How to keep your Monstera thriving

The Monstera, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a beautiful and popular houseplant that has captured the hearts of more and more gardeners in recent years. With its striking leaves and relatively easy care, it's no wonder that the Monstera has become a beloved guest in many interiors. In this blog, we'll share the best tips for flourishing your Monstera, from location to care tips.

Location

Choosing the right location is essential for a healthy Monstera. Here are some important considerations:

1. Light: Monstera's thrive best in indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves. Locating your Monstera on a spot near a window, but not in direct sunlight, is ideal.

2. Temperature: A moderate room temperature between 18-25 degrees Celsius is perfect for the Monstera. They can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but avoid cold drafts.

3. Humidity: While Monstera's are not very picky about humidity, they do appreciate it when the humidity is higher. You can enable this by occasionally misting the leaves with room-temperature water.

Types of Monstera

Below are five of the most popular varieties of Monstera. Discover their benefits!

1. Monstera Deliciosa: This is the most well-known variety, also known as the Swiss cheese plant. The leaves have distinctive cuts and holes, and it is a robust and easy-to-care-for plant.

2. Monstera adansonii: Also known as the "Swiss cheese plant," this variety has smaller leaves with more holes. It is a climbing plant that thrives in hanging pots or with support.

3. Monstera Obliqua: This variety is known for its very fine and intensive hole pattern. It is a rare and delicate plant that requires more care and attention than the other varieties.

4. Monstera Pinnatipartita: This variety has deeply incised leaves resembling ferns. It is a less known variety, but highly loved among plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance.

5. Monstera Siltepecana: This variety has leaves with a silvery pattern and a soft texture. It is a creeping variety that thrives in hanging pots.

Below, you see the Monstera Obliqua with its fantastic leaves!

Care tips

A healthy Monstera starts with the right care. Here are some tips to keep your plant in top condition:

1. Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings lightly. Monstera doesn't like wet feet, so make sure excess water can drain away. It's better to give small amounts of water regularly rather than a lot infrequently.

2. Feeding: During the growing season, from spring to autumn, you can add liquid indoor plant fertilizer to the water every two weeks. In winter, the plant is in a dormant state and requires less nutrition.

3. Pruning: To stimulate growth and maintain an attractive shape, you can occasionally trim protruding shoots and leaves. Use clean and sharp pruning shears for this.

4. Support: As Monstera grows, it may benefit from some support. Place a moss pole in the pot so the plant can cling to it and grow upwards.

5. Cleaning: Cleaning your Monstera plant is an important part of its care. Start by wiping the leaves from top to bottom with a damp cloth. Be gentle, especially with plants that have delicate leaves.

Buy a Monstera at our garden centre in Co. Limerick

Would you like to enjoy the beauty of a Monstera in your interior as well? Visit our garden centre in Co. Limerick. We have a wide selection of healthy and beautiful Monstera plants ready to brighten up your home. Whether you're an experienced plant lover or just starting your green adventure, a Monstera is a fantastic choice. With the right placement and care, your Monstera will grow into a true eye-catcher in your home. Enjoy the natural beauty and calming presence of this wonderful houseplant!