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The Emerald Great Folio

Green Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Broad green leaves develop deep divisions and internal openings as this climbing plant matures. Grow Green Monstera in bright indirect light with a sturdy support and room to spread.

Explore the care guide
Botanical illustration

Care at a glance

Know your plant

Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant in the Araceae family. [8][10]

Young leaves are smaller and less divided. As the plant matures, its broad, heart-shaped leaves develop deep edge divisions and internal openings. [14]

Light

Choose bright indirect light, with foliage shielded from strong direct sun. [11][10]

Watering

  1. Let the upper quarter to third of the potting mix dry before watering thoroughly. [10]

  2. Let excess water escape through the drainage holes, then empty the saucer or cover pot. [1]

  3. Check moisture as the mix dries; light, warmth, pot size and root growth change the watering interval. [1]

Soil and pot choice

Use a peat-free, loam-based compost in a pot with drainage holes. [11]

Choose a stable container and a modest increase in pot size when repotting. [12]

Temperature and humidity

Choose a warm indoor spot around 60-85 degrees F (16-29 degrees C). [10]

Moderate to high humidity suits this tropical climber. [11]

Feeding

During active growth, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, following its label directions. [11]

Repotting

  1. Repot a root-crowded plant into a slightly larger, stable container. Avoid a large jump in pot size, which keeps unused mix wet longer. [12]

  2. Use fresh medium, keep the plant at its existing depth and water it in. Let excess drain. [2]

Propagation

  1. Select a healthy stem section with a node and an axillary bud, then cut below the node. A detached leaf and stalk alone cannot produce a new plant. [13]

  2. Set the node-bearing stem in pre-moistened, freely draining rooting medium. Keep it warm in bright indirect light, with the medium moist rather than waterlogged. [13]

  3. Move the cutting into moist houseplant mix after roots and new growth develop. [13]

Pruning and climbing care

Give the heavy stems a sturdy support and guide aerial roots toward it. [14]

Prune to manage size and wipe dust from leaves with a soft, damp cloth. [10]

Problems and checks

Yellowing, wilt or leaf drop

Possible causes
  • Watering stress or damaged roots.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Feel the mix and check for standing water.
Low-risk next step
Water dry roots; restore drainage before watering persistently wet mix.
When to seek expert help
Seek horticultural advice for soft roots or continued decline.
Sources for these checks

Check moisture and drainage before changing the routine. [3]

Cottony clusters, bumps or fine webbing

Possible causes
  • Mealybugs, scale or mites.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints.
Low-risk next step
Separate the plant and identify the pest before treatment.
When to seek expert help
Seek advice for a spreading infestation or damaged new growth.
Sources for these checks

Inspect pest signs before choosing a treatment. [4]

Seasonal indoor care

As growth slows in winter, reduce watering while continuing to check the mix. [11]

Concentrate feeding during active growth. [11]

Children and pets

Safety

Green Monstera is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep plants, fallen leaves and cuttings away from pets that chew them. [15]

Wear gloves when pruning; the sap can irritate skin. [10][11]

For suspected poisoning or signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435. Provide the botanical name. [5]

Keep plants, cuttings and loose potting material beyond young children’s reach. Keep the botanical name with the pot. [6]

For human plant ingestion in the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Elsewhere, contact your local poison service. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, seizures, collapse or inability to awaken. [7]

Similar plants

Swiss Cheese Vine, Monstera adansonii, has smaller leaves with oval openings. Green Monstera, Monstera deliciosa, develops broader leaves with deep edge divisions and internal openings as it matures. [9][14]

Sources

  1. Watering Indoor Plants

    University of Maryland Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: 2023-03-10

  2. Repotting houseplants

    University of Illinois Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  3. Diagnosing Houseplant Problems from Improper Environmental Conditions

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed January 2024

  4. Diagnosing Houseplant Problems Caused by Insect Pests

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed January 2024

  5. ASPCA Poison Control

    ASPCA Poison Control

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  6. Poisonous and non-poisonous plants: An illustrated list

    National Capital Poison Center

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  7. Get help online or by phone

    National Capital Poison Center

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  8. Monstera deliciosa - Plants of the World Online

    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  9. Monstera adansonii - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  10. Monstera deliciosa - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  11. Monstera deliciosa (F) - RHS Plant Profile

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  12. How to grow Swiss cheese plants

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  13. Monstera deliciosa

    University of Minnesota Extension - Noah Burley and Julie Weisenhorn

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Reviewed 2026

  14. Swiss-Cheese Plant, Monstera deliciosa

    University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension - Susan Mahr

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  15. Swiss Cheese Plant

    ASPCA Poison Control

    Accessed October 5, 2026