M for Monstera Deliciosa | An A-Z care guide
The Swiss Cheese plant! This ever-popular houseplant is very easy to keep alive, but their size and growth often sees them relegated to a dark corner of our homes, usually in an attempt to prop them up as they grow leggy.
Low light will lead to Monsteras with small leaves, long stalks, and stretched, thin vines. Give your Monstera a bright spot with some direct sun, and it will repay with you big leaves, short leaf stalks and sturdy vines which will be regarded with admiration by visitors.
Read our detailed guide below for keeping a well-behaved, healthy Monstera Deliciosa in Scotland.
Caring for your Monstera Deliciosa in Scotland...
Light
In the wild, Monsteras will climb up through the shade of a tree to reach the sunlight. Online advice often states ‘no direct sun’, but in the Scottish Highlands where we get such little sunlight, the advice should be different.
While it is true that strong, summer midday sun can be too strong for Monsteras, these plants crave bright light. For Monsteras in Scotland, a bright east or west-facing window with some direct sun is ideal. Otherwise, place your plant close to a north-facing window or slightly back from a south-facing window. Place in a south-facing window during the darker months.
Note: if your plant has been in low-light conditions, you may have to acclimatise it to direct sun by introducing it a little at a time. Most of us would burn if we lay out in the sun all day without acclimatising – plants experience sunburn as well!
Temperature
Our regular home temperatures generally suit Monsteras, but avoid extended periods below 10°C.
Monsteras dislike extreme temperatures and drafts, so keep them away from hot and/or cold sources such as radiators, woodburners and external doors.
Feeding
Feeding your Monstera is essential to keep it looking good. Liquid Gold Leaf contains all the nutrients Monsteras need to grow well, but other well-balanced plant food will suffice.
Feed your Monstera during the spring and summer as directed on the bottle. If your space is warm and bright and your plant continues to grow through the winter (albeit slower) use the feed at half/quarter strength.
If growth stops in autumn/winter, hold back from feeding until you see new growth starting again, usually as the daylight lengthens.
Watering
Watering will, of course, depend on the light, temperature and pot size your Monstera has, but as a general rule: thoroughly water your plant, allow excess water to drain, remove the drained water, then wait until the top 1-2” of soil are dry before rewatering.
Root rot can be a problem for Monsteras if they sit in water for long periods, so once you have allowed the plant to soak up the water it needs, remember to remove excess.
Humidity
Despite being a tropical plant with a love of humidity, our dry homes don’t really bother Monsteras – meaning they are suited to any room in the house with sufficient light.
Repotting
Repotting is needed occasionally as Monsteras can grow large! A good quality, open structured houseplant compost is best. The roots need air as well as moisture, so compost with added perlite, orchid bark, molar clay or other chunky ingredients is great and will ensure sufficient drainage.
Repotting is also the best time to add support such as moss poles, canes and trellis’. Anchored the support the base of the pot during repotting and you will have somewhere to tie the vines to as they grow.
Note: We sell suitable repotting mixes and mosspoles in our online store. To buy only the quantity you need, and/or avoid wastage, contact us.
Toxicity
Did you know?
Monsteras come from Mexico and Central America. The name 'Monstera Deliciosa' literally means 'delicious monster' because of the plant's potential size and the delicious fruit it can grow!
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