How to Water a Monstera
Monsteras are hemiepiphytes (they climb trees in nature), so they hate having "wet feet." Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Signs of thirst: Leaves drooping slightly, soil pulling away from the pot edges.
Signs of overwatering: Yellowing leaves (starting at the bottom), dark brown spots with yellow halos, mushy stems.
The Secret to Big Holes (Fenestrations)
Everyone wants those iconic split leaves. If your Monstera leaves are solid and heart-shaped, it is trying to tell you one thing: "I need more light."
In nature, leaves split to let light pass through to lower leaves and to withstand high winds. Indoors, you need to simulate that bright tropical canopy. Place your Monstera close to a window where it can see the sky, but shield it from harsh midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
Soil & Repotting
Use a "chunky" aroid mix. Regular potting soil is often too dense and leads to root rot. Mix in:
- Orchid Bark for aeration
- Perlite for drainage
- Coco Coir or Peat Moss for moisture retention
Repot only when roots are growing out of the drainage holes, typically every 1-2 years in spring or summer.
Pro Tip: Aerial Roots
Those long brown roots growing from the stems? They are aerial roots looking for a tree to climb. You can tuck them into the soil (to stabilize the plant), let them hang, or provide a moss pole for them to grab onto. Climbing Monsteras produce much larger leaves!
Track Your Monstera's Growth
Add your Monstera to PlantCare to get watering reminders adjusted for your local weather.
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