Growing plants indoors is one of my favorite hobbies.
I love bringing nature indoors and decorating my home with splashes of color. Not only does having plants inside help with the air quality, but it really brightens my day. Especially when you have indoor pots like these that are almost as gorgeous as the plants themselves.
Today, I’m showcasing an elegant plant that is quite possibly my favorite in my entire collection!
My monstera. Each plant is beautiful for its reason, but the Monstera is genuinely a sight to behold! I absolutely love the stunning leaves. You can see how small she was when I first got her here.
My goal is to grow her big! I want her leaves to get bigger and I want her to climb to almost reach my ceiling. This post will show you everything I know about caring for your monstera and helping her grow and thrive.
p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.
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Monstera plants are a popular choice for indoor greenery, known for their stunning split leaves and relatively easy maintenance. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your monstera thrives in your home.
Let’s dive into the different types of monstera, care tips, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
What Types of Monstera Are There?
Monstera Deliciosa: The most common and recognizable type. It’s famous for its large, dramatic leaves that develop fenestrations (splits and holes) as they mature.
Monstera Adansonii: A smaller version of the deliciosa, with more delicate, heart-shaped leaves and a lacy appearance due to many holes.
Monstera Obliqua: Rarer and more fragile, this type has thin, papery leaves with larger perforations.
Monstera Dubia: Known for its shingling habit, this plant has small, heart-shaped leaves that cling to a surface as it grows.
Related Reading: How to start an herb garden at home
What’s the Best Type to Have in Your Home?
For most indoor spaces, Monstera Deliciosa is the best option. It’s relatively easy to care for and can grow into a stunning focal point. If you prefer something smaller, Monstera Adansonii is ideal, as it requires less space but still gives that iconic tropical look.
Where Should You Place Your Monstera?
Monstera plants love bright, indirect sunlight. Place yours near a window where it can receive plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. If your home doesn’t get much natural light, they can tolerate low light but may grow slower.
Ideal locations:
Next to a north- or east-facing window.
Away from cold drafts or heating vents.
In a space with enough room for the plant to grow (as monsteras can get quite large!).
How Often Should It Be Watered?
Watering a monstera is all about balance. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, so the key is to wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. As a rule of thumb, water your monstera about once a week, but this will vary depending on the season and your home's humidity.
In winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, you may need to water less frequently. Always check the soil before watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Diagnosing Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves: This often indicates overwatering. Check the soil and let it dry out before watering again.
Brown Leaf Edges: Could be a sign of underwatering or low humidity. Ensure consistent watering and consider misting your plant or using a humidifier.
Drooping Leaves: This can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or low light. Inspect the soil and lighting conditions to diagnose the issue.
Lack of Fenestrations (Holes in Leaves): If your monstera’s leaves aren’t developing splits, it might not be getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot.
How to Stake and Grow Monstera Plants
Monsteras are natural climbers, and as they grow, they benefit from support. You can stake them with a moss pole or trellis to encourage upward growth and give the aerial roots something to cling to.
Steps to stake your monstera:
Choose a support structure like a moss pole or bamboo stake. I use this specific moss pole as my plant has grown bigger. When she was smaller, I started out with this one.
Insert the stake into the pot, being careful not to damage the plant’s roots.
Gently tie the stems to the stake using plant ties or soft twine. Don’t tie too tightly—leave room for growth.
As the plant grows, continue to tie new growth to the support.
Staking on a moss pole filled with Sphagnum Moss, not only helps your monstera grow tall and strong, but the leaves will grow larger and it can also make the plant look more organized and tidy, especially as it matures.
Related Reading: 5 best plants to attract money according to Feng Shui
How to Get Giant Monstera Leaves
One of the reasons Monstera plants have become so popular is because of their dramatic, tropical foliage. Those large, glossy leaves with beautiful natural splits—called fenestrations—are what make this plant such a statement piece in a home. But if your Monstera is producing small leaves or leaves without splits, it usually means something in its environment needs to be adjusted.
The good news is that Monsteras are capable of producing truly enormous leaves indoors when they are given the right growing conditions.
Here are the most important factors that help your Monstera grow bigger, healthier leaves.
Give Your Monstera Bright Indirect Light
Light is the most important factor in growing large Monstera leaves. In their natural habitat, Monsteras grow under the canopy of tropical forests where they receive filtered sunlight throughout the day.
If your Monstera is placed in a space with very low light, it will survive, but it will grow slowly and produce smaller leaves with fewer splits.
For the best growth, place your Monstera near a bright window where it can receive bright indirect sunlight for several hours each day. East-facing or south-facing windows are often ideal locations.
If the leaves begin reaching dramatically toward the light source, that’s a sign the plant may need a brighter location.
Use a Moss Pole or Climbing Support
Monsteras are naturally climbing plants. In the wild, they use their aerial roots to attach themselves to trees and grow upward toward the light.
When grown indoors without support, Monsteras often become wide and floppy instead of tall and structured. Adding a moss pole, wooden stake, or trellis gives the plant something to climb and encourages stronger growth.
As the plant climbs upward, it often produces larger leaves with deeper fenestrations, creating that lush tropical look many people love.
Feed Your Plant During the Growing Season
Like most houseplants, Monsteras benefit from regular feeding during the active growing season. Spring and summer are when the plant is producing the most new foliage, which means it needs extra nutrients.
A balanced liquid fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season can help support larger leaves and stronger stems.
Just be careful not to overfertilize, as too much fertilizer can damage the roots.
Increase Humidity
Because Monsteras originate from tropical rainforests, they naturally prefer humid environments. While they can adapt to average indoor humidity levels, slightly higher humidity often encourages healthier growth.
If the air in your home is particularly dry, you may notice brown leaf edges or slower growth.
You can increase humidity by:
• using a humidifier
• grouping plants together
• placing the plant near a kitchen or bathroom
• setting the pot on a pebble tray with water
Even small improvements in humidity can make a noticeable difference in leaf size and overall plant health.
Be Patient With Young Plants
If your Monstera is still relatively young, small leaves are completely normal. Younger plants often produce several solid leaves before developing the iconic split patterns that make the plant famous.
As the plant matures and becomes larger, new leaves will gradually begin developing fenestrations and growing in size.
With proper care, a mature Monstera can eventually produce leaves that are over a foot wide indoors.
Seasonal Monstera Care Guide: How to Care for Your Monstera Year-Round
One of the most overlooked aspects of Monstera plant care is understanding how your plant’s needs change throughout the year. Monsteras are tropical plants native to Central and South American rainforests, which means their natural growth cycles are influenced by temperature, humidity, and light levels. Because indoor environments shift with the seasons, your Monstera’s watering schedule, feeding routine, and general care should shift too.
When you adapt your care routine to the seasons, you help your Monstera grow stronger, produce larger leaves, and avoid common issues like yellowing leaves or root rot. Think of seasonal care as a way of working with your plant’s natural rhythm rather than against it.
Below is a simple guide to caring for your Monstera plant during each season so it continues thriving year after year.
Spring Monstera Care (The Growth Season Begins)
Spring is when your Monstera plant begins waking up from winter dormancy. As daylight hours increase and temperatures warm up, your plant naturally shifts into a period of active growth. This is when you’ll typically start to see fresh leaves emerging from the plant’s nodes, and it’s also when Monsteras begin producing their most dramatic foliage.
Because your plant is entering its most productive season, spring is the ideal time to give your Monstera a little extra attention. Increasing light exposure, refreshing the soil, and restarting fertilization can all help support healthy new growth.
Spring is also the best time of year to repot or propagate a Monstera plant. When plants are actively growing, they recover from repotting stress much faster and adapt more easily to new containers or soil mixes.
During the spring months, you may also notice your Monstera reaching toward light sources more actively. Rotating the plant every couple of weeks helps ensure that growth remains balanced and prevents the plant from leaning heavily in one direction.
Spring Monstera Care Checklist
• Gradually increase watering as temperatures rise
• Begin fertilizing again after winter dormancy
• Repot plants that have become root-bound
• Rotate the plant for even growth
• Wipe down leaves to remove dust and improve photosynthesis
• Check for pests that may have developed over winter
Taking these small steps in spring helps set the stage for strong growth throughout the rest of the year.
Summer Monstera Care (Peak Growth and Energy)
Summer is when Monsteras truly thrive. With longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and higher humidity levels, this is typically the season when your plant grows the fastest and produces its largest leaves.
During summer, your Monstera will likely require more water because the plant is actively using moisture to fuel new growth. However, it’s still important to avoid overwatering. Always check that the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again.
Humidity also plays a major role in Monstera health during the summer months. In tropical environments, Monsteras grow in humid rainforests where moisture levels remain consistently high. While most homes won’t replicate those conditions perfectly, increasing humidity slightly can help encourage lush foliage and prevent brown leaf edges.
If your Monstera has begun producing aerial roots, summer is a great time to introduce a moss pole or trellis. These climbing supports mimic the trees Monsteras grow on in nature and encourage the plant to produce larger leaves with deeper splits.
Summer Monstera Care Checklist
• Water about once per week depending on soil dryness
• Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during active growth
• Increase humidity if your home is dry
• Provide bright indirect sunlight
• Train vines upward with a moss pole or support
• Rotate the plant occasionally for balanced growth
With the right care, summer is when your Monstera will look its most vibrant and full.
Fall Monstera Care (Transition Into Slower Growth)
As the days become shorter and temperatures begin to drop, your Monstera will naturally start slowing its growth. Fall is a transitional period where the plant gradually prepares for the lower light conditions of winter.
During this season, you may notice fewer new leaves forming, and that’s completely normal. Instead of focusing on rapid growth, your plant is conserving energy and maintaining the leaves it already has.
This is a good time to gradually reduce fertilizing and slightly decrease watering frequency. Because the plant is no longer growing as quickly, it doesn’t require the same level of nutrients or moisture that it did during summer.
Fall is also an excellent season to tidy up your plant. Removing damaged leaves, trimming leggy growth, and cleaning the foliage can help keep your Monstera looking healthy and beautiful as it heads into winter.
Fall Monstera Care Checklist
• Reduce fertilizing as growth slows
• Water slightly less frequently
• Remove yellowing or damaged leaves
• Clean leaves to remove dust buildup
• Move the plant closer to light if needed
• Inspect for pests before winter begins
Making these adjustments during fall helps your Monstera transition smoothly into the colder months.
Winter Monstera Care (Dormancy and Rest)
Winter is often the most challenging season for houseplants, including Monsteras. Shorter days, lower sunlight levels, and dry indoor air from heating systems can all create stressful conditions for tropical plants.
During winter, Monsteras enter a semi-dormant phase where growth slows dramatically or stops entirely. Because of this, the plant requires much less water and no fertilizer during this time.
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make during winter. Since the plant is not actively growing, excess water can easily lead to soggy soil and root rot. Instead of watering on a strict schedule, always check that the soil has dried out before watering again.
Light becomes especially important in winter. If possible, place your Monstera closer to a window where it can receive bright indirect light throughout the day. Even a small increase in natural light can help the plant stay healthier during the darker months.
Humidity may also drop significantly in winter due to indoor heating. If you notice brown leaf edges or curling leaves, using a humidifier or placing the plant near other houseplants can help create a slightly more humid environment.
Winter Monstera Care Checklist
• Water every 2–3 weeks depending on soil dryness
• Stop fertilizing until spring
• Place the plant in the brightest indirect light available
• Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors
• Increase humidity if indoor air becomes dry
• Gently clean leaves to keep them healthy
Winter care is all about patience. Once spring returns and daylight increases, your Monstera will begin growing again.
Why Seasonal Care Matters for Monstera Plants
Learning how to adjust your care routine throughout the year is one of the best ways to keep your Monstera healthy long term. Rather than following the same routine year-round, seasonal care allows you to support your plant’s natural growth cycles.
When you align watering, fertilizing, and light exposure with the seasons, you’ll often notice stronger growth, larger leaves, and fewer plant health issues.
Monsteras are incredibly resilient plants, which is one reason they’ve become one of the most popular houseplants in modern homes. With just a few seasonal adjustments, your Monstera can continue growing beautifully for many years to come.
10 Additional Care Tips to help your monstera thrive
Monsteras are resilient and easygoing plants, but giving them a little extra care can take them from healthy to absolutely flourishing. Here are ten essential tips to ensure your monstera grows strong and vibrant.
1. Increase Humidity Around the Plant
As tropical plants, monsteras love humidity. Aim for around 60% humidity if possible. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves lightly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant near other plants to create a micro-humid environment. You can use a grow light & humidifier to help.
2. Fertilize During the Growing Season
To keep your monstera healthy and lush, feed it a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. I use this very specific fertilizer because it has the essential vitamins plants need.
Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil and damage the roots. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
3. Choose a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Monsteras prefer soil that retains moisture but drains well. A good mix for monstera includes:
Pearlite or pumice. These additions help mimic the plant’s natural environment and prevent waterlogged soil.
4. Dust the Leaves for Better Photosynthesis
Monsteras’ large leaves can collect dust, which blocks light and hampers photosynthesis. To keep them healthy and vibrant, wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth or use these specific gloves every month. This will not only make the plant look fresher but also improve its ability to absorb light.
5. Rotate the Pot Every Few Weeks
Monsteras naturally grow toward light, so if you leave them in the same position, they may start leaning in one direction. Rotate the pot every 2-3 weeks to ensure even growth and a more balanced appearance.
6. Use a Moss Pole or Trellis for Support
As monstera plants grow, they can benefit from support. Adding a moss pole or trellis encourages vertical growth and helps support the plant’s weight. Over time, the monstera’s aerial roots will attach to the moss pole, which can keep the plant looking tidy and enhance its natural climbing habit.
7. Watch for Pests and Take Action Quickly
Common pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can harm monstera plants. Inspect the leaves regularly, especially the undersides, for any signs of pests. If you notice any, treat the plant immediately with neem oil in a spray bottle. Catching pests early can prevent them from spreading to other houseplants.
8. Repot Every 1-2 Years
Monsteras are fast growers, especially when they’re young, and they can outgrow their pots quickly. Repot your monstera every 1-2 years or whenever you see roots poking out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to give the roots room to grow.
9. Prune Regularly to Encourage New Growth
Pruning isn’t just for tidying up—regularly trimming your monstera encourages new growth and helps maintain its shape. If your monstera is getting too large or has leaves that are yellowing or damaged, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut those parts back at the base of the stem. Pruning can also stimulate the plant to produce new leaves and keep it looking full and vibrant.
Pruning in spring or early summer is ideal since the plant is in its active growing season, allowing it to recover and fill out faster.
10. Propagating the Plant
The Monstera is more than just a one-hit wonder. It can create offspring, and you can propagate your plant to grow more (or share the wealth with some friends or family – it makes a great gift!).
Monsteras are relatively easy to propagate, especially through stem cuttings.
Here’s how to propagate your monstera properly:
1. Gather Your Materials
You’ll need:
A healthy, mature monstera plant
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
A jar or glass of water (or pot with soil if you prefer soil propagation)
Rooting hormone (optional but can speed up the rooting process)
2. Choose the Right Stem to Cut
Look for a healthy stem with at least one leaf and one visible node. The node is the knobby, brownish part of the stem where the leaf meets the main stem, and it’s where new roots will grow. Ideally, your cutting should have both a node and an aerial root, if possible.
3. Make the Cut
Using your clean scissors or shears, make a clean cut just below the node. A healthy cutting should have:
A node
At least one leaf
(Optional) An aerial root attached to the node, which can encourage faster growth.
4. Prepare the Cutting for Rooting
To encourage root growth, you can dip the node end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel, though this step is optional.
5. Place the Cutting in Water or Soil
Water Method: Fill a glass or jar with room-temperature water and place the cutting inside, ensuring the node is submerged in water, but keep the leaves above the water level to avoid rot.
Soil Method: Use a well-draining potting mix, burying the node and any aerial roots in the soil, but leave the leaves exposed.
6. Find the Right Environment for Rooting
Monsteras root best in bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions. Place your cutting near a window but out of direct sunlight to avoid stressing the cutting.
7. Monitor the Roots and Change Water Regularly
If you’re propagating in water, change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh. Within 2-4 weeks, you should see small roots beginning to grow from the node. Wait until the roots are at least 2-3 inches long before transferring to soil.
8. Pot the Cutting (For Water-Propagated Cuttings)
Once the roots have grown to a healthy length, you can transplant your cutting into a pot with well-draining soil. Place it gently in the soil, cover the roots, and water lightly.
9. Care for Your New Monstera Plant
Keep your newly propagated monstera in a warm, bright spot with indirect light, and continue watering as you would a mature monstera—letting the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out between waterings.
Tips for Success
Be patient! It can take a few weeks for roots to develop.
Avoid moving the cutting too much, as this can disrupt root growth.
Keep the soil or water clean to prevent bacteria that can harm the cutting.
Propagating a monstera is a wonderful way to multiply your plant family or create thoughtful gifts for friends. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to growing new, beautiful monsteras in no time!
Caring for a monstera can be a rewarding experience, especially as you watch it transform from a small plant into a statement piece in your home. With the right care—proper watering, a good light source, and occasional staking—your monstera will thrive and continue to impress with its unique and beautiful foliage.
Monstera FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide
Even though Monsteras are considered relatively easy houseplants, it’s still common to run into occasional problems. Most issues are caused by small adjustments in watering, lighting, or humidity.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Monstera care and how to fix common problems.
Why Are My Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellow leaves are one of the most common issues with Monstera plants, and they are usually caused by overwatering.
When soil stays wet for too long, the roots cannot get enough oxygen and may begin to rot. This stress often shows up as yellowing leaves.
If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil before watering again. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering your plant.
Occasionally, a single yellow leaf may simply be part of the plant’s natural aging process, especially on older leaves near the base of the plant.
Why Are the Tips of My Monstera Leaves Turning Brown?
Brown leaf tips are often caused by dry air or inconsistent watering.
Monsteras prefer slightly humid environments, and when the air becomes too dry, the edges of the leaves may begin to turn brown and crispy.
To fix this issue, try increasing humidity around the plant and maintaining a consistent watering routine.
Why Aren’t My Monstera Leaves Splitting?
The iconic splits in Monstera leaves develop as the plant matures and receives enough light.
If your leaves are staying solid, it could mean:
• the plant needs more light
• the plant is still young
• the plant lacks vertical support
Moving your plant to a brighter location and giving it a moss pole often encourages more dramatic leaf splits over time.
Why Is My Monstera Drooping?
Drooping leaves usually indicate that your plant is thirsty. When the soil becomes too dry, the leaves may begin to droop or look slightly wilted.
After watering thoroughly, the plant should perk back up within several hours.
However, drooping can also occur if the roots have been damaged by overwatering, so always check the soil conditions before adjusting your watering schedule.
How Often Should I Water My Monstera?
Most Monsteras need to be watered every 1–2 weeks, depending on the environment in your home.
The best method is to check the soil rather than following a strict schedule. Insert your finger into the soil and water only when the top two to three inches feel dry.
Homes with more sunlight and warmth may require slightly more frequent watering.
When Should I Repot My Monstera?
Monsteras typically need repotting every 1–2 years.
Signs your plant may need repotting include:
• roots growing out of drainage holes
• water running straight through the pot
• slow growth despite proper care
Repotting into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil gives the roots more room to grow and helps support larger leaves.
Are Monstera Plants Toxic to Pets?
Yes, Monsteras are considered toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if chewed.
If you have curious pets, it’s best to place your Monstera in an area that is out of their reach.
How Fast Do Monstera Plants Grow?
Under the right conditions, Monsteras can grow surprisingly quickly indoors.
During the spring and summer growing season, it’s common for the plant to produce several new leaves and grow one to two feet per year.
Growth tends to slow during fall and winter when the plant enters its resting phase.
Why Is My Monstera Not Growing?
If your Monstera has stopped growing, it is usually related to environmental conditions.
The most common causes include:
• insufficient light
• lack of nutrients
• colder indoor temperatures
• the natural winter dormancy period
Once spring arrives and light levels increase, most Monsteras naturally begin producing new growth again.
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Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions! I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume! Have an amazing day!!
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