5 Steps to Growing Monstera
- Select a suitable sized pot with good drainage
- Add a layer of indoor plant mix to plant into
- Choose a spot in bright, indirect light
- Water monstera once a week during the growing season
- Apply a general purpose fertiliser once a month
Follow our full guide and plant care tips to growing Monstera below.
The Monstera, commonly known as the ‘Swiss cheese plant’ because of its big, glossy perforated leaves, is an all-time favourite indoor houseplant. Monstera are tropical plants Native to Central America, they naturally want to climb and can grow to be quite large, sometimes support like stakes are needed.
Monsteras can grow between 1-2m tall indoors, depending on the variety of plant and size of your pot. Staking can will provide support for your monstera and help it grow.
prepare
The better the soil, the better your indoor plants will grow. Healthy soil is especially important when growing in a limited area. Choose a potting mix that is free draining like Tui Indoor Plant Mix, specially formulated with the right blend of nutrients to give your indoor plants in pots and containers the best start.
Select a container that is a suitable size for your plants. Ensure the container has enough capacity to house the roots of the plants you want to grow. Drainage is also essential, so keep this in mind when choosing your perfect pot.
plant
Check plant labels for individual planting instructions.
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Partly fill your container with Tui Indoor Plant Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Indoor Plant Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm the mix around the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well.
Light
The right plant in the right place is the secret to healthy indoor plants. Monsteras will do best in bright indirect light and will also tolerate some shade. Intense sunlight should be avoided as this can burn the leaves. Place it in a spot where it has plenty of room to grow and sprawl out its leaves.
nourish
Watering
Water Monsteras moderately and evenly about once a week during spring and summer, and less during the winter. The soil can be left it to dry out between watering. Being a tropical plant, they like a warm humid environment. Lightly misting the leaves will help to increase humidity.
Feeding
Tui Indoor Plant Mix contains a starter fertiliser to provide instant nutrients and prevent transplant shock, along with a controlled release fertiliser for sustained feeding for up to six months, however continuing to replenish nutrients will ensure your plants remain healthy. Sansevierias aren't very heavy feeders, apply a general purpose fertiliser like Tui Enrich Pour & Feed Indoor Plant Liquid Fertiliser once every 3 weeks during spring and summer, or for a sustained feed for up to 6 months use Tui Enrich Pots & Containers.
Common problems
Overwatering can be a problem with Monsteras and usually shows with a yellowing or browning of the leaves.
Well nourished and cared for plants will be more resilient to common problems including temperature fluctuations, pests and diseases.
Pet friendly
This plant is considered toxic, so keep away from pets or small children.