As soon as I ordered my first real houseplants — two monstera deliciosa plants named Mandrake and Gilly — from the newbie-friendly plant delivery service Bloomscape [1], I became obsessed with my new role as plant mom to this gorgeous tropical species. Two things that kept me Googling late into the night: how to keep them alive [2] and how to style them in my small city apartment. After making sure I had the care basics down [3] (thankfully, it's described as "hearty" and "low maintenance"), it was time for the fun part: deciding where they should go and what to put them in. I scoured Instagram for some inspiration, and here are some of my favourite ideas for decorating with monstera aka "Swiss cheese" plants.
Please note that while your monstera (and most plants, really) need water to grow, they hate to sit in water, as it rots their roots. To avoid the dreaded root rot but still keep your house stylish, double pot it. So leave the plant in the original nursery pot, then place that in whatever decorative pot or basket you decide to use. You'll take the plant out to water it.
Now get inspired!
Use a metal bucket for an industrial look.
Bring the outdoors in with a cement planter.
This monstera is in West Elm's Iris Planter + Chevron Stand [4] ($99 to $189).
Put your small monstera on display in a pastel room.
Give your monstera a cosy, sunny corner.
Dress your desk up with some green if you have a small monstera.
Put your monstera and other plants in the same terra cotta planters for consistency.
Give your monstera a lift by placing it on a small table.
Set your monstera in a large basket for a modern-rustic look.
Use a striped basket for a planter.
Create a warm, bohemian space with vintage decor and a basket planter.
Even this jungle plant can look at home in a desert-inspired room.
Give your monstera room to grow by putting it in the entryway.
Monsteras love filtered light, so try a window nook like this one.
Turn your sunniest corner into an urban jungle with your monstera.
Place your monstera on the ground next to your entry table.
But be careful if you have pets! They are highly toxic if eaten by pets.
Use a monstera to add a pop of green to a neutral or monochromatic space.
Give your monstera a buddy (like a snake plant).
Pair your monstera with wicker for a vintage jungle vibe.
If you have the space, let your monstera take over!
Go for an understated look in an all-white room.
Give your monstera a large, stylish vessel once it starts outgrowing its smaller pot.
Put a small monstera on a barstool to elevate it in the space (and protect your pets).