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How to grow and care for a monstera deliciosa

Move over fiddle-leaf fig. - by Livia Gamble
  • 28 Oct 2020
How to grow and care for a monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese plant

The fiddle-leaf fig has had its time in the sun. It’s now time for a new plant to shine: the Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese plant is the new "It" plant taking over Instagram feeds.

If you've managed to keep your fiddle-leaf alive, then looking after a Monstera will be a breeze as it possesses all the qualities of a good houseplant. 

"A native to the jungles of Southern Mexico and Guatemala, the Monstera is a very easy houseplant that needs space to grow," Gisele Zanier, founder of Beyond Sunflowers," a plant emporium based in Melbourne told Better Homes and Gardens.

How often should I water my monstera plant?

Monstera plants prefer a warm climate away from direct sunlight. When it comes to watering, Gisele says. "Let the top 4cm of soil dry out between watering as over watering may lead to root rot, signs of this are yellowing or wilting leaves. For best results Monsteras should enjoy conditions that are fairly moist so avoid artificial heating and cooling, they will require monthly feeding in spring and summer when planted in containers."

If your Monstera produces aerial roots, manoeuvre them towards some water.

"Plants will do better if the aerial roots that grow from the main stem can be directed into a container of water from which supplies will be drawn for the plant, thus reducing the need for too frequent watering of the mixture in the pot, these roots can be also directed into the potting mixture when re-potting," Gisele explains.

How to keep a monstera plant pest-free

Despite being easy to grow, Monstera’s are prone to mealybugs.

"Cleaning the leaves will also help keep pests under control as they are prone to mealybugs on the undersides of the leaves. It’s also ideal to give them the occasional misting to help increase humidity," says Gisele 

monstera

How to re-pot a monstera plant

When it comes to time to move your plant to a larger pot, "a mix comprised of equal parts potting mixture and sphagnum moss will do the job."

Giselle adds: "Also once the plant reaches heights of 80cm tall it will need the support of a moss pole or bamboo cane as its natural tendency is to grow up."

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Livia Gamble
Livia Gamble
Based in Sydney, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.

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