Houseplant (climbing aroid)
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Famous for its split leaves, which only appear once the plant has enough light and a structure to climb — a monstera on the floor with no support stays smaller and less fenestrated.
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Let top 3-5 cm of soil dry between waterings |
| Spacing | Allow 1m+ around a mature plant; provide a moss pole |
| Zones | Houseplant everywhere; outdoors zones 10-12 |
| Harvest | N/A — foliage plant |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Leaves won't split without light and support
Fenestration (the splits and holes) increases with maturity and light; a monstera in low light produces smaller, solid leaves indefinitely. Give it a moss pole to climb — aerial roots attaching to a support trigger larger, more deeply cut growth.
Root rot is the main killer
Yellowing lower leaves plus a mushy stem base points to overwatering. Let the soil dry substantially between waterings and always use a pot with drainage.
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