Monstera Deliciosa (Test)

The Monstera deliciosa — Swiss Cheese Plant — is one of the most forgiving and visually rewarding houseplants you can grow. Native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and Panama, it has adapted brilliantly to indoor life across the world.

Why we love it

The fenestrated (split) leaves are unmistakable, and a healthy Monstera will produce a new leaf every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. It tolerates a missed watering, a dim corner, and a long business trip without complaint.

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Direct sun for more than an hour or two will scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing window is perfect. If you only have a south- or west-facing window, pull the plant back 2–3 feet or filter with a sheer curtain.

Water

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. In our Bengaluru climate that is roughly once a week in summer and once every 10–14 days in winter. Yellowing lower leaves usually mean overwatering; crispy brown edges mean under-watering or low humidity.

Where it thrives

Living rooms, bedrooms, and offices with filtered light. Pairs beautifully with other tropical foliage like Philodendron, Calathea, and Pothos. In a bathroom with a window, it loves the humidity.

Care schedule

• Spring & Summer: Water weekly. Feed every 4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser (we recommend 19-19-19 at half strength). Wipe leaves monthly with a damp cloth.
• Monsoon: Reduce watering to every 10 days. Watch for fungal spots on lower leaves — improve air circulation if you see them.
• Autumn & Winter: Water every 2 weeks. Stop feeding. Move away from cold drafts from windows or AC units.

Common issues

• Yellow lower leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry out completely before the next watering.
• Crispy brown leaf edges: Low humidity. Group with other plants, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray.
• No splits on new leaves: Insufficient light. Move closer to a window or add a grow light.
• Long, leggy stems with small leaves: Not enough light, or the plant is mature and needs staking. Add a moss pole and the plant will produce larger leaves.

Pro tips

• Give it a moss pole or coir pole to climb — mature Monsteras produce dramatically larger and more fenestrated leaves when they can climb.
• Wipe the leaves monthly with a damp microfibre cloth. Dusty leaves can't photosynthesise efficiently and lose their gloss.
• Repot every 18–24 months in a pot 1–2 inches larger. Use a chunky, well-draining mix (we recommend 50% potting soil, 25% perlite, 25% orchid bark).
• Propagate easily by stem cuttings: cut just below a node, root in water or directly in moist soil.