Monsteras typically require 5 to 8 hours of bright indirect light every day to flourish. More light is required to bring out the stunning coloring of variegated species, such as the Thai Constellation Monstera deliciosa or Variegatta Monstera deliciosa.
Bright, direct light:
Since monsteras are jungle plants, they occasionally dislike direct sunshine.
Monsteras often develop below the canopy of a jungle and climb other trees to the light via aerial roots.
Even the idea has been floated that the holes in monstera leaves may have developed in part to let more light reach the lower leaves. (Read more about monstera plant history here!)
However, the one type of light that you should attempt to avoid is direct light because it isn’t the best for a monstera. Bright, direct sunlight can burn the leaves, leaving unsightly brown or tan areas that won’t go away (i.e., the sun’s rays hit the leaves directly and the leaves actually cast a shadow).
Bright, indirect light:
Brilliant, indirect light refers to bright light from a nearby window, but the sun’s rays never directly touch the leaves, and is a phrase you hear a lot when referring about houseplants. Make sure your plant doesn’t cast a shadow as a general rule.
The monstera prefers bright, indirect light, which stimulates it to grow and flourish quickly!
Put the monstera in a bright room a few feet from a window or immediately by a window that doesn’t get much direct sunlight if you want it to grow big and striking to make a statement (like a north or east-facing window). You’ll soon have a stunning, tall monstera!
Low light
Low light typically indicates that the plant is farther from a window, deeper in the room, or in a room with fewer windows. This does not imply a room without windows because few houseplants can survive in an environment with no natural light.
Due to their hardiness, monsteras can thrive in dim light. So even if your house doesn’t get a lot of natural light, you can still appreciate a lovely monstera!
The only drawback is that your monstera won’t expand as much or as quickly as it would in direct, strong light.
That’s not necessarily a negative thing, though. Monsteras, particularly Monstera deliciosa, can reach heights of up to 10 feet indoors and more than three times that outside!
We completely understand if you don’t want a huge houseplant to take over your living area. If you have a small space, you might wish to keep your monstera deeper inside the space to prevent it from growing and keep it at a size that is manageable.
However, starting with a larger monstera could be preferable if you want a large plant but don’t have much light.
Sign #1: Your monstera may need more light if the leaves won’t split.
You should start to notice some fenestration, or splitting, in your leaves if your monstera is older than three years.
After all, the majority of us have them because it’s one of their most recognizable traits.
But for your monstera to achieve this, it needs light. Your monstera would be happier with more light if its adult leaves lacked holes.
Sign #2: If the monstera soil takes forever to dry out it may need more light.
A modest amount of water is needed by monsteras, however they dislike having damp roots. When the top inch or two of soil feel dry to the touch, you should water. (Dig a finger into the ground. Give your plant a drink if the soil is dry to the second knuckle!
Your monstera uses water more effectively while it is in the sun, but when it is dark, the soil might stay wet for a lot longer than is good for the roots.
If you’re giving your plant additional light in addition to changing the amount of water you give it if you’re going more than 10 days between waterings since the soil still feels moist. For your monstera, we advise using this potting mix (speaking about soil).
Sign #3: Give your monstera more light if you see leaf discoloration.
There could be a few things going on if you see dark brown spots or yellowing on your monstera’s leaves.
First, your plant probably receives too much water from you. However, as we discovered in the previous paragraph, because insufficient light prevents the soil from drying out, light and overwatering problems frequently coexist.
If reducing the amount of water you give your monstera doesn’t solve the issue, you might perhaps want to move it nearer a window or choose a window with more light overall.
Sign #4: If your monstera is growing slowly it may need more light.
It is commonly known that monsteras, particularly monstera deliciosa, can develop into… monsters!
In instance, Monstera deliciosa can expand up to 10 feet indoors, and it doesn’t take very long to do so.
It’s possible that your monstera isn’t getting enough light to provide the energy necessary to support new development if you find that it hasn’t gotten bigger or produced new leaves for a few months (especially during the spring or summer).
Do I need to mist my monstera?
Monstera Deliciosas may tolerate low to high levels of indirect, dappled light. Their leaves may burn and scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Low light conditions will inhibit growth.
Make sure your Variegated Monstera Deliciosa gets enough of bright indirect light if you have one.
Water
You should spritz your Monstera Deliciosa frequently and water it once a week. In the winter, when you may only need to water your plant every two weeks, let the soil dry up in between waterings.
Humidity
Because Monstera Deliciosa prefers a humid atmosphere, we advise often wetting its leaves. To boost the humidity of the air around your plant, you might also place it close to other plants.
Additional care information
From a stem and leaf cutting, you may quickly reproduce your monstera deliciosa in water. Make sure to make the cut just below a stem node.
The Monstera Deliciosa’s huge leaves are readily covered in dust over time. Use a moist towel to routinely wipe them.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves may indicate that your Monstera Deliciosa has experienced moisture shock or has received too much light.
Browning leaves are a sign that your plant has been receiving insufficient light or has been exposed to low humidity.
Does monstera tolerate shade?
Due to its exquisitely cut leaves, monstera is sometimes dubbed Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron. Because of its Caribbean vibe, it is a need. The vegetation is tropical, lush, and deep green. The leaf can get extremely huge and exotic-looking over time. There is also a rare, slower-growing white variegated variety. Although they typically don’t blossom inside, they do yield edible fruit with a fruit salad-like flavor when grown in their natural habitat.
It should come as no surprise that your Monstera prefers warm indoor temperatures between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit since it is a tropical plant. They also seem right at home in a little humidity. You can frequently find a little humidity in the kitchen and bathroom, or you can simply spritz your plant sometimes. These plants naturally flourish on the forest floor’s dappled illumination. Put your Monstera in direct, filtered light that is bright or brighter to approximate that. Though they might not show as much cut leaf foliage, they can grow in very deep shade. It can be grown outside in a shaded area if you reside in zones 10 or 11.
It prefers moist soil, but not one that is persistently soggy or excessively wet. Ensure that the pot has effective drainage. When the top inch of the soil seems dry, water once a week. Ensure that any extra water drains. It’s a good idea to feed the plants once a month with a liquid fertilizer like Espoma’s Organic Indoor! plant food in the spring and summer when they are actively growing.
Every year, repot young plants to promote development and supplement soil nutrients. progressively increase pot size by 2 inches year. Once your plant has grown to the height that is ideal for your environment, you just need to repot it every three years or so and give it an annual top dressing of fresh soil. To keep the soil moist but free-draining, always use high-quality potting soil. These animals are natural climbers and cling to trees with the help of their aerial roots. If you decide to repot your plant, add a support structure, such as a trellis or a post wrapped in moss.
Young plants frequently have bushy, compact characteristics. They will start to exhibit their vining characteristics as they develop. You can either encourage them to grow tall and dramatic or, if you like, pinch them to keep the lankyness in check. With your finger, pinch off the fresh growth point at the desired height. Pruning stems that are producing few or no leaves is acceptable. You may also cut off the aerial roots if you are unable to tuck them back into the pot.
Pests and diseases rarely affect monstera. To get rid of dust, periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or give them a good shower. When you do, look for spider mites. This indoor plant has a long lifespan and requires little maintenance to bring you years of enjoyment.
Are you ready for more houseplants? Check out Homestead Brooklyn’s “How to Fertilize Houseplants” for more information.
Where should Monstera be placed indoors?
It is not surprising that Monstera prefers a warm, humid climate because they are indigenous to tropical jungles from southern Mexico to Panama. This makes them perfect for interior use. Georgina Reid, a writer and Wonderground’s founding editor, “Monsteras appreciate moisture, warmth, and shade. They are actually pretty difficult to kill and are quite content indoors. If you reside in a chilly climate, don’t even try to plant one outdoors (less than 10C in winter). Given the proper conditions, they are renowned for being tough.”
Georgina advises putting your Monstera deliciosa in a bright indoor location with lots of room for growth for care and upkeep. To let it to breathe and absorb moisture, water once a week or whenever it appears to be getting dry, and dust leaves with a damp cloth.
Does Monstera withstand LED lighting?
Both full spectrum and red/blue spectrum are effective for growing monstera. The red/blue spectrum is your best bet if you have a room specifically for your plants because most indoor plants prefer it. Despite this, Monstera will thrive in a full spectrum grow environment.
Additionally, you want to think about purchasing a timer to attach to the grow light (or buy a grow light that comes with a timer already, like my preferred grow light for Monstera). This will enable you to program the lights’ on and off periods and guarantee that the plant always receives the proper quantity of light.
This also frees up your schedule because you won’t need to be at home at a specific hour to turn on or off the lights.
What’s the best grow light for variegated Monstera plants?
According to your unique requirements, the optimal grow light for variegated Monstera plants will vary. Finding an LED full spectrum grow light is a good general rule of thumb, nevertheless, for all Monstera species. These grow lights are generally beneficial for plants and have very few drawbacks.
Since you can use an LED full spectrum grow light everywhere, not just in a room dedicated to plants, it is ideal for the majority of indoor gardeners, including owners of variegated Monstera plants. Additionally, as it is an LED light rather than an incandescent, you may use it continuously without worrying about it overheating or damaging the Monstera’s leaves.
Can Monstera grow under LED light?
When compared to incandescent grow lights, LED lights are actually the greatest choice for monstera plants because they promote healthy growth. This is due to the fact that LED grow lights don’t overheat and have a lower likelihood of scorching the leaves of the Monstera plant than incandescent grow lights do.
In addition, there are many different types and designs of LED grow lights, including full spectrum and red/blue spectrum. Additionally, they are less expensive and are thought to be safer when used for a prolonged period of time because they are less likely to overheat.
An LED full spectrum grow light will be your best choice if you are new to the grow light industry. A Monstera grows nicely under the adaptable LED grow lights because of their effectiveness. They can be utilized for both temporary and permanent lighting requirements.
My Monstera plant is sobbing, why?
Guttation, often known as “sweating,” “weeping,” or “crying,” is a completely natural occurrence when liquid droplets develop on the tips or surface of healthy leaves. Although the droplets appear to be made of water, they are actually made of xylem sap, a mixture of extra water and minerals.
Although xylem sap is non-toxic and won’t damage your furniture or flooring, it can become very filthy if larger plants start gutting and dripping.
There are many causes of guttation. The majority of the time, it indicates that your plant has a little bit more water than it requires and manages to get rid of the extra. During the night, when plants often stop transpiring, root pressure will force moisture, chemicals, sugars, and other substances upward through a network of tiny channels known as the phloem. These tubes are attached to tiny cells that are located on the leaf’s surface. On the tips of your plant’s leaves, they expel the extra water and minerals, creating what resembles dewdrops or perspiration.
It’s also critical to understand that guttation and transpiration are two different processes. Transpiration is the process through which moisture or water leaves the plant as a vapor while it is hot outside. On the other hand, guttation is xylem sap that the plant itself secretes.
Some claim that stress or less-than-ideal growth conditions can also lead to guttation. There are numerous ways to stress out your Monstera, even if you are doing everything you can to ensure a happy plant. This includes a change in temperature, the size of the soil or pot, or even just the drive home from the plant nursery.
Some plants are more adept at adjusting to a new environment than others, and your Monstera may try to control its developing environment by gutting or leaking leaves.