Monstera plants are very adaptable and forgiving when it comes to grow lights. Depending on your situation, you can use either fluorescent, LED or High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. Generally, fluorescent or LED lights will provide enough light for a Monstera to thrive.
Fluorescent lights are the most affordable option and can deliver the right intensity, wattage and spectral blend of light for a Monstera. LED lights also use less energy compared to fluorescent lights.
If you’re growing Monsteras on a larger scale, then you might consider HID lights. They are more powerful and more efficient, but also more expensive than other types of grow lights. When choosing a light for a Monstera, it would be best to use one that is at least 5,000K and delivers between 200-400 lux over the target area, or approximately 4 hours of light each day.
A single full-spectrum LED or fluorescent bulb hung at 4-6” above the plant should be sufficient in most cases.
Can grow lights burn plants?
Yes, grow lights can burn plants. Grow lights, which are also referred to as artificial lighting, provide plants with light intensity and duration they need to grow. However, like any light source, if they are too close or too powerful, they can burn plants.
Grow lights are typically made of LED or high-intensity discharge (HID) technologies and should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, grow lights should be placed 10-15 inches away from plant leaves and no more powerful than necessary.
Grow lights should also be monitored to make sure they are not overheating. If they are too hot to touch, they may be burning the plants.
How do I make my Monstera grow faster?
To make your Monstera grow faster, you should provide it with adequate light, water, and fertilizer. It thrives best in indirect or diffused sunlight and most importantly, with moist soil. So, be sure to check the soil moisture with your fingers or a moisture meter first before watering your Monstera.
Additionally, fertilize it at least once every three weeks with a balanced liquid or water-soluble fertilizer. This will add important nutrients to the soil and help to promote healthy, new growth.
Furthermore, it’s important to periodically clean the foliage of your Monstera by gently washing it with a damp cloth or spray bottle. This will remove any accumulated dust and debris that can interfere with healthy growth.
Additionally, you could periodically mist your Monstera with water, as this will help raise the ambient humidity around the plant which will keep its leaves more hydrated and promote faster growth.
Finally, try to avoid over handling your Monstera as this can cause it stress and may slow down growth. With proper care and attention, you can ensure that your Monstera will reach its maximum potential quickly.
Can Monstera survive low light?
Monstera plants are quite adaptable in terms of lighting and will typically survive in an environment with low light. However, they will require more light to thrive and flourish. Without adequate light, their growth will slow, and their characteristic large glossy leaves may become smaller, lighter, or even yellow if exposed to too little light.
To ensure your Monstera is getting the appropriate amount of light for healthy growth, keep it in an area that receives medium to bright indirect sunlight for at least four to six hours per day. Additionally, avoid placing it in front of windows where it could be exposed to chilly night temperatures or intense direct sunlight during the day.
If keeping in low light is unavoidable, you can supplement the environment with artificial light, such as a fluorescent light placed 10 to 12 inches away from the plant and on for 12 to 14 hours per day.
What is the artificial light for indoor plants?
Artificial lighting is used to supplement or replace natural sunlight when growing houseplants indoors. Artificial lighting provides your houseplants with the intensity, duration and quality of light they need to thrive.
Such as florescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, LED lights, and full-spectrum bulbs. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Fluorescent lights are popular among indoor gardeners because they provide a bright, full-spectrum light that is either cool or warm in temperature. Fluorescents are also energy efficient and can be easily adjusted to provide maximum light intensity.
Halogen bulbs are great for providing large amounts of intense light and are excellents for propagating cuttings, and LED lights provide a good balance of color and intensity, but lack the full-spectrum light that other types of artifical light have.
Full-spectrum bulbs are the best choice, as they closely mimic natural sunlight and are appropriate for all stages of plant growth indoors.
How long should a Monstera be under a grow light?
The amount of time a Monstera should be under a grow light will vary depending on the size of the plant and the type of light you are using. If the plant is small, then it should be under the light for a few hours a day.
If it is large and the light is low-intensity, then it should be under the light for 8-10 hours a day. If you are using a high-intensity light, then it should be under the light 12-14 hours a day. Place the light 6-12 inches away from the plant to allow for proper photosynthesis.
Consider investing in a timer to control the duration and intensity of your grow light. Doing so will save energy and make sure your Monstera is properly lit.
How do you know if Monstera is getting enough light?
A Monstera should receive bright, indirect light. If you’re unsure if your Monstera is getting enough light, you can look for signs that it’s not. If the plant is growing slowly or not at all, if its new leaves are small and curled, or if the older leaves start to yellow, then it’s likely not getting enough light.
If this is the case, you can try moving the Monstera to a spot where it will receive more sunlight or invest in a grow light to supplement the plant’s needs. Additionally, you can check in with a certified nursery professional or experienced grower if you’re unsure if your Monstera is getting enough light.
Can I use a grow light on my Monstera?
Yes, you can definitely use a grow light on your Monstera. Just make sure the grow light you purchase provides the right type and amount of light your Monstera needs. Generally, that means using a strong, full-spectrum LED light—preferably one that closely mimics natural sunlight.
If your Monstera is indoor-only and in a south, east, or west-facing room, you can get away with using a less-powerful option. However, if you place your Monstera outdoors, you’ll need a higher intensity of light to ensure adequate photosynthesis for your plant.
Make sure to provide about 12 hours of light per day or intermittently throughout the day and turn the light off at night.
What counts as bright indirect light?
Bright indirect light is light that is indirectly exposed to the sun — not always directly. This is often found in rooms with large windows that don’t directly face the sun’s rays, or near a bright skylight.
A room that is often filled with bright indirect light has excellent, partially shaded spots, ideal for growing many plants.
Without plant shade from direct exposure to the sun, bright indirect light is considered very even, making it possible for a wide variety of house plants to grow. In this type of light, plants get about half the intensity of direct light and become less likely to burn from too much exposure.
Although bright indirect light is a great way to grow house plants, the drawback is that the light intensity is not always enough for plants that need more intense direct light exposure. In this situation, it may be necessary to move plants closer to the window or get a grow light.
Should I mist my Monstera everyday?
No, you should not mist your Monstera everyday as this could lead to root rot. Instead, it is best to water your Monstera less frequently, but more thoroughly, and make sure the soil is always damp. Additionally, monitor the humidity levels of your environment and the temperature of your soil to gauge the amount of water that is needed.
When watering your Monstera, always check the soil before you start so that you can tell when you need to add more water. On average, a Monstera should be watered every 7-10 days, but this may require more or less depending on the temperature, humidity, and individual plant.
How often should Monstera be misted?
Monsteras should be misted roughly once a week, though the exact frequency will depend on the environment the Monstera is in. Generally, a spray every 5-7 days should do. However, if the humidity in the room is especially low, or the Monstera is in a place with low airflow, it will need to be misted more often.
If the humidity is high and there is good air circulation, misting can be done less often. Additionally, if the leaves of the Monstera look droopy or wrinkled, an extra misting can help revive them. Always test the soil before adding extra misting, as too much water can cause root rot.