Do Monsteras Need Sun

Although they cannot survive direct sunshine, monsteras require intense light. Although they can survive in low light, they won’t develop as well. You must give your Monstera plant adequate light for it to develop a spectacular Monstera plant with the lacy leaves and the hue you admire.

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.

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.

How can you tell whether Monstera has enough light?

It can be challenging to ensure that your Monstera plant receives the proper amount of light, but if this is the case, your plant will give you lots of hints. The following symptoms are likely to be present in a Monstera plant that isn’t receiving enough light.

Slow, stunted growth

If the growth of your Monstera plant is sluggish and it appears stunted, inadequate light is probably the cause. Your Monstera plant cannot use photosynthesis to make energy in the absence of sufficient light. Plant development will slow down to make up for the shortage of energy.

However, don’t mistake indicators of insufficient light for wintertime growth slowdown. The Monstera plant rests throughout the winter, therefore growth usually slows down at that time. Furthermore, delayed development doesn’t necessarily mean that your Monstera’s light needs aren’t being met. Make sure you utilize the process of elimination to identify the core of the problem because it could also be a sign of other problems, such as having a root-bound Monstera.

Leggy stems and vines

Plants naturally grow longer stems and leaves to reach for more light as a response to low light conditions. It’s not just your Monstera plant either. Low light is probably the cause if you see extensive sections of naked stem between leaves, which indicates that you may have a leggy Monstera on your hands.

Your Monstera plant may also have lopsided-looking stems or tendrils that slant in the direction of the light. You may want to think about adding a moss pole to your Monstera if it is beginning to lean a little bit in order to provide it the support it needs to stay upright in addition to making sure it is receiving enough light.

Lack of variegation

The green portions of the leaves are essential for photosynthesis in variegated Monstera plants. Because they lack chlorophyll, the variegated areas of the leaves cannot produce energy for the plant.

Low light causes variegated Monsteras to produce more green leaves, which aid in photosynthesis. Your Monstera plant will regain its lovely leaf variegation if you move it to more light.

Yellowing Leaves

Monstera plants may respond to insufficient light by yellowing their bottom leaves, but you should be mindful that yellowed leaves might also indicate an excessive amount of water.

Yellowed leaves are probably a sign that your Monstera plant needs more light if you are certain you are using correct watering procedures and overwatering isn’t the reason your Monstera leaves are turning yellow.

How can I tell whether my Monstera is content?

How can you prevent your Monstera from drowning? We’ve discussed a little bit about how to avoid overwatering it. Once you get to know your Monstera and understand all of its behaviors, you’ll notice lots of indicators that it needs water. Some of them may not come as a surprise because the indications that a Monstera needs watering are also quite similar to those that other plants exhibit.

Your Monstera’s Soil Is Dry

The primary indication that a Monstera needs watering is dry soil. A Monstera deliciosa shouldn’t thrive in arid conditions, despite the fact that it’s vital to allow the soil dry up a little bit between waterings. Although too-dry soil won’t immediately kill a plant, it will hinder its capacity to grow effectively.

Since every plant and indoor environment is unique and can necessitate a different amount of time between waterings, routinely testing the soil will enable you to determine when your Monstera needs to be watered. Using your finger is the simplest method for doing this!

If the soil is dry after sticking your finger in it for about an inch, water the plant. Don’t water your Monstera just yet if it’s moist or still wet.

Your Monstera is Leaning Over

Although it is an unusual indicator, I have observed a leaning Monstera in my collection. An underwatered Monstera will begin to sag in a manner that causes the leaves to droop, which is similar to wilting. On a little Monstera, this is much simpler to see, although it can be seen on bigger plants as well.

Always examine the soil before watering because leaning plants might occasionally be an indication of a different problem, such as overwatering. Never add more water when the earth is damp; dry soil indicates that it is time to water.

Your Monstera should bounce back within a few days after receiving a thorough watering if the cause of drooping is too little water. As much stress as possible should be avoided allowing the Monstera to become this dry as it will stunt the plant’s growth.

Your Monstera’s Leaves are Curling

Leaf curling is just another sign that a Monstera needs watering. The leaves of a Monstera that needs water will start to curl inward, making them appear smaller and less wide.

This is a temporary problem that almost always goes away with some time and some good watering! If the soil is dry, check it and give it a nice, thorough watering. Within a few days, the leaves ought to resume their regular state.

If they don’t, there might be another problem going on. Before watering once more, take some time to run a diagnostic.

Your Monstera’s Leaves are Brown, Yellow, or Dead

An alarming sign may be the yellowing of your Monstera’s leaves. Dark green, waxy leaves are present on a healthy, happy Monstera (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green).

Some discoloration is expected because older Monstera leaves gradually turn yellow and drop off as they become older. However, you have an issue if you notice many sections of the plant with yellow, brown, or dead leaves or new leaves.

In addition to underwatering, additional issues that might cause leaf discoloration include overwatering, excessive or insufficient sunshine, or parasites. Don’t water the plant right away; instead, take the time to inspect it for any signs of these issues.

Although older growth will occasionally die off, you should take immediate action if any leaf loss is accompanied by other symptoms like drooping or discolouration. The soil’s moisture content should always be checked as the initial step. Water the soil deeply if it is dry. Look for indications that your plant may have been overwatered if the soil is wet.

Your Monstera Isn’t Putting Out Fenestrated Leaves

With adult Monsteras that haven’t started fenestrating or that produce leaves with holes in them, a lack of fenestration can become a problem. Fenestrations are nearly always a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.

This can occasionally be brought on by inadequate sunlight. Examine the surroundings of the plant to rule that out. Monsteras require six to twelve hours a day of bright indirect sunlight. Try transplanting the plant to a brighter location if it isn’t receiving this much light.

Set a smart alarm to remind you to inspect the soil if lighting isn’t the issue and you think your Monstera needs extra water. This will assist you in forming the practice of routine plant maintenance. You can establish the ideal watering balance by making sure the soil is moist enough many times per week. Be careful not to overwater, though!

Can Monstera endure in a dimly lit space?

Monstera can grow in low light and are incredibly hardy and simple to grow. However, they cannot and will not grow in the absence of light.

They’ll:

  • accept some overwatering,
  • withstand extensive underwatering,
  • if you don’t have a humidifier, won’t coil up and die.
  • withstand dim lighting

They have a very high likelihood of getting thrips at some point, but a minor infestation won’t bother them. Just keep them a few feet apart from your other plants, and keep neem oil on hand at all times.

Can I grow Monstera in a room without light?

Everybody is familiar with the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa), a unique houseplant that thrives in shade or a dim environment. The Monstera Deliciosa is a plant with a classic aesthetic that works exceptionally well with the current urban jungle style. The common Monstera Deliciosa variety is green.

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.