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Light
Bright, indirect light
Plant care guide
Monstera Deliciosa Care & Common Problems
Monstera deliciosa — part of VerIQ's plant care guide library. Not sure what's going on with yours? Scan it in the VerIQ app for an instant, plant-specific diagnosis.
Quick care snapshot
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Water
Every 1–2 weeks, when the top 2–3 in of soil is dry
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Humidity
Average to high (40–60%)
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Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs
Common Monstera Deliciosa problems
Root rot
Symptoms: Yellowing lower leaves, a mushy dark stem base, and soil that smells sour.
Likely cause: Overwatering, or a pot without drainage.
What to do: Unpot the plant, trim away black or mushy roots, repot in fresh well-draining mix, and water only once the topsoil dries out.
Spider mites
Symptoms: Fine webbing under leaves, pale speckled stippling, and leaves that look dusty.
Likely cause: Dry indoor air, especially in winter.
What to do: Rinse the leaves under water, raise humidity, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 2–3 weeks.
No fenestration (holes) in new leaves
Symptoms: New leaves grow solid, without the classic splits.
Likely cause: Not enough light, or the plant is still young.
What to do: Move to brighter indirect light — splitting usually begins once the plant matures and leaves widen.
FAQ
Is Monstera deliciosa toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes — it contains insoluble calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and stomach, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Why are my Monstera's leaves turning yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering leading to root stress, though older lower leaves also yellow naturally as the plant grows.
How often should I water a Monstera?
Roughly every 1–2 weeks, whenever the top 2–3 inches of soil have dried out — adjust for light, pot size, and season.
Why won't my Monstera's leaves split?
Fenestration develops with maturity and bright light; a young or low-light plant will keep producing solid, unsplit leaves.
Not sure which of these it is? Snap a photo of your Monstera Deliciosa in VerIQ for an instant diagnosis, confidence score, and a treatment plan — including home remedies labeled proven vs. anecdotal.