Monstera care

The Monstera, also known as Monstera Deliciosa or the “Swiss cheese plant”, is a true classic among houseplants. With its large, glossy leaves full of natural cut-outs, it instantly gives your interior a tropical look. The plant is relatively easy to care for. We are happy to explain everything to you.

Monstera care

Bring the jungle indoors with this tropical beauty

The Monstera, also known as Monstera Deliciosa or the 'Swiss cheese plant', is a true classic among houseplants. With its large, glossy leaves full of natural splits, it gives your interior an instantly tropical look.

This popular houseplant is not only beautiful to look at, but also relatively easy to care for. Give it plenty of light, a drink of water now and then and a little love, and you'll be rewarded with a lush, green showstopper.

Monstera care verzorging - Green Bubble

Everything you need to know about the Swiss cheese plant

Position

  • Light: The Monstera loves plenty of indirect light, but no direct sunlight. Harsh sun can scorch the leaves
  • Location: Place the plant close to an east- or west-facing window, or a little further back from a south-facing one
  • Temperature: The Monstera is happiest at room temperatures between 18 and 25°C and dislikes cold draughts

Water and humidity

  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist, but never let the roots sit in water.
  • In spring and summer: water roughly 1 to 2 times a week, depending on how dry the soil is.
    In autumn and winter: water less often, about once every 1.5 to 2 weeks
  • Checking: Use a moisture meter or push your finger 2-3 cm into the soil; only water once the top layer feels dry
  • Humidity: The Monstera loves high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly with a plant mister or place a humidifier nearby

Feeding

  • Growing season: From March to September, feed once a month with liquid houseplant food
  • Rest period: From October to February, give no feed at all; the plant grows less actively then
  • Dosage: Always follow the recommended amount on the packaging to avoid burning the roots

Soil and pot

  • Soil: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix, for example a blend of potting soil and vulcastrat
  • Pot: Choose a roomy pot with drainage holes so excess water can escape easily
  • Repotting: Check the roots every year; once they start filling the pot or growing out of the holes, it's time to move up to a slightly larger pot

Guarantee Fresh from the grower
Delivery type Houseplant delivered in growing pot
Latin name Monstera
Location Normal daylight/partial shade
Water requirements Approximately once or twice a week
Toxic Mildly toxic if ingested
Air purifying Yes
Maintenance Low

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“The Monstera, also known as Monstera Deliciosa or the 'Swiss cheese plant', is a true classic among houseplants. With its large, glossy leaves full of natural splits, it gives your interior an instantly tropical look.”
Monstera care verzorging - Green Bubble

Frequently asked questions about the Swiss cheese plant

Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about water, light, nutrition and care.
How often should I water my Monstera?
Water your Monstera about once or twice a week, depending on the season and humidity. Make sure the top layer of soil dries out before watering again. In winter, you can water it a little less often.
Why are yellow spots appearing on the leaves of my pothos plant?
Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out a little and check that the water can drain away properly. Soil that is too wet can cause root rot.
Can the Monstera be placed in direct sunlight?
No, direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the Monstera. It is better to place the plant in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, for example near an east- or west-facing window.
Why don't the leaves of my Monstera have holes?
Leaves without holes are usually caused by a lack of light. In that case, place the plant in a brighter spot (but not in direct sunlight) and provide sufficient nutrition during the growing season. Also keep in mind that young leaves often have few or no incisions. This is perfectly normal!
Why are the leaves of my Monstera drooping?
Limp leaves are often a sign of too much or too little water. Therefore, first check the moisture content of the soil and adjust the watering if necessary. Sometimes it can also be because the plant is not getting enough light. Please note: new leaves are often naturally a little limp, so this is no cause for concern! Are you unsure? Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to take a look at your plant with you.
How do I keep my Monstera shiny and healthy?
Wiping the leaves regularly with a damp cloth will keep them clean and shiny. Remove dust, spray occasionally with a plant sprayer and ensure sufficient humidity.
Is the Monstera toxic to pets?
Yes, the Monstera is toxic to cats and dogs. Make sure pets do not chew on the leaves, as this can cause irritation to the mouth or stomach.

Everything about Monstera care

The Monstera is a real showstopper in any interior! This tropical houseplant is known for its large, glossy leaves with natural splits and holes, a unique pattern that earned it the nickname “Swiss cheese plant”.

The Monstera loves light, warmth and a bit of humidity. Thanks to its vigorous growth, it's an easy yet impressive houseplant.

Best position for the Monstera

The Swiss cheese plant originally comes from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where it grows beneath the canopy of tall trees. So it loves plenty of indirect light, but no direct sunlight.

  • Place the plant close to an east- or west-facing window, where it gets enough light without scorching
  • Too little light causes the leaves to stay smaller and develop fewer splits
  • The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25°C. Avoid draughts and cold air currents, as the plant doesn't cope well with them

Watering the Swiss cheese plant

The Monstera likes lightly moist soil, but absolutely no wet feet. Too much water can cause root rot, something this plant is sensitive to

  • In spring and summer, water roughly 1 to 2 times a week
  • In autumn and winter you can cut back to once every 1.5 to 2 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity in your home
  • Always check the soil first: only water when the top layer (2–3 cm) feels dry

Use a moisture meter to work out when watering is needed.
The Swiss cheese plant also appreciates a little extra humidity. Mist the leaves regularly with a plant mister to keep them fresh and dust-free.

Monstera flowering

Although the Swiss cheese plant can produce beautiful white flower spathes in the wild, it will rarely flower indoors. Inside, the focus is mainly on the growth of its impressive leaves.
The characteristic splits in the leaves are exactly what this plant is known for, making it a tropical showstopper even without flowers.

Humidity and temperature

The Monstera comes from a humid, tropical environment, so it loves high humidity.
In winter, when the heating is on and the air gets drier, you can raise the humidity by:

  • Misting the leaves regularly with a plant mister
  • Standing the pot on a tray of water and pebbles (make sure the roots aren't sitting in the water)
  • Placing a humidifier nearby

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25°C. Make sure the plant isn't in a draught or next to a radiator.

Monstera pot and soil

The Monstera grows best in an airy, well-draining potting mix.

Choose a pot with drainage holes so excess water can run away freely.
When you repot, you can check the roots straight away; if they completely fill the pot or grow out of the holes, it's time for a bigger pot.

Feeding your Monstera

During the growing season (March to September) you can give your Monstera liquid houseplant food once a month.
This supports the growth of new leaves and keeps the foliage a healthy, strong green.

In autumn and winter the plant needs no extra feed, because it's resting. Too much feed during this period can damage the roots or make the soil too acidic.

Repotting a Monstera: how and when?

Repot your Monstera every 2 to 3 years, ideally in spring. This is the moment the plant starts growing actively and adapts best to fresh soil.

Why repot?

  • The roots get more room to grow
  • Over time the soil becomes exhausted and less airy
  • Fresh soil provides better drainage and new nutrients

When repotting, use a pot that is 2–4 cm larger than the previous one, and top up with fresh, airy potting soil.

Pruning a Monstera

Pruning keeps your Monstera healthy, compact and beautifully full.

Why prune?

  • Removes dead or damaged leaves
  • Encourages new growth
  • Keeps the plant balanced if it gets too big or unruly

When to prune?
The best time to prune is in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.

How to prune?

  • Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs
  • Cut off dead, yellow or torn leaves at the base
  • Trim back long stems if the plant is getting too big

Leave healthy leaves in place, as they provide energy through photosynthesis.

Propagating a Monstera (cuttings)

Propagating the Monstera is easy and fun!
You can do it by taking cuttings from stems with an aerial root or node.

  1. Cut a section of stem just below a node with an aerial root
  2. Put the cutting in water or straight into moist soil
  3. New roots will form within a few weeks

Once the roots are well developed, you can plant the cutting in a pot of its own.

Common problems with the Monstera

Like any tropical houseplant, the Monstera can run into small problems.

  • Yellow leaves: often caused by too much water or too little light
  • Brown leaf edges: air that's too dry or irregular watering
  • Mealybugs or spider mites: wipe them off with a damp cloth or use a mild organic pesticide
  • Few leaf splits: the plant isn't getting enough light