Moderate Tropical Toxic to pets

Shingle Plant

Monstera dubia

A unique climbing aroid known for its juvenile leaves 'shingling' flat against a support.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

70–80 %
Temperature

18–28 °C

How to care for your Shingle Plant

Everything you need to keep your Shingle Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

*Monstera dubia*, commonly known as the Shingle Plant, is a captivating tropical climber renowned for its distinctive juvenile foliage. The small, heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with silvery splashes, lie flush against a support structure as they grow. As the plant matures and climbs higher, its leaves dramatically transform, becoming much larger, losing their variegation, and developing the characteristic fenestrations typical of mature *Monstera* species. High humidity and a climbing surface are crucial for its optimal development.

Watering your Shingle Plant

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.

How to know it needs water

Topsoil dry to touch
Pot feels light

How much light a Shingle Plant needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 1 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, North-west

Humidity and misting

70–80 %

High (70-80%) Mist frequently, or place near a humidifier to ensure consistent high humidity.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize monthly during the active growing season (spring to early fall).

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted) · 5-2-3

Repotting your Shingle Plant

Every 18 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with a chunky, well-draining aroid mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots coming out of drainage holes
Stunted growth

Pruning your Shingle Plant

Spring or summer Trim to manage size or to encourage branching. Provide a climbing board for shingling.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 9 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalates; ingestion may cause oral irritation, swelling, and digestive upset in pets.

Good to know

Juvenile leaves lie flat (shingle) against a climbing surface.
Mature leaves become large and fenestrated, losing their silver variegation.

Frequently asked questions about the Shingle Plant

How do you care for a Shingle Plant?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 70–80 %. Ideal temperature: 18–28 °C. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.

How often should you water a Shingle Plant?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. How to know it needs water : Topsoil dry to touch ; Pot feels light.

How much light does a Shingle Plant need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight. 0 to 1 h a day

Is the Shingle Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains calcium oxalates; ingestion may cause oral irritation, swelling, and digestive upset in pets. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Shingle Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Shingle Plant?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger pot with a chunky, well-draining aroid mix.