Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana (Borsigiana monstera) care

Light

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana is what florists mean by "bright spot, no direct sun" — close enough to a south or east window to feel the brightness, with a sheer curtain or a few feet of distance keeping the sun off the leaves. Bright, indirect light produces the largest leaves and most dramatic fenestration. It tolerates medium light but grows slower with fewer splits. Avoid prolonged direct sun, which scorches and yellows the foliage. A phone lux-meter at the leaf surface should read 1,500-3,000 lux at noon.

Watering

Water monstera deliciosa borsigiana when the top 2-5 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. The actual day count varies with pot size, light, and season — the finger test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) is more reliable than a fixed calendar. Empty any drainage saucer afterwards so the pot isn't sitting in water. Water thoroughly until it drains, then let the top few centimetres dry before watering again. It prefers evenly moist soil in the growing season but is intolerant of waterlogging. Cut back in winter.

Soil and pot

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana grows best in chunky, well-draining aroid mix. Use a rich aroid blend of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite and coir that holds moisture while draining fast. The vigorous roots need aeration and a pot with drainage holes. A pot with a working drainage hole is non-negotiable for this species — even free-draining mix will turn soggy in a closed planter. If you love the look of a decorative pot without a hole, use it as a cachepot around an inner nursery pot you can lift out to water.

Humidity and temperature

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana sits happiest at around 50-60% humidity and 18-29°C (65-85°F). Adapts to average household humidity but grows lusher above 50%. No misting needed; a humidifier or pebble tray supports faster growth in dry rooms. If you keep the room above 18 year-round and avoid placing the plant near a cold draught, a hot radiator, or an air-conditioning vent, you have already handled the two biggest indoor stressors.

Fertilising

Feed monstera deliciosa borsigiana sparingly. Feed every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half to full strength; this fast climber is a moderate to heavy feeder. Reduce in autumn and stop in winter. Skip fertiliser entirely on a stressed, recently-repotted, or actively wilting plant — fertiliser salts make damage worse, not better. Wait for a round of healthy new growth before resuming a feeding rhythm.

Common problems

Below are the issues we see most often on monstera deliciosa borsigiana in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

• No splits or holes — Juvenile plants and those in low light have solid leaves; provide bright indirect light and a sturdy pole to climb to trigger fenestration.
• Yellowing leaves — Most often overwatering; let the soil dry more between waterings and ensure good drainage.
• Weeping or 'sweating' leaves — Guttation from overwatering or high humidity; reduce watering slightly if it is frequent.
• Aerial roots everywhere — Normal for a climbing monstera; tuck them into the pole or soil, or trim lightly without harming the plant.

Propagation

Propagate from stem cuttings with at least one node and an aerial root; root in water, sphagnum or moist soil. Rooting is quick and reliable, usually 2-4 weeks. Propagation is the cheapest, most satisfying way to expand a collection — and it doubles as insurance against losing a mature plant to an accident. Take a backup cutting once the parent is established and healthy.

Toxicity to pets

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana is toxic to pets. ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant / Cutleaf philodendron) as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, causing oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed. The unripe fruit is also irritating. Keep away from pets. If you keep cats, dogs, or curious children in the house, weigh placement carefully — a high shelf or a hanging planter is enough for casual safety. For severe ingestion incidents, call your local vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (in the US, 888-426-4435).

Pet-safety status is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, which catalogues the most-asked-about plants for cats, dogs, and horses.

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana deep-dive guides

Every aspect of monstera deliciosa borsigiana care, each with its own calibrated guide:

• Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana watering schedule
• Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana light requirements
• Best soil mix for monstera deliciosa borsigiana
• Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana fertilizing guide
• When to repot monstera deliciosa borsigiana
• How to propagate monstera deliciosa borsigiana
• Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana growth rate & size
• Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana cold hardiness
• Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana temperature & humidity
• Is monstera deliciosa borsigiana toxic to cats & dogs?
• Is monstera deliciosa borsigiana toxic to cats?
• Is monstera deliciosa borsigiana toxic to dogs?

Featured in these plant shortlists

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana qualifies for 6 curated Growli shortlists — each one filtered objectively from our structured plant-care library, so the selection is consistent and checkable:

• Best plants for a north-facing window — Houseplants for a north-facing window: bright, even, indirect light and no scorching direct sun. Each pick verified against its documented light needs.
• Best trailing & climbing houseplants — Vining and trailing houseplants for shelves, hanging pots, and moss poles — selected by growth habit.
• Best humidity-loving houseplants — Houseplants that thrive in a bathroom, kitchen, or by a humidifier — selected by documented humidity preference.
• Houseplants toxic to cats & dogs — The common houseplants the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs — the ones to keep out of reach, each with its symptoms and a safe alternative.
• Best houseplants to propagate in water — Houseplants that root from a cutting in a glass of water — the easiest, cheapest way to turn one plant into many.
• Best fast-growing houseplants — Houseplants documented as fast or vigorous growers — quick to fill a pot, cover a pole or trail down a shelf.
• Browse all 29 plant shortlists — pet-safe, low-light, drought-tolerant and more

Related guides

Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana is also commonly called Borsigiana monstera or Climbing monstera.

• Types of monstera — varieties identified, with care and pet-safety
• Snake plant care — light, water and common problems
• Dracaena care — light, water and common problems
• Peperomia care — light, water and common problems
• All 3899 plant care guides in the Growli library