The “baby split leaf philodendron” is a popular houseplant, sought for its distinctive foliage. Its large, glossy leaves add a lush, tropical feel to indoor spaces. Many plant enthusiasts are drawn to its unique appearance and relatively straightforward care, making it a common choice for new and experienced plant parents.
Understanding Your Plant
What is commonly referred to as the “baby split leaf philodendron” is not a true Philodendron species. This popular common name actually refers to Monstera deliciosa, sometimes also called the Swiss cheese plant or windowleaf plant. The misnomer likely arose due to some historical reclassification and the initial visual similarity of its leaves to certain philodendrons before they develop their characteristic splits.
Young Monstera deliciosa plants display solid, heart-shaped leaves without fenestrations, the natural splits or holes that develop as the plant matures. These juvenile leaves are green, and the plant’s climbing nature in its natural habitat influences its indoor growth habit.
Caring for Young Plants
A young Monstera deliciosa needs bright, indirect light, ideally placed a few feet from a south, west, or east-facing window. Direct, intense afternoon sun can scorch its leaves. While the plant tolerates lower light, this may slow growth and inhibit fenestration development.
Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which causes root rot. Watering needs vary, with more frequent watering during the warmer growing season and less in cooler months.
A well-draining potting mix is important, ideally peat-based, acidic, or neutral. Incorporating materials like perlite or lava rocks enhances aeration and drainage. The plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) cause stress and inhibit growth.
These plants appreciate high humidity, ideally 60% or higher. To increase indoor humidity, use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot is not submerged), or group it with other plants. Fertilize young plants monthly during their active growing season in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce or suspend fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows.
Repotting is needed every one to two years as the plant grows or when roots emerge from drainage holes. The best time for repotting is spring. Choose a pot only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one; this provides enough room for new growth without overwhelming the plant with too much soil.
Developing Splits and Mature Growth
The fenestrations that appear in Monstera deliciosa leaves are a natural part of the plant’s maturation. Young plants initially produce solid, heart-shaped leaves, and fenestrations develop when the plant is around two to three years old. This process is influenced by the plant’s age and light received.
The exact biological reason for fenestrations is not fully understood, but theories suggest they are an adaptation to allow more sunlight to reach lower leaves in dense forest canopies. The splits may also help the plant withstand strong winds and allow for better water drainage from large leaves. As the plant matures and receives adequate bright, indirect light, new leaves emerge with increasingly complex fenestrations.
Common Challenges
Yellowing leaves on a Monstera deliciosa indicate a watering issue, either too much or too little. Overwatering causes root rot, preventing roots from absorbing oxygen and nutrients, while underwatering stresses the plant. Check soil moisture before watering to prevent this. Yellowing can also signal insufficient light or nutrient imbalances.
Brown tips or edges on leaves are a symptom of low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity helps alleviate this. Stunted growth or lack of new leaves, especially during the growing season, may suggest insufficient light, inadequate nutrients, or the plant being root-bound.
Several common houseplant pests can affect Monstera deliciosa:
Spider mites: Thrive in dry conditions, causing speckling and yellowing on leaves.
Mealybugs: Appear as small, white, cottony masses, feeding on plant sap.
Thrips: Tiny, slender insects that cause discoloration and stunted growth.
Aphids
Scale insects
To address pest issues, physically remove mealybugs and spider mites with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solutions to affected areas, following product instructions. Isolate infested plants to prevent spreading.