How to grow a Monstera: Bright indirect light, loose chunky soil and moss poles for fast growth

Monsteras, with their large, perforated leaves and stunning looks, are every plant parent’s dream plant. If you have previously tried to grow Monstera but not had much success, we have you covered.

Monsteras can add a dramatic touch to your living room or bedroom, as they are perfect indoor plants. Like all plants, they thrive when given the right care. Bright indirect light, watering when soil feels dry and regular misting are some conditions that will make your Monstera thrive.

Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or a beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow a healthy Monstera.

• Choosing the right spot: Light requirements

Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight it would receive in its native tropical environment. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, it will grow more slowly, and its signature split leaves may not develop as well.

1. Ideal light: Place your Monstera near a window with filtered light or where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight.
2. Avoid: Direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
3. Tip: If you notice the plant leaning toward the light, rotate the pot every few weeks to encourage even growth.

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• Watering your monstera: How much is enough?

Monstera prefers moderate watering. The key is to let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

1. How to water: Water your Monstera when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out from the bottom of the pot.
2. Signs of overwatering: Yellowing leaves or soggy soil.
3. Signs of underwatering: Drooping or crispy edges on the leaves.

• Humidity and temperature: Creating a tropical environment

Being a tropical plant, Monstera thrives in warm, humid environments. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and high humidity levels.

1. Ideal humidity: Aim for at least 40-60% humidity. You can increase humidity by misting the plant regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles.
2. Avoid: Cold drafts, direct exposure to air conditioners, or heating vents, which can dry out the leaves.

• Soil and potting: Choosing the right mix

Monstera grows best in a well-draining soil mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. The ideal soil is a mix designed for tropical plants or a homemade blend of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.

1. Potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix that includes peat and perlite for aeration and moisture retention.
2. Repotting: Monstera typically needs to be repotted every 2-3 years. Choose a pot with drainage holes and increase the pot size by 1-2 inches to allow room for root growth.

• Fertilising your monstera: Feeding for growth

During the growing season (spring and summer), your Monstera will benefit from regular feeding to promote healthy growth.

1. When to fertilise: Feed your Monstera once a month during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser.
2. Avoid: Fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

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• Training and pruning: Encouraging a climbing habit

Monstera plants are natural climbers, and in the wild, they use their aerial roots to climb up trees. At home, you can encourage this climbing behaviour by providing a moss pole or trellis.

1. Training: Gently tie or guide the plant's stems to a moss pole or trellis to support its growth.
2. Pruning: Regular pruning helps to control the size and shape of your Monstera. Use clean, sharp scissors to remove any damaged, yellowing, or excessively large leaves.

• Propagating monstera: How to grow new plants

Monstera is easy to propagate, making it a great plant to share with friends or grow more for your home. The most common method of propagation is through stem cuttings.

1. How to propagate: Cut a healthy stem just below a node (where a leaf meets the stem) that includes at least one aerial root. Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water every few days, and within a few weeks, roots will start to form. Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, plant the cutting in soil.
2. Tip: You can also propagate Monstera directly in soil by planting the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keeping the soil moist until roots establish.

• Common problems and how to fix them

1. Yellowing leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and reduce watering if necessary.
2. Brown leaf tips: Dry, brown tips can indicate low humidity. Increase humidity by misting the plant or using a humidifier.
3. Drooping leaves: If your Monstera is drooping, it may need more water, or it could be reacting to a change in environment (like being moved or exposed to drafts).

Monstera is a stunning, easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of environments as long as it receives the right balance of light, water, and humidity. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a happy, healthy Monstera that can be a show-stopper in any space.