Plant Care

Monstera Deliciosa Care: The Complete Guide (2025)

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Master monstera care with this complete guide covering light, water, support, and troubleshooting for healthy, fenestrated growth indoors.

JJessica Chen

October 30, 2025

Healthy monstera deliciosa with fenestrated leaves on moss pole in bright indirect light showing proper care results — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Monstera deliciosa needs bright indirect light, weekly watering when dry, and climbing support. Provide 60-70% humidity and monthly fertilizer during growing season for optimal growth.

TL;DR

The monstera deliciosa thrives with bright indirect light, weekly watering when soil is dry, and climbing support. Provide 60-70% humidity and balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Fenestrations develop with proper light and maturity (2-3 years). Watch for yellow leaves (usually overwatering) and provide moss pole support for best growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you water a monstera?

Water your monstera deliciosa when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days during growing season. Reduce to every 2-3 weeks in winter when growth slows and soil dries more slowly.

Do monsteras need direct sunlight?

No, monsteras prefer bright indirect light rather than direct sunlight. Direct sun can scorch leaves, causing brown patches and crispy edges. East-facing windows provide ideal morning light, while south and west windows need sheer curtains to filter intensity.

Why are my monstera leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves typically indicate overwatering, the most common monstera care mistake. Check if soil feels soggy or has a musty smell. Other causes include natural aging of lower leaves, underwatering, insufficient light, or nutrient deficiency.

Why doesn't my monstera have holes?

Fenestrations develop with plant maturity (typically 2-3 years) and adequate bright indirect light. Young monsteras naturally have solid, heart-shaped leaves. If your mature plant lacks holes, it likely needs more light or climbing support.

Should I cut off yellow monstera leaves?

Yes, remove yellow leaves promptly to redirect plant energy toward healthy growth. Cut the entire leaf stem at the base using clean, sharp pruning shears rather than just removing the yellow portion.

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Tagged with

#monstera care #monstera deliciosa #houseplant care #tropical plants #climbing plants #moss pole #fenestration #plant watering #indoor plants #plant propagation

Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.