What Do Monstera Plants Need: A Quick Guide

Ever wonder….

what do Monstera plants need to thrive indoors? You find yourself giving your plant all the attention and love yet it still seems to be dying! In this guide, we will go through what Monstera plants need to have a thriving indoor growing environment!

What Do Monstera Plants Need to Thrive Indoors? Key Tips

There are a few basic points you want to target when growing Monsteras indoors. These include;

• Bright, Indirect Light
• Well-Draining Soil
• Consistent Watering
• High Humidity Levels
• Moderate Temperatures
• Regular Fertilization
• Occasional Pruning and Staking

“By consistently meeting these growing condition requirements you will help your Monstera to thrive indoors with new healthy foliage with proper development.”

What Do Monstera Plants Need: Soil and Root Health Essentials

When it comes to the soil of your Monstera plant you can be a little creative to your preference and customize it! Monsteras grow in soil that provides well-rounded aeration but enough drainage so their roots don’t rot. This is what we are trying to mimic.

Draining

Your Monstera will not do well in soggy soil. Just like it’s so irritating to wear wet socks your Monstera will be irritated and not grow well in soil that holds too much moisture. Creating a well-draining soil mix will help prevent water from collecting and pooling around the roots. This will help reduce the chance of your tropical beauty getting root rot or other health issues.

Aerated and Loose

The name of the game when it comes to growing tropical plants indoors is aeration! A loose soil mix will allow your plant’s roots to breathe and grow without feeling cramped and claustrophobic. Creating a soil mix with good aeration will mimic your Monstera’s natural growing environment.

Soil pH Level

If you are concerned or curious about hitting the pH level for your plant, Monstera prefers between 5.5 and 7.0. This level is perfect for nutrient absorption and retention as they require slightly acidic to neutral soil levels.

Organic Matter

Organic materials like peat moss or bark will help retain moisture for your plant. Moisture is a key part of growing Monstera because their natural habitat is high in humidity.

“This high humidity helps to provide the essential nutrients to your plant without the fear of waterlogging its roots.”

Whether you’re a fan of orchid bark, coco coir, peat moss, or charcoal you can make your blend of soil for your tropical plants. Whichever materials you choose to use make sure you use equal parts. The end goal is a soil mix that is chunky for good aeration but moist enough for your plant’s roots to have access to nutrients. The more peat moss or coco coir you add the higher the soil moisture will be.

the best soil for Monstera health

• Potting Soil: A high-quality soil mix base will provide structure for the soil and help retain some moisture.
• Perlite: This will help increase the drainage and keep the soil blend light and airy.
• Orchid Bark: Improves the aeration needed for the roots and will mimic the natural growing conditions.
• Coco Coir or Peat Moss helps retain much-needed moisture while preventing the soil mix from becoming too compacted.
• Charcoal: This helps with drainage for the roots and will filter away any impurities in the soil over time.

Combining equal parts of these natural ingredients you will have a healthy soil blend rich in nutrients for your plant to access.

“Remember that monsteras thrive well in loose chunky soil as it gives them enough access to oxygen while at the same time draining away any excess water so your plant does not develop root rot.”

What Do Monstera Plants Need: Watering Made Simple

The amount of water your Monstera needs weekly will depend entirely on the growing conditions. Light, temperature, humidity, and soil type all affect how much water your tropical plant needs to grow.

A general guideline to keep in mind:

Check the Topsoil

When watering you only want to water your Monstera when the top 1–2 inches of its soil feels dry when you stick your finger in. This can mean watering only once a week or once every 2 weeks. This depends on how you created your soil blend, your mix might hold onto water longer or shorter.

“If your soil still feels damp to the touch hold off on watering and check again in a few days as overwatering can lead to health issues like rot and decay.”

Seasonal Adjustments

• In the spring and summer months, your Monsteras will grow actively and might need more watering. Mine tend to need watering once every 4–8 days depending on the weather in the warmer months.
• When it comes to the fall and winter months the growth slows down as this is their dormant season. Water less often in these colder months, roughly every 10–14 days, again depending on how cold it gets and what your soil blend is like.

Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering can be a struggle for some plant lovers especially when it comes to tropical plants. To help with this you want to make sure your plant pot has drainage holes on the bottom. This will discard any excess water from the saucer when watering and will reduce the risk of root rot which is a common problem when overwatering.

Factors Affecting the Watering Schedule

Some factors such as light, humidity, pot size, and soil type will affect your watering schedule. Keep these in mind when planting, choosing a pot, and watering.

• Light: Plants that grow in brighter indirect lighting will need more watering often.
• Humidity: Higher humidity levels mean a slower soil drying time so water less often.
• Pot Size and Soil Type: Larger pots or more compacted soil blends will retain water for longer periods so water less often.

“Remember that each Monstera will have different growing conditions such as the lighting, humidity levels, and temperature in your home because each home is different. Following your plant’s telltale signs will help you determine when to water and when to wait.”

What Do Monstera Plants Need: Managing Humidity Levels

Absolutely yes! Monsteras are humidity lovers and will not settle for less! This is a tropical plant found in rainforests and what do rainforests have? High humidity levels so humidity is a deal breaker for the Monstera. Humidity provides a lot of healthy growing conditions for this plant. Monsteras grow best in humidity levels of 60-80%, but they can tolerate slightly lower conditions. For the best humidity levels for healthy growth, you want to aim between 65%–75%. If you have rare Monstera varieties like the Monstera Albo or the Thai Constellation you want to aim for a humidity level between 70-%80% as they require more humidity.

What Do Monstera Plants Need: Quick Indoor Humidity Tips

Optimal Growth

High humidity levels will support better water absorption for your Monstera through its leaves. This will help them from drying out. It also promotes that beautiful lush, vibrant foliage that we all love!

Preventing Leaf Damage

Low humidity levels will cause leaf issues like browning edges or crispy tips. It can cause your plant stress due to the lack of nutrients.

Natural Environment

You will find Monsteras in the humid jungles of South America, so higher humidity levels help mimic their natural habitat allowing them access to the nutrients they need to promote new growth.

If you are having trouble with your humidity levels or your home does not have much humidity to begin with there are some things you can do to help increase the humidity to provide the necessary growing conditions. Alternatively, you can check out our post on whether misting or humidifying is better for your plant if you’re struggling to pick one solution.

How to Increase Humidity

Misting: Lightly misting the leaves of your Monstera a few times a week can help increase the humidity as it is directly on the foliage.

Humidifiers: If you’re looking for a consistent and effective way to raise the humidity in your home humidifiers work wonders especially if you have a busy schedule or forget to mist the leaves.

Grouping Plants: Placing your plants together in an area will create a micro-humid environment. As they grow together they will work off one another and raise the humidity in that area for each other.

Pebble Trays: Alternatively you can put a tray filled with water and pebbles under or near the pot but do not submerge the roots. This tray will release water into the air slowly increasing the humidity.

“Alternatively, if you don’t have a pebble tray or don’t want to spend the money (like me!) then filling bowls with water and setting them around your plant will work the same way but for free!”

What Do Monstera Plants Need: Nutrients and Fertilizer Guide

When it comes to fertilizers you might be wondering what do Monstera plants need? Your Monstera will require a balanced group of essential nutrients to develop new growth and split leaves. If you’re having trouble growing the splits in your leaves check out our post on Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split? Fertilizers play an important role in the life of your plant, especially in active growing seasons like spring and summer.

What Do Monstera Plants Need: Nutrients and Fertilizer GuideNecassary Nutrients

Nitrogen (N)

• Nitrogen will promote lush, green foliage and is crucial for photosynthesis and healthy leaf development.

Phosphorus (P)

• This nutrient will help support the roots and kickstart any new production of the plant. Increases your plant’s energy.

Potassium (K)

• Potassium will boost the overall health of your Monstera and will increase the disease resistance stamina. Also helps to improve water retention and nutrient absorption.

Calcium

• Calcium will help strengthen the cell walls for healthy plant structure and prevent leaf curling or weak growth.

Magnesium

• Essential for chlorophyll production which gives your plant leaves and that to die for deep green color!

Sulfur

• Sulfur will help form the proteins and enzymes your plant needs for overall health and strength.

Micronutrients

These nutrients are called micronutrients. They are only required in small amounts, unlike the necessary nutrients. These are still equally important for your Monstera’s health.

• Iron: This will prevent any yellowing of leaves.
• Zinc: Supports the plant’s enzyme systems.
• Copper: Strengthens the reproductive process.
• Manganese and Boron: These are essential for any nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Choosing the right fertilizer can be confusing especially with all the ones on the market right now. I go for a balanced fertilizer, 8-8-6 (like this one on amazon), during my plant’s growing season (spring and summer). Liquid fertilizers or slow-release options also work well for Monsteras, I personally love a liquid fertilizer because it’s easy to add to your water when watering.

“When fall and winter come you want to reduce fertilizing or completely stop. This is because your plant does not grow during these months due to the cold and giving it nutrients will do more harm than good as it will be unable to absorb and use them.”

FAQ: What Do Monstera Plants Need

How Much Sunlight Does a Monstera Plant Need Each Day?

Between 5-8 hours of indirect bright light. Placing your Monstera directly into sunlight will burn the foliage. Dappled or filtered light works great so a sheer curtain in front of direct sunlight will provide perfect lighting. Even in the tropical forests of this plant, the Monstera will grow under the canopy of other larger trees and plants, thriving in indirect bright light.

What Is the Best Soil Mix for Monstera Plants to Grow Healthy?

Use good quality potting soil with equal parts coco coir, orchid bark, peat moss, or charcoal. This will provide a nutrient-rich soil blend with good aeration and moisture retention. If your container doesn’t have drainage holes make sure you get some whether by making some or getting a new pot that has them. This will help avoid any root rot from developing.

Do Monstera Plants Need Special Care During Winter?

Yes. Your Monstera will need some help to adapt to the colder months. Keep your Monstera in a room that is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Avoid putting it near or on vents, cold drafts and create humidity levels between %65-%80. Water less frequently and do not fertilize. Frost can cause leaf, stem, and root damage. To help with this insulate your pot and plant by adding mulch, using a frost blanket, or bubble wrap the container on the outside. Try to keep them further away from the windows in the colder months as they can release cold air which will cause foliage damage or frostbite.

How Often Should I Water My Monstera Plant to Keep It Thriving?

Your Monstera will generally need to be watered once every 1-2 weeks depending on your pot size and material, soil blend, and climate. If you are unsure if your plant needs to be watered, stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil to see if it’s still damp or dry. If it’s dry you can water it but if it’s still damp wait a few more days and check again.