Monstera Deliciosa

The big classic monstera. Huge glossy leaves with deep splits and natural holes, on a thick stem that wants to climb. A happy one takes up real space.

Light

Bright indirect light, and plenty of it. More light means more splits and holes. A dim room gives plain, solid leaves.

Water

Water when the top couple of inches are dry, soak it well, and empty the saucer.

Food

I use a nitrogen forward liquid foliage feed for big leaf growth, or a balanced feed like a 20-20-20 if that is what I have, at half strength. I feed once a month in spring and summer. In winter I stop feeding, unless a new leaf is coming under good light.

Soil

I use a coarse chunky mix. I mix 2 parts coir or peat, 1 part big bark chunks, 1 part perlite, plus a handful of charcoal and a handful of worm castings. Thick roots need big air pockets. Do not use heavy garden soil, a fine seed type mix, or anything with water holding gel. It stays wet and rots the base.

Growing in Water

Yes, a cutting can live in water for years. I keep only the roots in the water and keep the stem crown and leaves dry and out. I change the water weekly, top it up between changes, and feed very weakly every few weeks, because plain water has nothing in it.

Don't

• Don't judge a new leaf the day it opens. Holes and splits come as it hardens off.
• Don't keep cutting it back to keep it small. Give it a bigger spot instead.
• Don't leave it wet all winter. Cool and soggy is where root rot starts.

Good to Know

It is toxic to pets if chewed. A moss pole helps each new leaf come in bigger than the last.