Water the Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) when the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil have dried out, which is often about once every 7 to 10 days in active growth. Let the Monstera drain fully after watering and never leave the pot sitting in standing water. In winter the Monstera needs less frequent watering, often only once every 2 to 3 weeks, because growth slows and the soil stays moist longer. Drooping or yellowing lower leaves on a Monstera frequently signal overwatering rather than thirst, so check the soil before adding more water.
The Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) grows best in bright, indirect light for roughly 6 to 8 hours a day. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves of a Monstera, leaving pale or brown patches, so filter strong light through a sheer curtain. A Monstera kept in deep shade tends to produce smaller leaves with fewer of the characteristic splits and holes. Rotating the Monstera a quarter turn each week helps it grow evenly toward the light source.
The cited reference lists Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. These effects in the Monstera are caused by insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present throughout the plant's leaves and stems. If a cat or dog chews any part of a Monstera, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison-control line promptly. Keep the Monstera out of reach of pets and children to reduce the chance of accidental ingestion.
Plant the Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) in a loose, well-draining potting mix amended with bark, perlite, or coir to keep roots aerated. Choose a pot for the Monstera that has drainage holes and is only 2 to 5 centimeters wider than the current root ball. Repot the Monstera every 1 to 2 years in spring when roots begin circling the pot or emerging from the drainage holes. A mature Monstera benefits from a moss pole or stake, because its aerial roots will climb and support larger, more fenestrated leaves.
Yellowing leaves on a Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) most commonly point to overwatering or poor drainage, so let the soil dry further before the next watering. Brown, crispy leaf edges on a Monstera usually indicate low humidity or underwatering, and raising humidity to around 60 percent can help. Few or no leaf splits on a younger Monstera are normal, and fenestration typically increases as the plant matures and receives brighter light. Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs sometimes appear on a Monstera, and wiping the leaves and treating with insecticidal soap usually controls them.