Monstera

Monstera deliciosa is the plant most people picture when they think of a jungle indoors. Young leaves are heart-shaped and whole; as the plant matures, new leaves arrive larger and develop the deep splits and holes it is known for. Given the right spot, it becomes a genuine centerpiece.

In the wild it is a climber, using aerial roots to scramble up tree trunks. Indoors it grows best with something to climb, so every monstera we sell ships with a short moss pole already in the pot.

At a glance

• Light: bright indirect light, close to a window but out of hot midday sun.
• Water: when the top two inches of soil are dry, usually every week or so in summer.
• Size: about two feet tall on arrival, eventually six feet or more with support.
• Pets: toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
• Price: $48 for the 8-inch size.

Light

Light decides how your monstera grows. In a bright room it produces big, split leaves on short stems. Too far from the window, it puts out smaller leaves with few or no splits on long, reaching stems. If new leaves stay small and whole, move the plant closer to the light before changing anything else.

Watering and soil

Water thoroughly, let the excess drain away, and wait for the top couple of inches to dry before the next drink. Monstera roots need air as much as water, which is why we pot ours in a chunky aroid potting mix of bark, coir and perlite. Dense, peaty soil holds too much water and is the usual cause of drooping, yellowing leaves.

Space

Plan for width. A mature monstera spreads three feet or more across, and its leaves will brush anything nearby. It is one of our large floor plants for exactly that reason: give it a corner of its own. Tie new growth loosely to the moss pole as it grows, and tuck aerial roots in toward the pole or the soil.

Pets

Monstera is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if a pet eats any of it.