Monstera Light Requirements. How Much Light Do Monstera Need

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Monsteras like bright and indirect sunlight for around 8-10 hours a day, which can be natural or artificial. The houseplant thrives near a sunny window where the sun does not directly shine on its leaves.

Although Monstera is a hardy plant and can survive in many conditions, it has some preferences. But how much light you offer your Monstera plant depends on how big you want it to grow. Usually, the best spot for a Monstera plant is an east-facing or south-facing window.

Let us know exactly how much light your Monstera plant needs and how you can offer it the same:

How Much Light Does Monstera Need?

Since Monsteras are native to rainforests, they do not prefer direct sunlight. They usually grow under the rainforest canopy and, with the help of aerial roots, climb up the trees toward the direction of light.

The fenestration in the Monstera leaves might result from evolution, ensuring that more light would pass through the leaves underneath. Thus, if you plan to grow a Monstera plant, look for a spot that receives dappled and indirect sunlight.

But what does indirect sunlight mean? You need that the sun’s rays not hit the leaves directly. As a rule of thumb, you must ensure that your Monstera plant does not cast a shadow but should still receive some sunshine.

You can encourage your Monstera plant to proliferate with bright and indirect light. And for that dramatic foliage, you should put your plant in a bright room. However, pick a spot a few feet away from the window. Or, if you wish to place it right by the window, you need to be sure that the plant does not get a lot of direct sunlight.

However, if your house does not get a lot of light, there is nothing to worry You can still consider growing a Monstera in your home. The only caveat you must face is that your Monstera plant would not grow as quickly as it would under bright, indirect light. So, if you want a smaller Monstera, this could be just the right plant for you. 

Monsteras are native to the rainforests near the equator that receive similar light year-round. However, you cannot be sure that you offer your Monstera plant similar growing conditions throughout the year.

As you move away from the equator, the summers become brighter and warmer while the winters become colder and darker. And while Monstera plants can handle a little cold, you do not have to worry about providing the plant with supplemental lighting during winter. However, you will notice that it grows slower than before, but you need to worry about nothing.

Monstera plant makes one of the most versatile houseplants. Whether you live in a huge house or a tiny apartment, this plant you can bring home without any qualms.

Signs That Your Monstera Needs More Light

There are many ways to know whether your Monstera plant receives the right amount of light is essential as too little or too much light can damage your plant. Here are a few signs that indicate that your Monstera plant needs more light:

Leaves Not Splitting

Your Monstera plant should typically start splitting once it is three years old. However, if you do not see fenestration or splitting, it is probably because the plant is not getting enough sunlight.

And being one of the most iconic characteristics of Monsteras, you would likely want the leaves of your Monstera plant to be perforated. So, consider shifting the plant to a much brighter spot.

Soil Remains Damp

Monsteras do not need a lot of watering and do not prefer their roots to be consistently damp. So, if the soil of your Monstera plant remains wet for a long time, it is because the plant is not getting enough light. To help the plant use water efficiently, you need to place the pot in a spot that receives adequate light.

Moreover, be sure that you do not water the plant very frequently. To get an idea, poke your finger in the soil and ensure that the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch, and the soil should feel dry after around ten days of watering.

Leaf Discoloration

Yellowing of Monstera leaves is quite common. While this could be because of excessive water, low light conditions may also usually cause these two issues to go hand-in-hand. Here is an article that will help you grow Monstera even if your home has low-light conditions.

You may even notice that the tips of your Monstera leaves turn brown, usually due to excessive direct sunlight that can burn the leaves.

As mentioned earlier, the soil will remain damp for extended periods if your plant does not get enough light. You can try reducing the amount of water you give the plant, or you can move the plant to a brighter place or closer to a window.

Slow Growth

Monsteras grow well when offered enough light and can grow up to ten feet indoors with the right growing conditions. However, if you think your plant is not growing at an average pace, it is not getting enough energy to support new growth. And this is because of the lack of light.

So, if you wish to see your Monstera into a ‘monster,’ you should consider picking a spot that gets bright enough and indirect sunlight.

The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (not a true monstera), or mini Monstera, can grow over 2 feet monthly in the right lighting conditions.

Long Petioles and Small Leaves

Your Monstera plant may grow leggy if it does not get enough light, so it may get stretched out or etiolated, producing long, weak petioles and small leaves.

A plant grows leggy when it tries to reach out for a light source. A leggy plant looks unpleasant and unkempt, indicating weak growth. Providing support, such as a pole, would be best to ensure your plant grows appropriately. Next, you can prune the unhealthy leaves and shift your Monstera to a spot with more sunlight.

Do All Monstera Plants Varieties Require the Same Exposure to Light?

There are around 50 different Monstera species. While each has a different shape, color, size, and fenestration, they are all members of the same genus. Thus, they do like similar growing conditions.

While Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, and Monstera obliqua are some of the most common types of Monstera houseplants, there are also variegated Monstera plants that need extra sunlight. They do not have a lot of chlorophyll and thus have a decreased ability to photosynthesize.

Tips to Ensure That Your Monstera Gets the Right Amount of Sunlight

Even when you pick the right spot for your plant, you may still need to take some extra steps to ensure that your Monstera plant receives an adequate amount of light every time. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you do so:

Rotate Your Monstera Plant

You would want your plant to soak up the sun from all directions. However, while your Monster pot is located near a window, it only receives sunshine from one direction, resulting in many issues.

It is possible that the leaves get consistent sunlight to get burnt, or the plant starts growing sideways while the other half tries to reach the plant. So, to prevent this, you must rotate your plant every few months.

Filter Light During Summer Months

If your Monstera plant receives much more sunshine than it needs, it is better to put sheer curtains over your windows to help filter the light. Or you can move the pot away from the light source.

Besides preventing your plant from direct light, you should also ensure that the plant is not kept in an utterly dark spot. It would do well if your plant receives dappled, indirect light.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Monstera has grown enormously in size. What dhould I do?

If your Monstera has turned into a massive plant, you can prune it back, and it can handle a nice trim quite well as a very hardy plant. Moreover, if you want to give the plant a tidier and more organized look, you can train it with the help of stakes and ties. Also, you can consider moving it to a spot that receives partial and dappled sunlight to discourage your plant from proliferating.

Is Monstera a low-light plant?

Monsteras are hardy plants, which means they are tolerant to a wide range of indirect light conditions. While they do not prefer highly dark spaces, they will grow fine in low-light environments.

Can Monstera grow in artificial light?

Monstera plants can be grown in artificial lights indoors. However, you should always keep it the last resort because Monstera loves bright, indirect sunlight the most. So, if you live in a place with minimal sunlight, you can consider growing Monstera in artificial light. But it would help if you were sure to use a low-level setting and not expose it to direct artificial light for an extended period.

What conditions does a Monstera plant need?

Monsteras appreciate a warm, humid environment, good water, and gentle sunlight. Place your Monstera where it can receive a medium to bright indirect light.

How do you make Monstera leaves shiny?

Clean Monstera deliciosa leaves are naturally shiny, so you need to clean them regularly. Smaller Monstera plants can be cleaned by submerging the leaves in water or showering it, while a larger plant that’s difficult to move can be cleaned by wiping the leaves with a wet towel.

Conclusion

Growing a Monstera plant indoors is relatively easy. With the right growing conditions, you can witness that your little Monstera grows into a healthy and beautiful-looking plant that will augment the entire look and feel of your home. Apart from the right amount of sunlight, a Monstera plant also needs a proper watering schedule, good potting soil, and even fertilizer.