Monstera Monstera deliciosa
At a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- 10000–20000 lux
- Water
- Every 7–10 days
- Top 2-3cm of soil
- Humidity
- 40–70%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 15–30°C
- Ideal 18–27°C
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7
- well-draining
- Mature size
- 300 cm tall
- 200 cm wide
- Native to
- Mexico, Panama, Central America
- Growth
- Moderate
- Vining
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your Monstera based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
Diagnose a problem
Click an issue to see causes and fixes for Monstera.
Or use Plant Doctor — AI-powered diagnostic that picks the top 3 most likely causes with family-specific reasoning and step-by-step fixes (photo upload coming soon).
Compare with similar plants
| Trait | Monstera Monstera deliciosa | Monstera Adansonii Monstera adansonii | Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Rhaphidophora tetrasperma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water | 7–10 days | 7–10 days | 7–10 days |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Mature size | 300 cm | 240 cm | 250 cm |
Light requirements in detail
Monstera prefers bright indirect (10000–20000 lux) . Tolerates medium light but fenestration develops better in bright indirect
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water Monstera every 7– 10 days during the growing season, allowing Top 2-3cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
Consistent moisture matters here — long dry spells will show up as crispy leaf edges.
Pet-safe alternatives to Monstera
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Frequently asked questions about Monstera
How often should I water Monstera?
Water Monstera every 7–10 days during the growing season, allowing Top 2-3cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does Monstera need?
Monstera prefers bright indirect (10000–20000 lux). Tolerates medium light but fenestration develops better in bright indirect
Is Monstera toxic to cats?
Monstera is toxic to cats (moderate severity). Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Common symptoms: oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Is Monstera toxic to dogs?
Monstera is toxic to dogs (moderate severity). Toxic compounds: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Common symptoms: oral irritation, drooling, pawing at mouth, vomiting.
How big does Monstera grow?
Monstera reaches about 300 cm tall and 200 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is moderate.