Monstera

The Swiss cheese plant earns its fame with those big, holey leaves — but the holes (properly, "fenestrations") are something the plant grows into. Get the light right and give it something to climb, and a monstera turns from a tidy desk plant into a small indoor jungle.

Light

This is the lever that controls everything. Monsteras need bright indirect light to produce split, fenestrated leaves. In low light they'll survive but push out small, solid, hole-free leaves — the single most common disappointment people write to me about. A spot near a bright window, out of harsh midday direct sun, is the sweet spot.

Watering

Water when the top 2–3cm of soil is dry, then soak thoroughly and let it drain. Monsteras like a touch of humidity and don't want to sit in water. As a rough rhythm that's often weekly in summer and less in winter — but go by the soil, not the calendar.

Common problems

No splits? Almost always more light plus patience — new leaves on a young or under-lit plant are naturally solid, and fenestration increases as it matures. Yellowing leaves point to overwatering. Brown crispy edges or spots suggest inconsistent watering or dry air. As it grows, give it a moss pole to climb — supported monsteras produce bigger, more dramatic leaves.