Monstera care: the complete guide to the Swiss cheese plant

The Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most popular houseplants in the Netherlands. And rightly so: with its characteristic holes and incisions in the leaves, it's a real eye-catcher in any interior. But how do you care for a Monstera so that it stays healthy and beautiful for years? In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know.

Monstera Care Table
Feature	Details
Botanical name	Monstera deliciosa
Common name	Swiss Cheese Plant
Location	Bright to partial shade, no direct sunlight
Watering	1-2x per week, keep soil lightly moist
Humidity	High (60-80%), mist regularly
Temperature	18-25°C, minimum 15°C
Feeding	March to September, 1x per month
Repotting	Every 2 years, in spring
Toxic	Yes, for pets and children
Air purifying	Yes

Location and light

The Monstera originates from the tropical rainforests of Central America, where it grows under the canopy of large trees. This means it prefers a bright spot, but without direct sunlight. A spot 1 to 3 meters from an east or west-facing window is ideal.

If your Monstera doesn't get enough light, its leaves will grow smaller and have fewer or no holes. Too much direct sunlight, on the other hand, will cause brown spots on the leaves.

Watering

The Monstera likes slightly moist soil, but absolutely cannot tolerate soggy feet. Water when the top 3-5 centimeters of potting soil have dried out. In practice, this means approximately once a week in summer and once every 10-14 days in winter.

A good rule of thumb: stick your finger into the soil. Does it feel dry to fingertip depth? Then you can water. Preferably use room-temperature water.

Humidity

As a tropical plant, the Monstera likes high humidity (60-80%). In the winter months, when the heating is on, the humidity drops significantly. Mist the leaves regularly with a plant sprayer or place a humidifier nearby.

Feeding and fertilization

Feed your Monstera with plant food every month from March to September. Use a universal liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. In the winter months, the plant does not need food, as it is then in a resting phase.

Pruning and maintenance

Regularly remove yellow or brown leaves by cutting them off at the base with a sharp, clean knife. This encourages the plant to put energy into healthy, new growth. Clean the large leaves once a month with a damp cloth to remove dust — this allows the plant to absorb light better.

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At XXLplant, you'll find the most beautiful and largest Monsteras, directly from the grower.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my Monstera?

Water your Monstera when the top 3-5 cm of soil feels dry. In summer, this is on average once a week, in winter once every 10-14 days.

Why doesn't my Monstera have holes?

Young Monsteras do not yet have holes. The characteristic holes (fenestrations) only appear as the plant gets older and larger and receives enough light.

Can I put my Monstera outside?

In the summer months (May-September), the Monstera can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot. Bring it indoors as soon as the temperature drops below 15°C.

Is the Monstera air-purifying?

Yes, the Monstera is known as an air-purifying plant. It filters harmful substances like formaldehyde from the air.

Monstera plant verzorging in de winter met 8 winterverzorgingstips voor gezonde groei

Binnenplanten

Monstera care in winter: 8 tips for the cold months

Winter is a challenging period for your Monstera. Less light, dry heating air, and lower temperatures — it's the exact opposite of the tropical conditions this Swiss cheese plant loves. With these 8 winter care tips, you'll ensure your Monstera gets through the cold months successfully. Winter vs. Summer Monstera Care Aspect Summer Winter Water 1x per week 1x per 10-14 days Nutrients 1x per month No nutrients Light Indirect, out of direct sun Closer to the window Misting Occasionally Recommended daily Temperature 20-25°C Minimum 15°C, away from drafts Growth Active Rest period, minimal growth Tip 1: Water less In winter, your Monstera hardly grows and evaporates less water. Therefore, give half the amount of water as in summer. Wait until the top 5 cm of potting soil is completely dry. Overwatering in winter is the number one cause of root rot. Tip 2: Increase humidity Heated air is bone dry — sometimes only 30-40% humidity, while your Monstera prefers 60-80%. Mist the leaves daily, group plants together (they create a microclimate), or place a humidifier in the room. Tip 3: Move closer to the window The winter sun in the Netherlands is weak enough not to burn your Monstera. Feel free to place it closer to the window than in summer. More light means healthier leaves, even during the darker months. Tip 4: Do not fertilize Stop fertilizing from October through February. Your Monstera is in a dormant phase and cannot absorb nutrients. Fertilizing in winter can even lead to a buildup of salts in the potting soil, which damages the roots. Tip 5: Keep away from drafts Cold drafts are detrimental to tropical plants. Do not place your Monstera next to an open window, exterior door, or ventilation grille. The cold from a single-pane window can also be harmful — keep at least 10 cm distance. Tip 6: Do not repot in winter Wait until spring to repot. During the winter months, your Monstera does not have enough energy to form new roots in fresh potting soil. Repotting in winter increases the risk of root rot. Tip 7: Keep leaves clean Dust accumulates in winter (dry air, closed windows). Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth once every two weeks. Clean leaves absorb more light — and your plant desperately needs that in winter. Tip 8: Accept less growth A Monstera that doesn't grow in winter is not a sick Monstera — it's a plant in a dormant phase. Do not try to force growth with extra nutrients or water. As the days get longer in March, you'll see new leaves emerge again. 🌿 View our Monstera collection At XXLplant, you'll find the most beautiful and largest Monsteras, directly from the grower. View Monsteras → Frequently asked questions Can my Monstera die from the cold? At temperatures below 10°C, Monstera leaves can be damaged. Below 5°C, the plant can be severely damaged or die. Always keep it above 15°C. Should I provide supplementary lighting for my Monstera in winter? It's not strictly necessary, but a grow light can help if your Monstera is in a very dark spot. Turn the lamp on for 10-12 hours a day to compensate for the lack of daylight.

dracaena

Repotting Dracaena: step-by-step guide

Repotting is an essential part of plant care. In this guide, we will teach you step-by-step how to correctly repot Dracaena. When to Repot? Your Dracaena should be repotted if: Roots are growing out of the drainage hole The plant dries out faster than usual The plant stops growing despite good light Roots are visible on the soil surface The growing season has begun (spring) Generally, strong growers like Dracaena should be repotted every 2 years. Avoid repotting in winter when growth is slow. What You Need Gather these items before you start: A new pot, 1-2 sizes larger than the current one (a few millimeters larger in diameter is better than much larger) Fresh potting mix suitable for Dracaena Mesh or screens for the drainage hole (optional) A trowel or spoon Water Old newspapers or a mat to work on Potting Soil Type: Use a well-draining soil mix. For Dracaena, standard potting mixes work well, though you can add some perlite or orchid bark for better drainage. Step-by-Step Repotting Step 1: Preparation - Lightly water the plant so the soil is not completely dry, but not soaking wet either. This makes it much easier to remove the plant from the pot. Step 2: Removing the Plant from the Pot - Tilt the pot sideways and carefully slide the plant out. If the plant is stuck, you can gently break the old pot or run a knife along the inner edges. Step 3: Examining the Roots - Inspect the roots. Healthy roots are white or light-colored. If you see black, slimy roots, there is root rot, and you should remove all rotted parts. Step 4: Removing Old Soil - Gently massage the roots to loosen some old soil. This promotes new root growth in the new soil. Don't remove everything - about 50% of the old soil can remain. Step 5: Placing the Plant in the New Pot - Put a layer of new soil in the bottom of the new pot. Place the plant so it sits at the same depth as before. Fill around with soil and gently press down. Step 6: Watering - Gently water until it drains out of the drainage hole. This helps settle the soil and properly position the roots. Step 7: Resting - Place the plant in its permanent spot and water minimally for 1-2 weeks while it adjusts to the new soil. Correct Potting Soil Dracaena is not very picky about potting soil but prefers well-draining mixes: 40% standard houseplant soil 30% perlite or vermiculite 20% orchid bark or charcoal 10% sand Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made "aroid mix" or "well-draining houseplant mix." The most important thing is that water drains well, but the plant does not dry out too quickly. Care After Repotting The first few weeks after repotting are crucial: Water moderately - do not fertilize until you see new growth Do not place in direct sunlight for several days Avoid moving and temperature fluctuations Fertilize only after 4-6 weeks once the plant has adjusted After a few weeks, you will see Dracaena producing new growth in its new pot. This indicates that the repotting was successful! 🌿 Check out our Dracaena collection At XXLplant, you will find the most beautiful and healthiest Dracaena plants, directly from the best growers. For over 10 years, customers have trusted our quality. View Dracaena → Frequently Asked Questions How often should I repot my Dracaena? Every 2 years What is the best potting soil type? Well-draining potting soil is essential. Add perlite or orchid bark for better drainage. Can I give my plant a larger pot? Yes, but no more than 1-2 sizes larger. Too large a pot leads to overwatering.

Stap-voor-stap afbeelding van Monstera verpotten met juiste pot, potgrond en nazorg uitleg

interieurplanten

How to repot a Monstera: A step-by-step guide

Your Monstera is growing like crazy, and its roots are peeking out from the bottom of the pot. Time to repot! But how do you do it correctly without damaging your plant? In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to repot your Monstera — including tips for the right pot, potting soil, and aftercare. Monstera Repotting Checklist What you need Details New pot 2-4 cm larger in diameter, with drainage hole Potting soil Aerated mix: 60% potting soil, 20% perlite, 20% coco coir Drainage Layer of hydro granules or clay pebbles at the bottom Moss pole Optional, for support for larger specimens Best time Spring (March-May), beginning of growing season Frequency Every 1-2 years When should you repot your Monstera? There are a few clear signs that your Monstera needs a larger pot. Roots growing out of the drainage hole, growth slowing down despite proper care, the potting soil drying out extremely quickly after watering, or roots appearing above the soil. The best time to repot is in spring (March to May), when the plant emerges from its winter dormancy and has plenty of energy to form new roots. Step-by-step: Repotting your Monstera Step 1: Preparation Water your Monstera a day in advance. This makes the root ball more flexible and reduces stress. Lay down newspaper or a plastic sheet on your workspace to prevent mess. Step 2: Remove the plant from its pot Tilt the pot and gently slide the plant out. Is it stuck? Gently squeeze the sides of a plastic pot, or use a knife to run along the inside of a terracotta pot. Never pull on the stem. Step 3: Inspect the roots Examine the root ball. Healthy roots are white to light brown. Remove any rotten (dark, soft) roots with a clean, sharp knife. Are the roots very tangled? Gently loosen them with your fingers. Step 4: Fill the new pot Place a layer of hydro granules at the bottom of the new pot for extra drainage. Then add a layer of fresh potting soil. The top of the root ball should ultimately be at the same height as in the old pot. Step 5: Place the plant Place the Monstera in the new pot and fill around it with fresh potting soil. Lightly press down the soil, but not too firmly — the roots need air. If necessary, place a moss pole for support for large specimens. Step 6: Aftercare Immediately after repotting, give it a good soak of water so that the soil settles around the roots. Do not give plant food for the first 2 weeks and avoid direct sunlight. Your Monstera needs some time to adjust to its new home. 🌿 Need an XXL Monstera? We deliver the largest ones At XXLplant, you'll find the most beautiful and largest Monsteras, directly from the grower. View Monsteras → Frequently Asked Questions How big should the new pot be? Choose a pot that is 2 to 4 cm larger in diameter than the current pot. A pot that is too large retains too much moisture, which can cause root rot. Can I use regular garden soil? No, regular garden soil is too heavy and retains too much moisture. Use an aerated mix of potting soil with perlite and coco coir for good drainage. My Monstera is drooping after repotting, is that normal? Yes, that is normal. The plant is experiencing repotting stress and needs 1-2 weeks to recover. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide indirect light.

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