Monsteras need bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can burn their leaves, so a few hours of morning or afternoon sun is ideal. When grown indoors, position your Monstera near a bright window to get some indirect sun.
Areas near sliding glass doors, bay windows, and especially east-facing windows are ideal to allow for direct sun in the morning, and then indirect sun throughout the day. During the summer, Monsteras may thrive with up to 4 hours of direct sunlight.
When kept outside, place your Monstera in a bright, shaded area; under a tree canopy or patio umbrella is ideal. Be sure to rotate the pot regularly to ensure uniform, even growth on all sides of the plant.
Do monsteras like direct sun?
No, monsteras do not like direct sun and should be kept out of direct sunlight. This is because they are tropical plants native to shaded rainforest environments, so they prefer bright but indirect light and moderate levels of humidity.
It is best to keep monsteras in filtered or indirect sunlight and to avoid any locations with strong, full sun that would scorch the foliage. The plants may also burn if kept too close to a window or in a hot, sunny spot.
If the monstera’s leaves start to darken or fade in colour, it may be receiving too much direct sunlight. In this case, move the plant to a shadier location.
Do monsteras need to be by a window?
No, Monsteras do not necessarily need to be by a window, although it may be beneficial for them. Monsteras, also known as Swiss cheese plants, are native to tropical and subtropical climates and thrive in bright, indirect light.
If you don’t have a window that offers a lot of light, place the Monstera in a spot in your home with bright, indirect light. If you can’t find a great spot with bright light, you can also use a plant light or fluorescent light 5-6 inches from the plant.
Additionally, you can rotate the pot so it catches the same amount of light on all sides. Monsteras are resilient plants, so they can survive in lower light environments. It is important to note, however, that a Monstera without enough light may not grow properly or may not grow as full and lush as a Monstera in optimal lighting.
How do I know if my Monstera is happy?
The first and most important sign of a happy Monstera is healthy foliage and new growth. Look for vibrant, dark green leaves with prominent veining and especially for the iconic “Swiss cheese” style perforations on mature leaves.
Monstera also loves to produce new vine-like aerial roots, which should be plump, white, and tightly wound when mature. Healthy foliage, new growth, and aerial roots all indicate a happy and healthy Monstera.
Additionally, be sure that your Monstera is getting enough light. Monstera needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive, but it can also tolerate low to medium light. If your Monstera is not receiving enough light, the leaves may become discolored, have fewer perforations, or will not grow as much.
If your Monstera is getting too much light, it’s leaves may become faded or burnt.
Watering your Monstera is also an important part of keeping it happy. Locate a pot with drainage holes to avoid over-watering. Monsteras prefer a balance of moist soil with some alternating periods of drying out between waterings.
When watering, be sure to water the roots and avoid getting splashed on the leaves and stems.
Finally, in terms of pests, look for things like scale, mealybugs, aphids, or spider mite. Remove bugs by hand, if possible, and treat the plant with an organic pesticide to eliminate any ongoing pests.
Removing pests ensures your Monstera is thriving and happy.
How far can a Monstera be from a window?
Monstera houseplants can generally be positioned anywhere from a few feet to between 6 to 10 feet away from a window, depending on the amount of bright, indirect light they will receive. The ideal spot is one where your Monstera will get plenty of light but won’t be exposed to direct sunlight or too much drafty air.
Too much direct light can cause the leaves of your Monstera to turn brown, and it can cause its leaves to dry out if there’s too much draft.
In addition to its placement in relation to the window, it’s important to make sure the soil of your Monstera is not overly wet or too dry. The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist, and lightly mist your Monstera in the morning.
The plant should also be rotated occasionally to encourage even growth. Pay close attention to the leaves of your Monstera to gauge how much sun it’s getting, adjust as needed according to how the leaves look.
How often should I water Monstera?
When it comes to Monstera plants, the frequency of watering depends on a few factors like the temperature, humidity, and size of the pot. Generally, water your Monstera plant once every 5-7 days when you notice the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry.
During the summer months, you may need to water them a bit more often, while during the winter, they will likely need water less often. To check the soil, lightly stick your finger into the soil. If the soil is still wet, you can wait another few days before rewatering.
Additionally, if you are using a large pot, your Monstera may need to be watered less frequently than those in smaller pots.
Do all Monsteras need a moss pole?
No, not all Monsteras need a moss pole, but it is an important tool to help the plant reach its full potential and promote healthy growth. Providing a moss pole provides a structure that encourages the Monstera to climb upward, resulting in vertically growing and larger, fuller, wrap-around leaves.
These large, flavorful leaves are what make Monsteras so desirable, so it can be helpful to provide a moss pole to support the plant and promote better growth. Additionally, the moss pole allows the plant to get air circulation to all of its leaves, which is beneficial for healthy growth.
To install the moss pole, simply stick it in the pot and bend the stems of the Monstera around it. This will provide a natural, secure way for the plant to climb up.
Can Monstera grow in artificial light?
Yes, Monstera plants can be grown in artificial light, although they will likely not thrive as well as if they were grown in natural sunlight. If you plan to keep your Monstera indoors, it’s important to choose a location that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
If natural light is not available, then you can supplement with artificial light. Full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs emit light at wavelengths that are similar to natural outdoor light and can help ensure that your monstera receives the light it needs to stay healthy.
Be sure to place the lights at least 6-12 inches away from your plant and keep the lights on for 8-10 hours a day. Additionally, make sure to rotate your plant to ensure that all sides of it get equal amounts of light.
How do I make my Monstera grow faster?
To make your Monstera grow faster, you need to make sure it has the right environment and proper care. Start by finding a spot in your home that has diffused, indirect sunlight, as too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
Make sure the area is well ventilated, as good airflow is essential for proper growth. When watering your Monstera, water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Make sure your Monstera is receiving the proper nutrients by fertilizing once a month with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Regular pruning and applying a light layer of compost or manure can also help promote growth. Finally, repotting your Monstera once a year with high-quality potting soil that is rich in organic matter can also help give it a growth boost.
Why is my Monstera not growing leaves?
It is possible that your Monstera isn’t growing leaves for many reasons. First, it’s important to make sure that you’re providing the correct environment for your Monstera. Monstera prefers warm and moist, but not wet, soil that is well-draining, indirect sunlight and humidity.
If your Monstera has been exposed to direct sunlight or too much heat, it may cause leaf dropping or stunted growth.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure the soil is not overly dry. Monitor your Monstera’s soil moisture level and water it as needed. If the soil is dry and cracked, then you may need to water it more often.
Use lukewarm water that is free of chlorine and other chemicals if possible.
It’s also possible that the roots may have become overgrown in their existing pot. If the roots have become too crowded and constricted, your Monstera may struggle to grow. You can check the roots by gently removing the plant from its pot.
If the roots are a tangled mess, it may be time to replant in a larger pot with fresh soil.
Make sure your Monstera is receiving the right amount of nutrients. If you’re growing it in soil, you can use a balanced plant food to provide the necessary nutrients. If you’re growing it in water, consider using a nutrient-rich fertiliser.
Finally, take a closer look at your Monstera’s leaves for any signs of pests or disease. If you suspect a pest or disease, treat it with the appropriate treatment.
What do monsteras look like when they need water?
Monsteras, also known as Swiss cheese plants, are distinctive for their large steplike leaves with holes that look like Swiss cheese. When Monsteras need water, their leaves will start to droop in an attempt to conserve water, and the leaves may start to develop small wrinkles or a sandy discoloration.
Sometimes the leaves will cup slightly inwards as the plant attempts to save moisture. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, so if the Monstera feels heavy, it likely doesn’t need to be watered.
Monsteras can also tell you when they need more water by producing aerial roots that will help the plant soak up more moisture if the soil is too dry. Additionally, the leaves of a thirsty Monstera will start to look dull and the color will appear more dull than its usual bright and vibrant green.
Can I spray water on Monstera leaves?
Yes, you can spray water on Monstera leaves, but it is not necessary. Monstera plants are tropical plants that are used to growing in humid environments, so they naturally thrive in humid air. If you have a dry home, misting them with water occasionally can help to increase the humidity around the plant, which can help it to remain healthy.
However, only do this if the air around the plant is particularly dry and the leaves look limp or the leaf tips are browning. Additionally, try to avoid getting water on the leaves if it is possible and instead focus on spritzing the stems, as too much water on the leaves can cause them to brown or rot.
Do Swiss cheese plants like misting?
Yes, Swiss cheese plants (Monstera deliciosa) generally appreciate humidity and misting can help to achieve that. Keeping these plants in a humid environment will help them stay healthy and grow faster.
They are native to tropical rain forests, where there is typically high humidity, so providing additional humidity through misting can help mimic the plants’ natural environment and make the plants happy.
Misting should be enough to create humdity, but if you have a particularly dry environment, you may need to consider other methods for increasing humidity, such as a humidifier. Additionally, Swiss cheese plants do prefer bright, indirect light, so it is important to remember that moderate misting isn’t ideal for direct sunlight exposure or if the plant is growing in an area with cool temperatures.
Why are my Monstera leaves getting lighter?
Monstera leaves are getting lighter due to a number of different reasons. First, Monstera plants typically enjoy bright, indirect light. If your plant is not receiving enough light, then it could be the cause of the leaves turning lighter.
Additionally, frequent watering can also cause leaves to lighten in color. Overwatering can cause stress to the plant and prevent it from producing the necessary pigmentation in its leaves. Too little watering can also lead to lighter leaves.
Incorrect soil pH levels or fertilizer type can also cause leaves to lighten. Lastly, extreme temperature changes can affect a Monstera plant’s growth. If the plant is exposed to direct sunlight, then the leaves can bleach and turn lighter.
However, if the air is too cold or dry, the leaves may yellow and lighten as well. Make sure that your Monstera’s soil remains moist and the air temperature does not fluctuate. If you are still having trouble, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil to help it regain its vibrant color.
How much sun is too much for Monstera?
Monstera plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth and health. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves or cause them to yellow, which is why keeping your Monstera near a bright, but slightly shaded window is ideal.
You should also avoid placing your Monstera in a location where it will get less than three to four hours of direct sunlight each day, especially if your Monstera is in a low-light environment. If your Monstera is in a spot with too much direct sunlight, you may want to try moving the plant to a spot with more indirect sunlight or even an artificial light source – such as faint fluorescent light.
When your Monstera is receiving the correct amount of sun, it should look happy and vibrant with its luscious, dark green leaves.
Should I put my monstera by a window?
Yes, it is a good idea to put your monstera by a window. Monstera plants do best when they receive bright, indirect sunlight. They cannot tolerate direct sunlight primarily during the later afternoon summer hours.
The best window for your monstera could be one that has a sheer curtain over it that diffuses the sunlight to ensure there is no direct sun on your plant or its leaves. With an eastern or western-facing window, you should be able to provide your monstera with the right amount of light it needs to thrive.
Additionally, indirect sunlight is also important if you live in a particularly warm climate. Direct sunlight can cause scorching of the leaves and even sunburns. Monsteras need proper ventilation, and windows provide great airflow with the assistance of an open window.
As long as your monstera is not in direct sun and it is not in a drafty window, it should do fine by a window.
What window should my Monstera be in?
In general, Monstera plants should be planted near a bright, east-facing window or in an area where it can get bright, indirect light. Monstera will do best if it gets several hours of indirect sunlight per day, so you may want to rotate it from time to time to ensure even growth.
However, if you live in an area with a very hot climate, you should avoid placing your Monstera directly in front of a south or west-facing window as the intense sunlight can scorch or burn the plant.
In this case, you’ll be better off placing your Monstera in a north-facing window or in a spot where it will get filtered light. You should also make sure the room in which your Monstera is growing is well-ventilated to ensure that the plant has adequate air movement around the leaves.
Finally, be sure to water your Monstera consistently but sparingly to ensure that the soil stays moist but not overly wet.
Can Monstera recover from sunburn?
Yes, Monstera can recover from sunburn. Sunburns can cause wilting of the leaves, darkening of leaf tips, or even tissue death. To prevent future sunburn and help facilitate a plant’s recovery, move it to a shadier location.
In some cases, removing the damaged leaves can help the plant focus its energy on the remaining undamaged tissue.
Also, ensure that your Monstera is receiving adequate hydration. Keep an eye on the soil and water when the top 1-2 inches becomes dry. During winter months, a Monstera requires less water because of the reduced photosynthetic activity during these months.
Make sure your Monstera is receiving enough fertilizer. Fertilize the plant every two months during the spring and summer, and every four months during the fall and winter.
Finally, use compost or a mild compost tea to improve the soil health. Providing the Monstera with additional nutrients can help ensure that it receives everything it needs to recover from sunburn.
What counts as bright indirect light?
Bright indirect light is defined as the kind of light found on the north or east side of a building. It is considered filtered light and is usually the most desirable for houseplants. This light is not generally considered full sunlight, although it is still bright enough for photosynthesis to occur in most plants.
The ideal light for most indoor plants lies somewhere between the south- or southwest-facing windows that provide direct sunlight and the north or east-facing windows that provide bright indirect light.
Bright indirect light has the advantage of being much less intense than direct sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn and providing more consistent, optimal light levels over a longer period of time than direct light.