Image: PlantoScan
Monstera Deliciosa Plant Care
Monstera deliciosa Liebm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Monstera genus consists of 50 species. It produces an inflorescence called spathe and spadix. It is also called the Swiss Cheese plant. Its dark green foliage spots slits and holes.
Every 5–7 days
Bright Indirect
65–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Monstera Deliciosa?
Water Monstera Deliciosa every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Monstera Deliciosa Native To?
What Is the Monstera Deliciosa?
Monstera Deliciosa (Monstera deliciosa) belongs to the Araceae family within the Monstera genus. Monstera Deliciosa is native to Southern Mexico, South to Panama. Monstera Deliciosa is also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant.
Monstera Deliciosa displays a crawl as seedlings, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 66 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Monstera Deliciosa produces spathe and spadix.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Monstera Deliciosa?
Monstera deliciosa requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Monstera Deliciosa Need?
Monstera Deliciosa thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Monstera Deliciosa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Monstera Deliciosa Prefer?
Monstera deliciosa grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Monstera Deliciosa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Monstera Deliciosa?
Well-draining soil mix using peat, perlite, charcoal, orchid bark and some potting soil. Slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Good drainage is essential for Monstera Deliciosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Monstera Deliciosa?
Feed Monstera Deliciosa every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Monstera Deliciosa?
Monstera Deliciosa can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to monstera obliqua plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Mildly toxic to humans, and toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Contains calcium oxalate chrystals
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Monstera Deliciosa?
Monstera Deliciosa is susceptible to mealybugs, thrips, scale, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Monstera Deliciosa Need?
Monstera Deliciosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Monstera Deliciosa is native to Southern Mexico, South to Panama. In cooler regions, grow Monstera Deliciosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Monstera Deliciosa is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Monstera genus — compare its care with other Monstera species on PlantoScan.
Monstera is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Monstera Deliciosa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Monstera Species
Other Monstera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Monstera deliciosa Liebm., family Araceae (first published in Vidensk. Meddel. Naturhist. Foren. Kjøbenhavn 1: 19 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Monstera Deliciosa as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: © PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Monstera Deliciosa Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species