MONSTERA DELICIOSA CARE GUIDE

The NO B.S. care guide to growing MONSTERA DELICIOSA for CANADIANS!

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a tropical beauty and personal Aroid favourite. Known for its showy, iconic split leaves and rapid growth, it instantly transforms any indoor space into a lush, green paradise. Here’s your NO B.S. guide to keeping your Monstera deliciosa thriving in your Canadian home.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

MONSTERA DELICIOSA (MON-STAIR-UH DEE-LISH-EE-OH-SUH)

ORIGIN:

CENTRAL AMERICA, FROM SOUTHERN MEXICO TO PANAMA (ZONES 10-12)

SIZE:

HEIGHT: 3 – 10 FEET (90 CM – 3 M), DEPENDING ON GROWING CONDITIONS AND PRUNING
WIDTH: 2 – 3 FEET (60 – 90 CM)

SOIL:

Monstera deliciosa thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Use our Plant King Premium Aroid Soil Mix, which provides the perfect balance of aeration, moisture retention, and essential nutrients for optimal growth. This mix is designed to mimic the plant’s natural environment, ensuring healthy roots and vibrant foliage.
Or you can make your own simple mix as follows:

30% Satsuma
20% Pine Bark
20% Coco Chunks
10% Perlite
10% Peat Moss
10% Coco Coir

LIGHT:

Monstera deliciosa prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, but avoid harsh, midday sun to prevent leaf burn. Place it near a bright window with filtered light for best results.

WATER:

Water your Monstera deliciosa when the top inch of soil feels dry. Thoroughly water the plant until excess water drains out of the pot, then let it dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot, so ensure your pot and soil has good drainage capabilities.

HUMIDITY:

This tropical plant loves high humidity. Aim for 60-80% humidity levels. You can achieve this by using a humidifier, placing the pot on a humidity tray, or misting the leaves regularly. Monstera deliciosa can adapt to lower humidity, but higher levels will promote better growth and healthier foliage.

FEEDING:

Feed your Monstera deliciosa during the growing season (spring through fall) with Gaia Green Organics All Purpose 4-4-4 Fertilizer, available in granulated and non-granulated forms. Alternatively, Gaia Green Power Bloom 2-8-4 Fertilizer is an excellent choice. Check out our fertilizers here.

POTS:

Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. As Monstera deliciosa grows, it may need repotting every 1-2 years. Select a pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter to give the roots room to expand.

WINTER CARE:

In colder months, Monstera deliciosa will experience slower growth. Reduce watering frequency and ensure it still receives plenty of indirect light. Maintain humidity levels with a humidifier or humidity tray, as indoor heating can dry out the air.

F.A.Q:

WHY ARE MY LEAVES TURNING YELLOW?

Yellowing leaves can result from overwatering, underwatering, or lack of light. Check soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly. Ensure your Monstera receives adequate, indirect light.

WHY ARE THE EDGES OF MY LEAVES BROWN AND CRISPY?

Brown and crispy edges are often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting, using a humidity tray, or placing a humidifier nearby. Ensure you are watering adequately and consistently.

HOW DO I ENCOURAGE MORE LEAF SPLITS?

Provide bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity. Fertilize during the growing season and ensure the plant is not root-bound by repotting when necessary.

CAN I PROPAGATE MY MONSTERA DELICIOSA?

Yes! Monstera deliciosa can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Cut a section with at least one node and aerial root, then place it in water or moist soil until roots develop.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you are really loving learning about Monstera deliciosa and Aroids in general and want to go deeper, check out and join the International Aroid Society (IAS):

www.aroid.org