Care for monstera plants

Monstera deliciosa – commonly named fruit salad plant or Swiss cheese plant – brings to mind nostalgic memories of the 1950s to 1970s, a time when lush, rambling indoor greenery dotted many rooms around the home. It is popular for its enormous split leaves, and wild growth habits, which add character to any interior. It’s the perfect plant if you’re new to indoor gardening, as well as a nostalgia trip for anyone revisiting their old passion for indoor greenery.

Monstera care

An extremely adaptable and hardy plant, monstera copes with dappled to bright natural lighting levels. Plant it in a premium-quality potting mix, so it is in a medium that’s rich in nutrients. To encourage growth, feed with a liquid fertiliser every few weeks in warmer months, as well as slow-release fertiliser every six months. Allow the soil to dry out before watering. Remove accumulated dust by wiping leaves with a damp cloth, or give the plant a shower in warmer months.

You can propagate your monstera by cutting a stem towards the tip just below a leaf point. Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in water or potting mix.

Styling tips

This plant is perfect for larger spaces, where you can appreciate its forms and proportions, as well as its distinctive foliage. Give it room to spread out, as it can grow to mammoth proportions!

Text by Jason Chongue
Header image credit: iStock