Monstera Care Guide:
Monstera is a tropical plant that needs proper care to thrive. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Monstera care, including how much light, water, and humidity it needs, the best soil for Monstera, and the ideal temperature range.
How Much Light Does a Monstera Need?
Monstera prefers bright, indirect sunlight, similar to the light it gets in its native environment. It loves bright, indirect sunlight but too much direct sunlight in the summer can cause burn marks on its big and beautiful leaves. Although Monstera can tolerate low light, it grows slower. If kept in a dark area, its leaves will turn yellow, indicating that it needs to be moved to a better-lit environment.
How Often Do I Water My Monstera?
As a tropical plant, Monstera likes moist soil. Water your plant as soon as the soil at the top of the pot is dry. Check the moisture level using a moisture meter or your finger. If the top 5 cm (2 inches) is dry, it’s time to water your plant. Avoid letting the soil dry out too much because the leaves will start to droop. Yellow, brown, or black tips on leaves indicate overwatering. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the top 5-7cm (2-3 inches) of soil is dry.
What Is the Best Soil for a Monstera?
Choose a well-draining soil that retains enough moisture to keep your Monstera happy. A pot with a draining hole at the bottom helps avoid overwatering and root rot. You can make your soil mix by mixing 1 part potting soil with 1 part coconut fibers and 1 part perlite. This mix keeps the soil light and airy, draining excess moisture to the bottom of the pot.
How Much Humidity Does a Monstera Need?
Monstera loves humidity and thrives in a highly humid environment, similar to its native environment. Mist your Monstera occasionally or use a humidifier. If it’s hard to keep the humidity high in your house, consider following some steps outlined in “10 ways to raise the humidity in your house.” If you live in a very dry climate or your house is particularly dry, a humidifier will help your Monstera thrive.
What Is the Best Temperature for a Monstera?
Along with indirect sunlight and humidity, Monstera loves warmer temperatures, with the ideal range between 21-32℃ (70-90℉). Keep it away from cold drafts because it’s sensitive to cold temperatures and sudden drops.
When and How Do You Repot a Monstera?
Repot your Monstera about every 2-3 years if it grows consistently and starts to outgrow its current pot. Get a pot slightly bigger than its roots to provide enough space for growth.
In summary, to keep your Monstera happy, provide bright, indirect sunlight, moist well-draining soil, occasional misting, warmer temperatures, and avoid cold drafts. Keep an eye on its moisture level and repot when necessary. Following these tips will ensure your Monstera thrives and stays healthy.
Common Problems?
If you’re a plant parent, you may have encountered situations where your beloved green friend seems to be struggling. One of the most common issues is when the leaves start turning brown and crispy at the edges. This can be caused by a thirsty plant that’s not getting enough water or by a high salt build-up in the soil. It’s important to note that some plants may naturally have brown edges, so make sure to do some research on your specific plant to see if this is a normal occurrence.
Another symptom to look out for is a wilting plant with dry potting mix. This can be a result of underwatering or a pot-bound plant. If your plant has been in the same pot for a while, it may be time to consider repotting it into a larger container. On the other hand, if you’re not watering your plant enough, it may start to wilt and dry out.
If you notice yellowing leaves or black stems, the cause may be overwatering. When the potting mix is consistently wet, the roots can start to rot and die off. This can lead to a lack of nutrients and oxygen for the plant, resulting in yellowing leaves or even black stems. It’s important to strike a balance between giving your plant enough water to thrive and not drowning it with too much moisture. As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to underwater than overwater your plant.
Want More Plants? have a look at The Best Indoor Plants for Beginners: Easy-to-Care-For Options
One thought on “How to Keep your Monstera Happy”