Keeping a Monstera happy requires a few key elements in its environment. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and a temperature range between 65-85°F. Temperatures that dip below 54°F or above 95°F may cause the plant to suffer.
Water the Monstera weekly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Monsteras also prefer soil that is kept slightly moist. Allowing the Monstera to dry out too much can cause the leaves to become yellow.
Increase humidity near the plant by misting it with room-temperature water or setting the pot on a tray filled with moist pebbles. Additionally, the Monstera can benefit from regular fertilizer applications.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Monsteras should be given a light fertilizer application every other week during their active growth period in the spring and summer.
Repot the Monstera every two to three years as it grows and replace the potting soil with fresh, nutrient-rich soil. Finally, to encourage the Monstera to climb its post, tie the plant’s stem and leaves to the support structure with soft, plant-safe ties.
How do you know when a Monstera needs water?
When your Monstera needs water, the most obvious tell is the leaves. If the leaves start to droop, curve downward or look lifeless, then it’s clearly in need of water. Additionally, when you gently push your finger into the soil, if it’s dry or crumbly, then there isn’t much moisture left and your plant needs water.
If possible, try to water Monstera every week – but in general, they’ll need more water in hotter climates and in hot summer months. Lastly, it is important to remember to not over-water your plant, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
To know when the potting soil is saturated, the water will appear to drain from the bottom of the pot. Let the soil dry before watering again.
How often should I water Monstera?
The frequency of watering Monstera plants heavily depends on a few factors. First, consider the soil your Monstera is planted in and the type of pot it is in. If it is in a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining soil, you will likely need to water it every 7-10 days.
If it is in a pot with no drainage holes and/or a soil that doesn’t drain quickly, you will likely need to water it every 5-7 days.
Second, consider the climate your Monstera is living in. Monsteras prefer warm and humid climates, so if it’s in a warmer or more humid environment, it should be watered less often. If it is in a cooler or drier environment, it should be watered more often.
If you’re not sure what the climate is like in your home, you can monitor the soil and determine if it needs to be watered by touching the top inch or so of the soil. If it feels dry then it needs to be watered, if it feels wet then it doesn’t.
Lastly, consider the pot’s size. Plants in larger pots will require more water than plants in smaller pots. If your plant is in a large pot, you may consider only watering it every 10-14 days.
It’s important to note that if you water your Monstera too often, the roots can become waterlogged and the plant could get root rot. Similarly, if it’s not watered often enough, the leaves will start to droop.
So, it’s important to find the right balance between too much and too little.
How do you know if Monstera is not enough light?
If you notice your Monstera’s lower leaves turning yellow and falling off, chances are it’s not receiving enough light. Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light. If the growth of the new leaves starts to slow down or they appear pale or yellow, your Monstera could be suffering from too little light.
Also look out for signs of wilting or crisp edges on the leaves, as too little light can cause moisture loss in the leaves. If you’re unsure, move the Monstera to a brighter spot and monitor it over a period of time; if it begins to thrive and the new leaves appear healthy and vibrant, then that’s a sure sign that it was not receiving enough light in its previous spot.
Where should I put Monstera indoors?
When it comes to caring for a Monstera indoors, it’s important to pick the right spot for it. For optimal growth, you’ll want to place your Monstera in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight, like in a north or east-facing window.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, not soggy or dry. You can provide extra humidity by misting the plant regularly and setting the pot on a pebble tray with water. It’s also important to provide good airflow around the plant and keep dust off of the leaves.
Monsteras need a larger pot as they grow, so make sure you switch to a bigger one every year or two. Also, fertilizing in spring, summer and fall can help provide the extra nutrition it needs to thrive.
Finally, many sources recommend wiping the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to keep them clean and to help the plant continue to photosynthesize effectively.
Can Monstera be in full sun?
No, Monstera plants should not receive full sun. They are tropical, jungle-dwelling plants and prefer indirect light or partial shade. In some cases, direct sun may cause the leaves to discolor or develop spots, so it’s best to keep them in an area with light shade and away from strong, direct or reflected sunlight.
Monstera plants can tolerate a moderate amount of morning sun, but should be protected from the strongest midday sun. Finding a bright, indirect light spot that receives some dappled sunshine throughout the day is ideal.
Why are the tips of my Monstera going brown?
Brown tips on a Monstera can occur when the plant is not getting enough water, or it can also occur when the plant is getting too much water. Not enough water will cause the foliage tips to become dry and brittle.
If your environment is too dry, some of the new foliage growth may turn yellow or brown from the tip down to the next leaf junction.
On the other hand, too much water can cause the Monstera to develop brown tips as well. This is because the foliage may be susceptible to root and stem rot, which can start at the tips of the leaves.
If the foliage stays wet and soggy for too long, the affected areas may discolor and die-off.
Maintaining the correct moisture for your Monstera is key to keeping its foliage healthy and green. You can find the correct balance by manually checking the soil and feeling whether it is damp or dry before watering.
If your plant is in a pot with drainage holes, feel free to allow it to dry out between waterings.
How many foot candles does a Monstera need?
The amount of light a Monstera needs can depend on several factors, including the age, size, and variety of the plant. Generally speaking, a Monstera needs bright indirect light. The preferred range of light intensity is between 250-500 foot candles.
It is important to avoid strong direct sunlight, as this can damage the leaves. Under extremely low light, the leaves of the Monstera may become yellow, stunted, or deformed. If possible, the plant should be placed around two to three feet away from a south or east-facing window, as this will provide the optimal amount of light, keeping it in the 250-500 foot candle range.
What color light is for Monstera?
Monstera plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight over direct sunlight. For most of the year, this means a south or east-facing window should provide adequate indirect light. If the leaves are starting to look pale or washed out, increasing the amount of sunlight exposure may help return the leaves to their healthy, dark green color.
Best practice is to monitor the plant closely and adjust the light exposure as needed. During the summer months, you may need to provide your Monstera with filtered sunlight by placing a sheer curtain over the window.
Can Monstera grow in shade?
Yes, Monstera plants can grow in shade. These tropical plants are native to humid forests in the Central American regions where there is usually quite a bit of shade due to the tall canopies of trees.
The plants can grow in light shade or areas that receive dappled sunlight, just not in dark or too-bright areas.
For best results, place your Monstera in medium to bright indirect light and water thoroughly once a week. If you can water more often that is great, but allowing the soil on top of the pot to dry out between waterings is necessary.
Make sure you also pay attention to the soil condition. Monstera’s prefer rich, well-draining soil that is kept slightly moist but not overly wet or soggy. If you notice that the leaves of your Monstera start to curl, this is often a sign the soil does not have enough moisture.
Providing more water or slightly more shade can help resolve this issue.
Happy growing!
Do Monsteras like to be misted?
Yes, Monsteras do like to be misted. In fact, they love it! Mist your Monstera a few times a week with filtered or distilled water to ensure the leaves are getting enough moisture. When the leaves start to droop or the tips of the leaves are browning, that is a sign that your plant needs more humidity.
If the humidity levels in your home are not already high, misting your Monstera will help. Not only will this help keep the plant healthy, but it helps prevent pests and disease. You may also want to consider placing your Monstera near a humidifier to keep the humidity levels up.
Can I mist my Monstera everyday?
No, you should not mist your Monstera everyday. Over-watering can cause the leaves to dry out and become yellow or brown, and it can also cause root rot. The best way to water your Monstera is to let the top two inches of soil dry out and then water it thoroughly until water starts running out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
To get an idea of when to water, checking the moisture levels in the soil is a good indicator. Keep an eye on the leaves as well; if your plant looks wilted or droopy, that may be an indicator that it needs water.
Additionally, misting your Monstera once a week can be beneficial as it can provide additional humidity and help prevent pests such as mites and mealy bug.
Should I Bottom water my Monstera?
Yes, you should bottom water your Monstera. The best way to give your plant a thorough watering is to bottom water. This means submerging the pot in a half-filled sink or bucket of water. This helps to evenly distribute the water to the entire root system.
When the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to bottom water your Monstera. Be sure to remove the pot from the water before the water reaches the top of the soil; otherwise, water can collect at the surface and cause root rot.
Allow the water to drain from the drainage holes for about 15 minutes before putting the pot back on its saucer. Bottom watering is important, because it not only helps to evenly water the plant, and allow it to absorb the correct amount at once, but it also helps prevent over-watering.
When bottom watering your Monstera, always use lukewarm water (never cold).
Can Monstera survive without sunlight?
No, Monstera cannot survive without sunlight. This tropical vining plant requires plenty of sunshine to thrive and grow. The Monstera species, native to the tropical climates of Central and South America, loves indirect light and can handle full sun for short periods of time.
When in Leaf, the Monstera prefers bright, indirect light but should always be protected from direct sunlight. Too much sun on its leaves can burn the foliage and cause unsightly blemishes. When deprived of light, the Monstera tends to become leggy and growth slows, as the plant uses up its available energy.
To maintain a healthy long-term Monstera, it is recommended to keep it in a room that receives sufficient natural light, preferably close to a window.
Can Monstera survive in a dark room?
No, Monstera plants are not able to survive in a dark room. They need bright indirect light to thrive, and low to bright indirect light is preferred. If the room has no exposure to light, the plant will not be able to photosynthesize and will not be able to survive.
As an evergreen houseplant, Monstera needs the exposure to light in order to produce its colorful foliage and to continue growing. If there is not enough light, it will weaken or stop growing altogether and eventually die.
A Monstera should be placed near a well-lit window or in an area with bright indirect light for it to survive long-term. Additionally, Monstera needs adequate air circulation and humidity to survive as well.
How far should my Monstera be from a window?
The ideal distance between a Monstera and a window depends on the amount of sunlight that window receives. If the window receives a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day, your Monstera should be placed fairly far away, such as a few feet.
If your window receives mostly indirect sunlight, or if you have curtains, blinds, etc. , that can be used to adjust the amount of light it receives, then the Monstera can be placed closer but still out of direct sunlight.
If a Monstera is placed in direct sunlight, it can result in sunburn on the leaves, so it’s important to keep it in an area that receives indirect light. Additionally, a Monstera should be placed far enough from a window to avoid cold drafts.