JUST BROUGHT IT HOME?
A good start, in three steps.
- Place near a bright window with filtered light.
- Check the soil before watering and empty its outer pot.
- Give large stems a sturdy support.
Light & placement
A bright room with filtered sun is a good starting point. Give it space: this is a climbing plant, not a permanent tabletop miniature.
Water & drainage
Allow the upper layer of mix to dry, then water thoroughly and drain. Check more deeply in large pots, where the surface can dry while the root zone stays wet.
Growing well
Add a stable pole or trellis as the plant grows. Wipe large leaves clean. Feed during active growth according to the fertilizer label and repot when roots crowd the container.
When something looks wrong
Young leaves can be whole, without holes or splits. Maturity and light affect leaf shape. Yellowing with wet soil calls for a drainage check; crisp patches after moving into sun may be scorch.
A little further
For propagation, take a stem section with a node. A detached leaf and stalk without a node will not produce a new climbing stem.
Three things to avoid.
- Expecting splits in every young leaf.
- Letting a heavy plant lean without support.
- Keeping its roots constantly wet.
Rooted in good information
NC State Extension · Monstera deliciosa ↗Reviewed October 3, 2026. Guidance is for container growing. Light, climate, pot size, and season change what your plant needs. Outdoor winter survival varies by location and cultivar.
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