Monstera deliciosa aka Monstera
Taxonomy
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant or Fruit Salad Plant, is a tropical evergreen vine known for its large glossy leaves with natural holes or fenestrations. It's a popular houseplant that is easy to care for, adapts to different environments and purifies the air, making it a great addition to any home. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, it can be grown in a container or trained to climb a trellis or pole.
Common names
Monstera, Swiss Cheese PlantHow to care for Monstera
Difficulty
Monstera is generally easy to care for.
Water
Monstera should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Monstera loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Sunlight
Monstera may not thrive and may drop leaves if it does not have enough sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to increase the potential for growth.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Monstera to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Monstera is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Monstera does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Monstera should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Monstera’s native range is Central America.
