How To Grow and Care for Monstera

How to grow monstera (quick steps)

1. Choose a spot with bright, indirect light

2. Use a well-draining, airy potting mix

3. Plant in a pot with good drainage

4. Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry

5. Feed during spring and summer

6. Provide support with a moss pole or stake

7. Repot as the plant grows to refresh soil and space

What are monstera plants?

Monstera plants are tropical, fast-growing climbing plants known for their large, glossy leaves that develop natural holes or splits as they mature. Often called the “Swiss cheese plant,” monstera is popular as an indoor plant due to its bold foliage and relatively easy care. Native to tropical rainforests, monstera grows as a climbing epiphyte, using aerial roots to attach to trees or supports as it grows.

Monstera plant facts

- Plant type: Tropical climbing houseplant

- Light: Bright, indirect light

- Soil: Well-drained, airy potting mix

- Watering: Moderate (allow topsoil to dry between watering)

- Growth habit: Climbing vine with aerial roots

- Best for: Indoor spaces, statement foliage, pots

- Note: Can irritate pets if chewed; only fully ripe fruit is edible

What You'll Need for Growing Monstera

To successfully grow Monstera, you will need:

If growing in a pot

• A suitable pot
• Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix
• Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser for Indoor Plants or Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Indoor Plants or Scotts Osmocote Mist+Feed for Indoor Plants
• Moss pole

Monstera are vining plants so they will need support to climb upwards. A moss pole is ideal for this and provides a place where the aerial roots can take hold.

If growing in the ground

• Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver
• Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser: All Purpose
• A potting mix scoop or garden trowel

What is the best potting mix for monstera?

Monstera grows best in a chunky, well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture but allows excess water to drain freely. The ideal mix combines potting mix, perlite, and bark to create an airy structure that prevents root rot while supporting healthy growth. A premium indoor mix such as Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants works well as a base. For best results, improve it with perlite or bark to increase drainage and airflow.

What soil does monstera need?

Monstera prefers a loose, breathable mix made up of:

• Potting mix (for nutrients)

• Perlite or pumice (for drainage)

• Orchid bark or perlite (for airflow – coir is better for moisture retention than airflow)

What is the best potting mix for monstera in Australia?

Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants makes a good base – improve it with extra perlite or orchid bark for drainage and airflow. Osmocote’s indoor Pour+Feed or Mist+Feed liquid feeds are a natural pairing once the plant is established.

Can you make your own monstera potting mix?

Yes. A simple DIY mix includes:

• 2 parts potting mix

• 1 part perlite

• 1 part orchid bark or coco coir
   

How to grow monstera in pots (step-by-step)

Step 1: Choose the right pot

Choose a pot one size up from the original nursery pot (about 5cm wider) - make sure it has drainage holes, or use a black plastic pot that sits snugly inside a cover-pot or cache pot (pot with no holes).

Step 2: Use a well-draining potting mix

Half fill with a chunky, free-draining mix, such as Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants.

Step 3: Plant correctly

Gently remove the Monstera from the nursery pot and position it into the potting mix, backfill so the mix sits a few centimetres below the rim, leaving room for watering.

Step 4: Water thoroughly

Water well after planting and allow excess water to drain away.

Step 5: Position in the right light

Place the pot in bright, indirect light, away from harsh direct sun.

Step 6: Provide support

Insert a moss pole or stake to encourage upright growth and larger leaves.

Step 7: Maintain watering and feeding

Water when the topsoil dries out (make sure the top 2-5cm of soil is dry before watering again) and feed during spring and summer to support growth.

Step 8: Repot as needed

Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root bound to refresh soil and allow continued growth.

How do you grow monstera in the garden?

How to grow monstera in the garden (step-by-step)

Step 1: Choose a warm, sheltered position

Monstera can be grown outside in a warm, frost free spot. Choose a shady spot or dappled morning sunlight. Remember fruit salad plants like to climb, so position it near a sturdy support or fence that it can climb up. If planted at the base of a tree it may climb the tree!

Step 2: Prepare the soil

Ensure the soil is rich and moist but free-draining. Improve heavy soils with compost or soil improver, such as Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver.

Step 3: Plant at the right depth

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Remove your Monstera from its pot and position it into the middle of the hole, backfill around the root ball with soil.

Step 4: Water in well

Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and establish roots.

Step 5: Add support for climbing

Install a stake, trellis, or allow the plant to grow against a wall or tree so it can climb naturally.

Step 6: Mulch and maintain moisture

Mulch around your in ground Monstera to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly, particularly during warmer or dry weather.

Step 7: Feed and monitor growth

Feed during the growing season and monitor for healthy leaf development. Prune lightly to control size if needed.

How do you care for monstera?

Fertilise Monstera fortnightly in spring and summer with an indoor plant fertiliser to encourage new growth. Use Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Indoor Plants - this is a simple to use ‘measure and pour’ feed which contains the right balance of nutrients. If you’d prefer a longer term fertilising product, with less applications, apply Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser for Indoor Plants in early spring and again in early autumn - this product feeds for up to 6 months. 

Fertilise in ground planted Monstera with Scotts Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser: All Purpose in spring and early autumn.

In the warmer months of spring and summer Monstera will appreciate a more regular watering and a higher humidity. To increase the humidity around Monstera, group them with other plants to create a microclimate or mist them with a spray bottle regularly. You can also sit their pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water - as the water evaporates it will humidify the air.

Remove any dead or damaged leaves at the base of the stem to promote new growth. If the tips of your Monstera leaves go brown it could be too much sun or too much water - try moving it to a spot with less direct sunlight (or a space with morning sunlight only) or allow the potting mix to dry out before watering again.
 
Because the Monstera leaves are so large, they need to be cleaned of dust regularly - use a damp, soft cloth to gently wipe each leaf to remove dust. 

How do you train a Monstera plant?

Monstera plants naturally climb, so training them helps improve their shape and encourages larger, more dramatic leaves.

What support does a monstera need?

Monstera grows best with a moss pole, coir pole, or stake, which mimics its natural growing conditions and allows aerial roots to attach.

How do you train monstera to climb?

Step 1: Install support early

Insert a moss pole or stake into the pot when the plant is young to guide growth from the start.

Step 2: Secure stems gently

Tie the stems loosely to the support using soft ties or plant clips.

Step 3: Guide aerial roots

Position aerial roots against the support so they can attach and stabilise the plant.

Step 4: Adjust as it grows

Continue tying and guiding new growth upward to maintain an upright, structured plant.

Pests & Diseases

Look out for distorted new growth and obvious signs of pests on the undersides of leaves. Mites, scale and mealybugs can from time to time become a problem on Monstera - use an insect spray to control them if needed. 

FAQs

A healthy and happy Monstera is quite resilient to most pests and diseases, however, it’s still important to keep an eye on it!

Why is there webbing underneath the leaves of my Monstera?

This is a tell-tale sign of spider mite. So is yellowing around the leaf edges and small spots on the foliage. These pesky little critters weaken the plant by sucking goodness from the leaves. Simply, hose the leaves down outside to reduce the spider mite population and use a natural insecticide to clean up the rest.

Why are the leaves on my Monstera discoloured and mottled?

Thrips may be to blame. Look out for black-brown marks on the underside of the leaves (this is excrement). The top of the leaves may also appear silvery, yellow or brown. Remove heavily infested leaves from the plant and then treat with an insect spray.

What are the brown lumps on the underside of the Monstera leaf?

This could be a scale insect. Large infestations of scale can cause white or yellow spots to appear on the foliage. Leaves may also turn yellow and possibly drop off. If they are a problem then simply use soapy water and a brush to remove them or treat scale with an insect spray.

Why doesn’t my Monstera have holes in the leaves?

The problem is most likely due to a lack of light. Don’t put it in direct sunlight, but do make sure that the space is bright enough.

Can I use regular potting mix for monstera?

You can use regular potting mix as a base, but on its own it’s often too dense. It’s best to improve it with perlite or bark to increase drainage and airflow.

What happens if monstera soil is too dense?

Dense soil can hold too much water, leading to poor drainage and root rot. It can also restrict airflow, which stresses the roots.

Can I use cactus or succulent mix for monstera?

Cactus mix drains well but may be too dry on its own. It works best when blended with regular potting mix to balance moisture retention and drainage.

How often should I change monstera potting mix?

Repot and refresh the soil every 1–2 years, or sooner if the mix becomes compacted or stops draining properly.

Do monstera plants need support?

Yes, monstera plants benefit from support like a moss pole, which helps them grow upright and produce larger leaves.

Are Monstera toxic?

Monstera plants are poisonous if eaten, so ensure that the plant isn’t in reach of children and pets. The fruits of the Monstera deliciosa however are edible!

Are there different types of Monstera?

With over 45 species available, there is a Monstera plant out there that will suit any aesthetic and really bring your indoor jungle to life. We’ve rounded up our top 5 favourite Monstera varieties, each with striking differences and quirky qualities – why not mix and match?!

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa can grow long and leggy up to 5m or full and hearty if you prune regularly. Also, the holes of the common Monstera leaves create attractive indentations, especially when they reach the edge of the leaf. Monstera deliciosa is easily confused with Philodendron bipinnatifidum and both are often labelled as ‘split-leafed philodendron’, even by reputable retailers. The 2 key things that tell them apart is that Monstera deliciosa is a climbing plant and it produces fruit, whereas the Philodendron does not.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata'.

Unlike the common Monstera deliciosa, this variety grows leaves that are distinctively dark green with striking white marbled patches.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Tauerii’

This plant is a dwarf version of Monstera deliciosa, with decorative heart shaped leaves and perforated foliage. It’s the perfect choice for adding a bit of greenery to your home office or living space and won’t take up as much space as the original Swiss Cheese plant.

Monstera adansonii

Monstera adansonii is petite compared to most Monsteras and only grows to about 1m in height. The holes on this plant are positioned more towards the middle of the leaf and the margins of the leaves are closed earning it the nickname ‘monkey mask’ as the slits resemble a cheek monkey peering through!

Monstera siltepecana

This variety is distinguished by its beautiful venation and silvery sheen, with strongly contrasting colourings between the leaf veins and lamina (the areas between the leaf veins). The veins are dark green and the lamina is a beautiful blue-silver colour.