Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) care guide
Quick answer
Put a Monstera in bright, filtered light and give its stems firm support. Water only when the top of the mix is nearly dry. Soak the pot, let it drain, and empty the saucer.
- WaterWhen the upper mix is almost dry
- LightBright filtered or indirect light
- Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
When the upper mix is almost dry
Feel the upper potting mix before you water. If it is almost dry, soak the mix with room-temperature water, let the pot drain and empty the saucer.
The mix usually dries more slowly in winter. Check it again before the next watering rather than assuming the same interval will still work.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright filtered or indirect light
Place Monstera deliciosa in bright, filtered or indirect light. If it has been in a dimmer spot, introduce stronger light gradually so the leaves are not scorched.
Feeding
During active growth, use a balanced liquid fertilizer about once a month, or follow the product directions. If the plant is stressed, check its conditions before adding fertilizer.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
HumidityModerate to high
Keep Monstera deliciosa warm, roughly 18–27 °C (64–81 °F), away from cold drafts and direct heat. Prolonged cold can damage growth.
Moderate to high humidity suits Monstera deliciosa. If the room is very dry, a tray of damp pebbles can raise humidity around the plant.
Common problems
A yellow or drooping leaf can have several causes. Start with the mix and drainage, then think back to any recent move or temperature change. Change one thing at a time.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full Monstera toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water Monstera deliciosa?
Water when the upper potting mix is almost dry. Soak the mix with room-temperature water, let the pot drain and empty the saucer. Check less often in winter because the mix usually dries more slowly.
How much light does Monstera deliciosa need?
Give it bright, filtered or indirect light. Introduce stronger light gradually, especially if the plant has been growing in a dimmer spot.
Why are my Monstera leaves yellowing or drooping?
Check whether the mix is wet or dry, whether the pot drains freely, and whether the plant was recently moved. Then inspect both sides of the leaves and stems for pests or spreading spots.
Is Monstera deliciosa toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa as toxic to cats and dogs because it contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Possible signs include oral irritation, mouth pain or swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxModerate brightness · warm temperature · humidity · top-quarter to one-third dry-down · support · spring repotting · indoor size
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPartial shade · moist but well-drained · H1B · peat-free loam compost · bright indirect light · monthly feeding · pests · Indoor temperature · humidity · indirect light · arum safety context · size and cultivar distinctions
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity to dogs and cats · insoluble calcium oxalates · clinical signs
- Sources: the RHS Monstera deliciosa profile and RHS Swiss cheese plants guide support the light, watering, feeding, temperature and humidity guidance. The UConn Monstera deliciosa factsheet supports the exact-species care and conditional problem checks, while UConn houseplant watering guidance supports checking conditions rather than a calendar. The ASPCA Ceriman record supports the pet-toxicity wording. Botanicaly’s illustrations clarify identity and visible checks. They do not diagnose a cause, reveal hidden roots, measure light or humidity, or predict exposure severity.
- How we check our plant advice
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