I highly recommend a Monstera deliciosa if you're looking for a beginner-friendly houseplant. They're relatively easy to care for and can thrive indoors with the right conditions. That said, there are a few important care tips you won't want to overlook if you want your Monstera to grow healthy, produce larger leaves, and develop those beautiful fenestrations. Check out these 10 tips to help your Monstera thrive.

1. Monsteras needs more light than you think!

   
   

If there's one thing that will make the biggest difference in your Monstera's growth, it's light. Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light and will reward you with larger leaves, faster growth, and more impressive fenestrations (the natural splits and holes in the leaves).

Not sure if your Monstera is getting enough light? Here are a few signs to watch for:

• New leaves are noticeably smaller than older ones.

• New growth has fewer fenestrations (splits and holes) or none at all.

• The stems become long and stretched, with more space between each leaf.

• Growth slows down or stops altogether during the growing season.

• The plant begins leaning toward the nearest window in search of more sunlight.

If you notice one or more of these signs, try moving your Monstera closer to a bright window with indirect light. If your home doesn't receive enough natural sunlight, adding a grow light can make a big difference in encouraging healthy growth.

2. Monsteras CAN'T survive overwatering!

One of the most common mistakes new Monstera owners make is overwatering. Instead of watering on a set schedule, check the soil first. I like to stick my finger a few inches into the soil, and if the top 2–3 inches feel dry, it's usually time to water.

Keep an eye out for these common signs of overwatering:

• Yellowing leaves, especially older ones.

• Soft, mushy stems or roots.

• Soil that stays wet for several days after watering.

• A musty smell coming from the potting mix.

• Wilting leaves, even though the soil is wet.

• Fungus gnats flying around the soil surface.

Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings helps keep the roots healthy and encourages stronger growth. When in doubt, it's usually better to wait another day before watering than to water too soon.

3. Monsteras Need Well Draining Soil!

When choosing a soil mix for your Monstera, it helps to think about how these plants grow in their natural habitat. In the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Monsteras climb trees rather than grow in dense, compact soil. Their roots are surrounded by loose, organic material like fallen leaves, bark, and other debris, allowing plenty of air to reach them while excess water drains away.

I currently have my Monstera in a mixture of:

-20% coco coir

-40% perlite

-40% regular potting soil

It has been doing well in this soil mixture but I do plan on transferring it into Leca balls soon.

4. Monsteras LOVE to climb!

In their natural rainforest habitat, they use their aerial roots to climb up tree trunks in search of more sunlight. Providing your Monstera with a support structure encourages it to grow the way nature intended.

There are several great options for supporting your Monstera, including moss poles, coco coir poles, wooden stakes, and trellises. Moss poles are often considered the best option because the aerial roots can grow directly into the moist moss, giving the plant extra stability. Coco poles, wooden stakes, and trellises also work well and can help keep your Monstera upright as it matures.

5. Don't Rotate Your Monstera!

Unlike many houseplants, Monsteras don't benefit from being rotated regularly. In their natural habitat, they grow toward their light source as they climb trees, and they continue to grow in that direction over time. Because of this, it's best to choose a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light and leave your Monstera facing the same direction.

Frequently rotating your Monstera can cause the stem to twist as the plant continually changes direction to reach the light. Over time, this can lead to awkward, uneven growth and make it more difficult to train the plant onto a moss pole, stake, or trellis. Allowing your Monstera to grow naturally toward one light source will help it develop a stronger, more balanced growth habit.

6. Monsteras need Fertilizer during the growing season!

Monsteras benefit from regular fertilizing during their active growing season. Spring, summer, and early fall are when your plant is producing new leaves and roots, making it the ideal time to provide additional nutrients.

I recommend using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer and following the dilution rate listed on the label. Applying fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season can help encourage healthy growth, larger leaves, and vibrant green foliage. As temperatures cool and growth naturally slows in the fall and winter, you can reduce or stop fertilizing until your Monstera begins actively growing again in the spring.

While fertilizer can give your Monstera a helpful boost, it's important not to overdo it. Applying too much fertilizer can damage the roots and lead to fertilizer burn. When used as directed, a consistent fertilizing routine during the growing season will help keep your Monstera healthy and thriving.

7. Be Patient With Fenestrations!

Young Monsteras typically produce solid leaves, and it's completely normal for fenestrations to develop gradually as the plant matures.

As your Monstera grows, providing the right conditions will encourage larger, more fenestrated leaves. Bright, indirect light is one of the most important factors, as it gives the plant the energy it needs to produce larger foliage. Giving your Monstera a moss pole, trellis, or other support to climb can also make a noticeable difference, since climbing mimics the way the plant grows in its natural rainforest habitat.

It's also worth remembering that temporary setbacks are normal. If you've recently repotted your Monstera or it has experienced another form of stress, you may notice that the next leaf or two has fewer fenestrations, or none at all. This doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. After repotting, Monsteras often focus their energy on establishing new roots before returning to producing larger, more mature leaves. With a little patience and consistent care, future growth will often become larger and more fenestrated once the plant has settled in.

8. Don't Panic After Repotting

Repotting your Monstera is an important part of keeping it healthy, but don't be surprised if your plant seems a little "off" afterward. It's completely normal for Monsteras to experience a bit of transplant shock after being moved to a new pot. During this time, your plant is adjusting to its new environment and putting most of its energy into establishing its root system.

Because the roots are working hard beneath the soil, you may notice slower growth for a few weeks or even a couple of months. It's also common for the next leaf or two to be smaller than usual or have fewer fenestrations. While this can be concerning, it doesn't necessarily mean your Monstera is unhealthy.

9. Learn How Your Monstera Grows Before You Prune

Before reaching for the pruning shears, it's worth taking a little time to understand how your Monstera grows. Knowing the difference between nodes, aerial roots, and new growth points will help you make better pruning decisions and avoid accidentally removing healthy growth.

Nodes are one of the most important parts of the plant. They're the small points along the stem where leaves, aerial roots, and new growth emerge. If you ever plan to propagate your Monstera, each cutting must include at least one node in order to produce new roots.

You'll also notice aerial roots growing from many of these nodes. While they may look unusual, they're completely normal. In the wild, these roots help Monsteras climb trees and absorb moisture from their environment. You can leave them alone, guide them into a moss pole, or tuck them into the soil if they become too long.

New leaves also emerge from specific growth points along the stem. Because Monsteras grow in a predictable pattern, randomly cutting stems or removing healthy leaves can slow the plant's growth and affect its overall appearance. Instead, prune with a purpose—remove yellowing or damaged leaves, control the plant's size if needed, or take cuttings for propagation.

Taking a few minutes to learn how your Monstera grows will give you the confidence to prune correctly and keep your plant healthy for years to come.

10. Monsteras Get Bigger Than Most People Expect

It's easy to underestimate just how large a Monstera can become. While they may start as a small, manageable houseplant, a healthy Monstera can grow into an impressive statement piece over time. Indoors, it's not uncommon for a Monstera to reach 6 to 10 feet tall with the proper care and support, while plants growing in their natural habitat can climb 50 feet or more up the trunks of trees.

Because of their potential size, it's important to think ahead when choosing a location for your Monstera. Pick a spot where it will have plenty of room to grow without constantly bumping into furniture or being squeezed into a corner. Remember that as the leaves mature, they can become quite large and may spread several feet across.

As your Monstera grows, you'll likely need to upgrade its support system. A small stake may be enough for a young plant, but mature Monsteras benefit from a taller moss pole, coco coir pole, sturdy trellis, or another strong support that can handle the plant's increasing weight. Providing adequate support early on will encourage healthier, more upright growth and make it easier to manage as your Monstera continues to mature.

I hope these beginner tips help you feel more confident as you care for your Monstera. If you have any questions or your own Monstera care tips, I'd love to hear them in the comments below!