Yes, Monstera plants can grow without sunlight. As indoor plants, they are classified as low-light plants, meaning that they don’t require the same amount of direct sunlight needed by other more sun-loving plants.
Monsteras generally prefer bright, indirect light, meaning they can grow with very little, if any direct sunlight. However, they do need a decent amount of light to properly photosynthesize their food and survive.
If your Monstera plant doesn’t have access to a large amount of sunlight, opt for a low-light-friendly grow light. This will provide your Monstera with the right amount of light and still allow it to thrive indoors.
You should also make sure that your Monstera is placed in a well-ventilated area away from drafts that could cause issues with your plant’s health. Additionally, you should move your Monstera around to different areas of the room, so that it won’t always be in one spot of low light.
This will help your plant thrive.
How much light does a Monstera need?
Monsteras, also known as Swiss Cheese plants, prefer moderate to bright indirect light. While they need sufficient light to thrive, direct sunlight will scorch the leaves and can be damaging. Natuse light levels of ~250-300 foot-candles are ideal for keeping a Monstera plant healthy and well-cared for.
Plants that are placed in low light conditions will generally display weak, elongated leaves with little or no variegation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, plants that are placed in too much light will typically develop brown patches on their leaves, which is a sign of sunburn.
Depending on the variety of Monstera, too much light can also result in yellowing, pale or faded leaves. It is recommended to allow your Monstera to acclimate to brighter light conditions gradually, while keeping an eye out for any sunburned patches.
Can Monstera live in a dark room?
No, Monstera plants need a lot of indirect sunlight to thrive. Ideally, they should be placed near a window where they will get several hours of sun each day, but not so much that they’ll be scorched by direct rays.
If they don’t get enough light, they won’t produce the iconic split foliage – referred to colloquially as “Swiss cheese leaves”. They also won’t flower or fruit. Since dark rooms don’t allow enough light in, placing a Monstera in one can lead to plant death.
To avoid this, it’s best to keep Monstera plants in sunny rooms and in locations that aren’t too far away from a window.
How do you know if Monstera is getting enough light?
If your Monstera is getting the right amount of light, one way to tell is by observing the growth of the leaves. Good, indirect light should cause the leaves to grow in a distinct pattern with every new leaf getting larger and larger, as well as wider and more oval-shaped.
The leaves may also start to produce more exotic cuts and holes throughout them. Additionally, the leaves should be a rich dark green hue, looking vibrant and robust. If the plant isn’t receiving enough light, its leaves may start to yellow or develop brown spots or scorching.
There may also be less of a distinct leaf pattern with smaller or thinner leaves. Monstera may also start to stretch or reach for additional light, appearing spindly or ‘leggy’. It’s always best to adjust the light source a little at a time, allowing the plant to acclimate as you move it around, and taking care to not give it too much light all at once, as this can cause sunburn or other damage.
How do I know if my Monstera is happy?
Knowing if your Monstera is happy is an important part of plant care. Luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs that your Monstera is content. One of these signs is new leaf growth. If the foliage on your Monstera is flourishing and there is evidence of new growth, you can be confident that it feels content.
As Monstera like to climb, look for aerial roots – these also indicate a healthy and happy plant. The leaves should also be healthy-looking and vibrant. If there are yellow spots or signs of infestation, it’s important to take action.
Another sign of a happy Monstera is its roots; these should be tight and not overcrowded. If you are able to check the roots safely, there should be an abundance of them. Finally, look at the soil. If it’s obviously dry, despite watering, then your Monstera might be thirsty (or have a drainage problem).
If the soil is damp but not overly wet, then your Monstera is likely happy and content. In conclusion, there are a few signs you can look out for when determining whether or not your Monstera is happy.
Keep an eye out for aerial roots, evidence of new leaf growth, healthy vibrant leaves and damp but not overly wet soil. If all indicators point towards your Monstera being happy, then your plant-care efforts have been successful!.
Do Monsteras like to be misted?
Yes, Monsteras love to be misted! Misting the leaves of your Monstera with water is a great way to keep the leaves hydrated and encourage healthy growth of your plant. Mist the leaves 1-2 times a week, or even more frequently if your home environment is particularly dry.
If possible, mist the leaves in the morning so they can dry in the sun and avoid stagnation. Avoid misting the soil and foliage of your Monstera too often, as this can cause root rot or other foliar problems.
Where should I put Monstera indoors?
Monstera requires a lot of light, but should not be in direct sunlight. That being said, the best indoor spot for a Monstera for the majority of homes is near a large, south-facing window, or close to an east- or west-facing window.
However, if your home doesn’t receive direct sunlight, you should be careful and instead place your Monstera in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. In addition to light, keep in mind that although it is an indoor plant, Monstera likes humidity, likes to be misted weekly (or even more often in dry environments), and needs its soil to be slightly moist but not soggy.
Finally, since Monstera prefers warmth, take care to try to maintain the room temperature near or above 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
What counts as bright indirect light?
Bright indirect light is light that is bright enough to support photosynthesis but not bright enough to cause excessive leaf burn or wilting. It is not direct sun, but often referred to as indirect or “filtered” sunlight.
To put it simply, bright indirect light is light that is bright and diffused. The best example would be standing in an open room with no nearby windows or walls. You would still see some light, but it would be coming from all around, and not directly overhead.
This type of light is great for producing lush, healthy foliage and able to support a wide variety of houseplants.
Why is my Monstera not growing new leaves?
First, it’s important to keep in mind that Monstera plants are slow-growing and may take a few weeks or months to produce new growth. There are a few common causes that might prevent a Monstera from growing new leaves.
One potential cause is improper light. Monstera plants require bright, indirect light, such as a south- or east-facing window. Be sure to keep the leaves from being exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn.
Inadequate watering is another potential cause for slow growth. Monstera need to be kept evenly moist, but not wet. Over- or under-watering can both lead to slow growth or even plant death. If you aren’t sure about your watering schedule, it’s a good idea to get a moisture meter to help you determine if the soil is too dry or too wet.
Lastly, lack of nutrients can also contribute to slow growth. If the soil is depleted of nutrients, adding a balanced liquid fertilizer to the water will help provide additional nourishment.
If you can’t identify the cause of your Monstera’s slow growth, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional. A local garden center or plant nursery can provide helpful guidance on how to best care for your plant.
How far can Monstera be from window?
Monstera plants typically require lots of natural indirect light to thrive. As a result, when determining where to place your Monstera, it’s important to keep it approximately 5 to 8 feet away from any windows.
Anything closer may result in the plant not receiving enough light, which could lead to drooping or yellow foliage. If the Monstera is placed too far away from the window, it may not get enough light, causing the same issues.
You may also find that the plant does not grow as quickly at a distance much further than 8 feet. As always, it’s best to monitor your Monstera closely to ensure that it is getting the right amount of light and adjust its location as needed.
How often should I water Monstera?
Monstera should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. You should also check your specific soil to make sure it is draining properly, as excessively soggy soil can cause problems like root rot.
Generally, Monstera should be watered once every 7-14 days. However, this may need to be adjusted depending on the growing conditions of each plant. Things like temperature, humidity, and light levels can all affect the watering frequency of your Monstera.
If it’s hot and dry, you may have to water more often. If it’s cool and humid, you may need to water less often. All Monstera plants vary in their drought tolerance, so it’s important to test the soil every few days before watering to make sure your plant is getting the right amount of moisture.
Can I keep my Monstera outside?
No, it is not recommended to keep a Monstera outdoors. This popular houseplant is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, and prefers a warm, humid environment. Keeping your Monstera outside will expose it to cold temperatures, dry air, and direct sunlight, all of which will damage or kill the plant.
It would be far better for your Monstera to keep it indoors in a bright room with indirect sunlight. Provide adequate humidity (a mist from time to time) and make sure the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Also, prune your Monstera regularly to help keep it healthy.
Can I propagate Monstera from a leaf?
Yes, you can propagate Monstera from a leaf. The best method for propagating Monstera is to use stem tip cuttings. To do this, find a healthy stem tip with at least two to three leaves and carefully cut just below the node of the stem — just above a leaf.
Make sure to use sharp, clean shears or scissors, so that you don’t damage the stem when you cut it. After cutting the stem, remove the lower leaf and dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone for better success.
Set the stem cutting in a glass of water, in a place with bright, indirect light, and change the water every few days. Monitor the stem cutting, and when roots form— usually within a week or two— remove the cutting and pot it in a well-draining soil mix.
Water as needed and fertilize monthly in the growing season. It can take several months for roots and leaves to develop. Eventually, you will see the characteristic Monstera leaves growing from the cutting.
Is it better to propagate Monstera in water or soil?
The answer to this question depends on what you are hoping to achieve with propagating monstera. In general, propagating monstera in soil is considered the best option, as it offers the plant more support and nutrients.
Propagating monstera in water is a faster process, and it can work if done correctly. However, the matured plants may not perform as well as ones propagated in soil, as there are not as many nutrients available to the plants in water.
When propagating monstera in soil, it is important to choose a well-aerated potting mix with good drainage, as monstera does best in slightly acidic soil that is kept moderately moist. When propagating in water, use a container large enough for the roots of the plant and fill it with filtered water.
Change the water every few days and keep it at room temperature. Whichever method you choose, make sure to use a clean container and sterile cutting tool to reduce the risk of pathogens or diseases.