Short answer
A monstera is not a proven air purifier. Like any healthy green plant, it takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen in light, and it gives off a little moisture. In a real home those effects are small. The American Lung Association and other sources have said that houseplants do not meaningfully clean indoor air, so a monstera should not replace ventilation or a proper air purifier. It is a good reason to buy one only if you like how it looks.
What the evidence says
Claims that monstera purifies air usually point back to the NASA study of the late 1980s. That study tested certain plants in small sealed chambers and found some reduced chemicals such as formaldehyde. Monstera was not one of the best-known plants highlighted from that work, and chamber results do not carry over well to ordinary rooms, where air changes constantly. Later reviews have found the effect of houseplants on home air to be small compared with opening a window. We would not credit a monstera with any specific air-cleaning ability. For more, see best indoor plants for breathing easier.
What a monstera does offer
- Looks. Large, glossy, often split leaves make a strong visual statement.
- A little humidity. Plants release water vapor through their leaves, which can add a small amount of moisture to dry air. The effect is modest.
- Mood. Many people find caring for plants satisfying, which is a fair reason to keep one.
Is a monstera a good indoor plant?
Yes, for the right home. Monstera deliciosa is generally forgiving: it does best in bright, indirect light, tolerates average indoor temperatures, and recovers from occasional lapses in watering. It needs room, since leaves can grow very large, and a support pole or trellis as it climbs (see best climbing plants indoors). It is a poor choice if pets or small children can reach it (see below).
Is it okay to sleep with a monstera in the bedroom?
For most people, yes. The notion that plants consume dangerous amounts of oxygen at night is a myth, since the amount is tiny in a normal room. Practical points matter more: a large monstera takes floor space, wet soil can attract fungus gnats or mold, and the plant must be out of reach of children and pets who sleep in the room. For other options, see the best plants for bedrooms.
Pets and children: monstera is toxic
Monstera contains calcium oxalate crystals, and it is listed as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing or swallowing it can cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling, swelling, and vomiting. It can also irritate people, including children, who chew it, and sap may irritate skin. Keep it out of reach, and wash your hands after pruning. If a pet or child has chewed a monstera, contact a veterinarian, poison control, or a doctor right away for advice.
Do monsteras grow air roots?
Yes. Aerial roots are a normal feature of monstera, which climbs trees in the wild. They help it anchor and take up moisture. You can tuck them into the pot or guide them onto a moss pole. Trimming one that bothers you is generally fine, but cut cleanly and avoid removing many at once.
Do monsteras like to be touched?
Plants do not feel touch as animals do, and gentle handling will not hurt a monstera. Rough handling can bruise or tear leaves, and sap from cuts can irritate skin. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust is a good habit, since clean leaves take in light better.
Care basics
- Light: bright indirect light. Dim rooms lead to leggy growth and smaller leaves with fewer splits.
- Water: water when the upper layer of soil has dried, and empty the saucer. Constantly wet soil risks root rot.
- Soil: a chunky, well-draining aroid mix. Monstera is an aroid, and our philodendron care guide covers close relatives with similar needs.
- Temperature: normal room temperatures, away from cold drafts.
- Support: a pole or trellis for climbing.
If you want cleaner air
Ventilate, dust and vacuum regularly, avoid indoor smoke, and consider a HEPA air purifier if particles are a concern. If you have a breathing condition, talk to a doctor. To learn why plants are often called oxygen producers at night, read plants that give oxygen 24 hours a day.