Monstera Care

How to care for Monstera properly: Tips for a healthy Monstera

The Monstera family includes a variety of species—most notably the well-known Monstera Deliciosa. But how do you properly care for a Monstera? Despite the different varieties, there are some basic Monstera care principles that apply to all. Here, you'll learn what's important to ensure your Monstera grows healthily and develops magnificently.

Location

A bright spot with indirect light is the ideal Monstera location. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause leaf burn. Place your Monstera near an east- or west-facing window, ideally with a curtain. Too little light, however, can cause growth problems or yellow leaves. A suitable location is an important part of Monstera care, as only with sufficient light can the Monstera grow healthily and develop its characteristic leaves.

Temperature

Most Monstera species thrive in temperatures between 21 and 29°C, making them ideal for living spaces. They tolerate slight fluctuations well, but drastic temperature changes or drafts less so. For healthy growth, the Monstera should not be kept below 16°C for long periods. Colder conditions can lead to visible stress reactions such as pale leaves or restricted growth.

Watering

Water your Monstera regularly, but check the soil moisture first. The soil should dry out slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. As a rule of thumb, water only when the top two to three centimeters are dry. A little too dry is better than too wet—the Monstera doesn't mind the occasional forgetfulness. However, drips on the leaves often indicate overwatering. Use room-temperature water and water directly at the base to avoid leaf spots. Water that's too cold can stress the plant and damage the leaves.

Care

Properly caring for a Monstera means, above all, paying regular attention to it and recognizing any changes early on. Pay attention to the leaves, growth direction, and soil condition. Remove dead or damaged leaves promptly so the plant can focus its energy on healthy shoots. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure the Monstera grows evenly and doesn't lean too far toward the light. Regularly wiping the leaves also helps the plant breathe better and stay free of dust and pests.

Toxic

The Monstera is slightly toxic to animals and humans, especially if ingested. Skin irritation is rare, but when caring for the Monstera, for example, when cutting leaves, it is advisable to wear gloves as a precaution and avoid contact of the plant sap with mucous membranes.

More care tips for your Monstera

Repot Monstera regularly

Repotting is also part of good Monstera care. Over time, the plant will completely fill its pot. You should repot when the roots emerge from the bottom of the pot, but at least every two to three years. This gives the Monstera more space, fresh substrate, and a better supply of nutrients. Spring is ideal, when the growth phase begins. Choose a new pot that's only slightly larger than the previous one, and make sure it has well-draining soil and a drainage hole to avoid waterlogging.

Let your Monstera climb

Whether Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, or Monstera obliqua – they all belong to the climbing plant family. In their natural habitat, they grow on tree trunks, constantly seeking light. They exhibit this typical behavior in living spaces as well: They strive upwards, form aerial roots, and thrive best with a stable support. It's best to place a moss stake or a climbing trellis directly in the pot, which your Monstera can cling to and grow upwards.

Imitate tropical humidity

The Monstera is native to tropical regions and appreciates high humidity. Especially in dry, heated environments, it's worth keeping the environment moist by regularly misting, using a humidifier, or placing a bowl of water near the plant. This will keep your plant healthy and resilient.

Don't forget to fertilize

For strong growth, your Monstera needs Regular nutrients. During the growing season from spring to fall, you can apply a green plant fertilizer every two to four weeks. This will support the development of strong leaves and stable growth. In winter, it is sufficient to fertilize less frequently or not at all.

Special species, special requirements

Variegated Monsteras, with their strikingly patterned leaves, require more light than their solid green variants. The white leaf areas lack chlorophyll and therefore cannot utilize light for photosynthesis. The plant produces less energy overall and relies on good light conditions. With too little light, the variegation can gradually disappear, and the new leaves become increasingly green. At the same time, direct sunlight should be avoided, as variegated leaves are more sensitive to light and can burn more quickly. Variegated Monsteras therefore need plenty of bright, indirect light. In addition, heavily variegated specimens with a high proportion of white require high humidity of over 70% to stay healthy and maintain their patterns.

Propagating Monstera

With proper care, the Monstera often grows quickly and forms long shoots—ideal for targeted pruning and propagation. Propagation via stem cuttings has proven particularly effective with the Monstera Deliciosa. With the right method, a new plant can be easily grown and cared for. Here you'll find our step-by-step guide for successfully propagating your Monstera.

FAQ on Monstera care

How do you care for a Monstera?

When caring for Monstera, a bright, indirectly lit location, regular watering, constant temperatures of around 21–25 °C and increased humidity are important.

How often do I need to water a Monstera?

Water the Monstera regularly, about every seven to ten days, depending on the season and location. Wait until the top two to three centimeters of soil are dry. It's better to keep the Monstera slightly drier than too wet, as waterlogging can lead to root rot.

What is the best location for a Monstera?

The ideal Monstera location is bright, but away from direct sunlight. A spot with indirect light protects the leaves from burning and promotes healthy growth, especially in more sensitive varieties like variegated Monsteras.

Why does my Monstera have yellow leaves and brown spots?

Yellow leaves and brown spots can indicate care mistakes with your Monstera, such as too much or too little water, an incorrect location, excessively dry air, or a nutrient deficiency. Regular checks help identify problems early and ensure your Monstera is optimally cared for.