Monstera

Position in bright, indirect light away from direct sun, which scorches the leaves. A north- or east-facing windowsill works well in most UK homes. Water when the top 5 cm of compost feels dry, roughly weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. Use a peat-free houseplant compost mixed with perlite for good drainage. Mist the foliage regularly or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to raise humidity, especially during winter when central heating dries the air. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from April to September. Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption. Provide a moss pole or coir support once the plant exceeds 60 cm, tying aerial roots gently against it to encourage climbing.

Prune in spring by cutting back leggy stems just above a leaf node using clean, sharp secateurs. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves at their base. Monstera tolerates hard pruning well and will produce new growth from dormant nodes below the cut point.