How to Care for Monstera: Complete UK Guide

Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss cheese plant, thrives in UK homes when given bright, indirect light, weekly-ish watering that lets compost dry slightly between drinks, and a sturdy support such as a moss pole. Given warmth, humidity and regular feeding through spring and summer, it produces the large, glossy, fenestrated leaves it is prized for.

Choosing a healthy plant and varieties

When buying from a garden centre or online supplier, look for firm, upright stems, glossy leaves free of yellowing or brown patches, and no signs of pests such as spider mites or scale on the undersides of leaves. Check the compost is not sodden and that the roots are not circling tightly at the base of the pot, which suggests it is pot-bound.

Light and position

Monstera does best in a spot with bright, indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light leads to small, unsplit leaves and leggy growth. In UK winters, when daylight is weak, move the plant closer to a window to compensate, but keep it away from cold draughts and glass that gets very cold overnight.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top 5cm of compost feels dry, allowing excess water to drain freely from the pot. In summer this might mean watering weekly, while in winter, when growth slows and central heating dries the air but light is low, watering every two to three weeks is often enough. Always check the compost with your finger rather than sticking to a fixed schedule, as overwatering is the most common cause of problems.

Humidity and temperature

Monstera enjoys moderate to high humidity, which can be boosted by grouping plants together, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier, particularly in centrally heated rooms during winter. Aim for a steady room temperature between 16-27°C and avoid placing the plant near radiators or draughty windows, both of which cause stress and leaf browning.

Feeding

Feed monthly during the growing season, from around March to September, with a balanced liquid houseplant feed diluted according to the packet instructions. Stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows, as fertiliser applied during dormancy can build up salts in the compost and damage roots.

Potting mix and repotting

Monstera needs a chunky, free-draining mix that mimics its natural habitat clinging to trees.

1. Choose a pot one size larger with drainage holes.
2. Mix a peat-free houseplant compost with perlite, orchid bark and a little charcoal for aeration.
3. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant at the same depth as before.
4. Backfill around the roots, firm lightly, and water well.
5. Repot every one to two years in spring when roots fill the pot.

Pruning, cleaning and support

Trim any yellow, damaged or overly leggy stems back to a leaf node using clean secateurs to encourage bushier growth. Wipe leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust, which improves the plant's ability to photosynthesise. Install a moss pole or coir pole when the plant is young so aerial roots can attach as it grows, supporting larger leaves and preventing top-heavy stems from toppling.

Propagation

Monstera is straightforward to propagate from stem cuttings.

1. Select a healthy stem section with at least one leaf node and, ideally, an aerial root.
2. Cut just below the node using a clean, sharp knife.
3. Place the cutting in water or moist compost, ensuring the node is submerged or buried.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light and change water weekly if rooting in water.
5. Once roots are several centimetres long, pot into houseplant compost.

Common problems

Seasonal care calendar

For more advice on growing houseplants successfully, browse our plants section or see our how-to guides for further tips.