors?
Rarely. It needs a mature, large plant and ideal conditions. In the wild, it produces an edible fruit (hence "deliciosa"). Indoors, it's almost impossible.

Monstera isn't growing, why?
Not enough light, or the roots are cramped in a small pot. Repot it and move it to a brighter spot.

How fast does monstera grow?
In good conditions, one or two new leaves a month during the growing season. Each new leaf is bigger than the one before.