New to Monstera Care? Beginner Tips That Make It Almost Effortless
Simple Monstera care tips for healthy roots, stronger growth and bigger leaves.
Monsteras are one of the most loved houseplants, and for good reason. With the right light, watering routine and soil mix, they can grow quickly, produce larger leaves and eventually develop those beautiful splits and fenestrations everyone wants.
1. Give your Monstera bright, indirect light
Monsteras love bright, indirect light. A spot near a bright window is usually ideal, but avoid harsh direct sun for long periods, especially during hot weather, as this can scorch the leaves.
2. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
Monsteras do not like sitting in wet soil. As a general rule, wait until the top 2 inches or 5cm of soil are completely dry before watering thoroughly and allowing any excess water to drain away.
Quick tip
Don't water on a schedule. Always check the soil first. During warmer months this may be every 5–10 days, while in winter it can be much less frequent.
3. Use a chunky, well-aerated soil mix
A Monstera’s roots need both moisture and oxygen. Standard houseplant compost can become dense and compact, which means the roots stay wet for too long.
A chunky aroid mix helps create air pockets around the roots, supports drainage and reduces the risk of root rot.
Healthy Monstera Growth Starts at the Roots
If your soil stays wet for days, feels dense or your Monstera is showing yellow leaves, the potting mix may be part of the problem. Rare Leaf Premium Aroid Soil Mix is chunky, airy and designed for Monstera, Philodendron and other aroids.
Shop Aroid Mix4. Add a moss pole for bigger leaves
Monsteras are climbing plants. Giving them a moss pole or support helps them grow upwards and can encourage stronger growth, larger leaves and better fenestration over time.
5. Keep it warm and away from cold drafts
Monsteras prefer warm, stable indoor conditions. Keep them away from cold windows, open doors and sudden temperature changes.
Grow Your Own Monstera
Our beginner-friendly Grow Your Own Monstera Kit contains everything you need to grow Monstera deliciosa from seed, including premium growing media, seeds, labels and a simple step-by-step guide.
Shop Monstera Grow Kits6. Wipe the leaves and remove yellow ones
Large Monstera leaves collect dust, which can reduce how much light the plant absorbs. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy.
Common Monstera problems
Yellow leaves
Often linked to overwatering, poor drainage, dense soil or natural old leaf loss.
No splits or fenestrations
Usually caused by the plant being too young, not enough light, lack of support or slow root growth.
Drooping leaves
Can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, cold shock or root stress.
Soil staying wet for too long
Usually a sign that the soil mix is too dense, the pot is too large, or the plant is not receiving enough light.
Visit The Plant Help Hub
Whether you're dealing with yellow leaves, fungus gnats, root rot, mushrooms in soil or bugs in your plant pot, our Plant Help Hub is designed to help you diagnose common houseplant problems.
🪰 How Do I Get Rid of Fungus Gnats?
🪴 How Do I Know If My Plant Has Root Rot?
💧 Why Is My Soil Staying Wet For So Long?
🍄 Help! What Are These Mushrooms Growing In My Plant Pot?
🐛 Help! What Are These Bugs In My Plant Soil?
