Monsteras are climbers and do well in homes that receive a substantial amount of indirect sunlight during the day. You can also plant them outdoors as long as you place them in a spot that gets enough sunlight and partial shade. If it’s happy and thriving, be prepared for your Swiss cheese plant to grow 1 to 2 feet per year. “Grown inside, a medium-size plant (10- to 12-inch pot) should be watered every seven to 10 days in the warmer months, and about every 12 to 20 days in the colder months,” says Lindsey. “Once the water has drained through to the sauce[r], empty it out.” Want another rule of thumb for watering? “In general, you’ll want to allow the top few inches of the potting mix to dry between waterings,” says Justin Hancock, horticulturist and head of brand marketing at Costa Farms. That said, insufficient light can also affect their growth. “If a Monstera plant doesn’t get enough light, it will grow slowly and weakly and have long sections of stem between the leaves,” explains Hancock. “If you’re thinking of putting Monstera in low light, keep in mind that you might want to start with a larger plant to compensate for the slower growth rate,” recommends Lindsey. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time in her garden, experimenting with ingredients in the kitchen, or spending time by the ocean. See her portfolio on her website.
