If you’re a home gardener, chances are you have a Monstera in your houseplant collection. Monstera is one of the most popular houseplants due to its unique foliage and ease of care. But one question that many gardeners struggle with is: Does Monstera need sunlight?
The answer is yes and no. While it is true that Monstera can tolerate low light conditions, it needs at least some indirect sunlight in order to thrive and maintain its beautiful foliage.
When it comes to determining how much light your Monstera needs, there are a few factors to consider: the size of the plant, the type of lighting available in your home, and the desired outcome for your plant’s health and appearance.
As a rule of thumb, give your Monstera about 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day if possible. And if your home doesn’t get enough natural light, consider investing in an artificial grow light designed for indoor plants.
Fortunately for gardeners living in dark apartments or homes without access to lots of natural light, Monsteras don’t require intense or direct sun exposure; they only need bright indirect sunlight that filters through curtains or windowsills.
If you want your Monstera to look its best and stay healthy over time, keep reading to make sure it gets enough care so you can keep your beloved monstera happy and healthy!
Sunlight requirements for Monstera plant
Different types of sun exposure provide varying amounts of light and heat, so it’s important to understand what type of sunlight is best for each plant.
Direct sunlight is the strongest and hottest type of sun exposure. When a plant receives direct sunlight, it’s receiving direct rays from the sun all day long.
Indirect sunlight is when the sun’s rays are blocked by something else, whether that be a window, an overhang, or another structure. The amount of light received by a plant in indirect sunlight depends on how far away it is from the source. Indirect light is often easier on most plants than direct sunlight as it provides more even lighting throughout the day without chances of burning.
Finally, shade is when plants are not exposed to any direct or indirect sunlight at all—they’re either completely covered or blocked off from sun access.
Monstera plants need a moderate amount of sunlight to grow – typically 4-6 hours of direct light a day, but no more than 8 hours.
If you’re growing Monstera in your home, it’s best to place the plant in a bright spot that doesn’t receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Direct sunlight can burn and damage the leaves and cause them to yellow.
For best growth, try placing your Monstera near an east or west facing window where it can get morning and/or evening sun without being exposed to too much intense light.
Effects of too much or too little sunlight on Monstera
Monstera leaves can discolor and burn due to excess light exposure. This is typically seen as a yellowing of the leaves and may be accompanied by brown or black spots and patches.
The edges of the leaf may also start to curl, and the entire leaf can dry out and become brittle. Too much direct sunlight can cause scorching, which appears as discoloration that is more intense around the edges of the leaf.
If you see these signs on your Monstera leaves, it’s best to move it to an area with less light exposure.
On the other hand, not getting enough light can cause the plant’s growth to become stunted and its health to suffer.
If a Monstera is not getting enough light, its leaves may become smaller than usual and its color will appear dull or faded. Additionally, you may notice that the leaves have an increased amount of brown spotting or blemishes on their undersides.
Balancing sunlight exposure is key for Monstera health, but how does it affect their lifespan? Learn more here in How Long Can Monstera Live?
Other factors that affect Monstera’s need for sunlight
In summer months, when the sun is at its strongest, it’s important to keep your monstera in a position that gets plenty of indirect light without overexposing it to direct sunlight. During this time of year, use a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sunlight if you can.
As autumn approaches and days become shorter and darker, you may need to move your monstera closer to a source of indirect light so that it doesn’t suffer from too little light exposure.
If you can’t find such a spot in your home or office then grow lights can be used as an alternative source of artificial light for your plant. Additionally, during winter months you should provide extra humidity for your monstera by misting the leaves every day with water or placing a humidifier nearby.
Indoor vs Outdoor Conditions
Growing monstera indoors gives you more control over temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, however outdoor plants get direct access to sunlight. Monsteras thrive in bright indirect light, so if your indoor space does not provide that much light, either supplement with grow lights or opt for an outdoor setting.
Outdoor growing conditions can also be more challenging and require more maintenance such as pest control and regular pruning depending on where you live. If you are in a region with extreme temperatures during hot summer months or freezing winters, it may be better to keep your monstera indoors where you can regulate the temperature and humidity levels.
How to provide adequate sunlight for Monstera plant
If you plan on placing your monstera near a window, make sure that there is no direct sunlight hitting it as this will scorch the leaves. You should also avoid placing it in a location with minimal light as this will stunt the growth of your plant.
In between these two scenarios, it’s important to find a spot that provides enough light throughout the day while also avoiding any direct sunlight that could damage the leaves. This could mean picking a room with multiple windows, or using sheer curtains to soften the intensity of direct sunlight coming through a single window.
Additionally, it helps if you can place your monstera near an east or west-facing window so that it receives enough light without being exposed to direct sun rays during peak hours.
Can monstera grow in artificial light?
Indoor monsteras can be grown with artificial grow lights if natural light is insufficient. LED grow lights are typically best for indoor plants since they emit less heat, while fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lamps are also popular choices. Regular indoor lightbulbs will not be sufficient.
Make sure to look for grow lights that have a full spectrum of colors and wavelengths and place them at least 12 inches above the plant. This will give your monstera enough light to help it thrive and develop its distinctive leaves.
The ideal lux level for monsteras is between 2,000 and 3,000 depending on the time of year.
Final Thoughts and FAQ On Monstera Light Needs
Properly exposing your Monstera plant to sunlight is key for healthy growth. With the right amount of sunlight and proper care, your Monstera should be able to thrive and bring life to any indoor space!
How do I know if my Monstera is getting enough sun?
Monsteras are large, tropical plants that tend to thrive in indirect light. If your Monstera is located in a spot that receives direct sunlight, it may be getting too much sun. Signs of this could include wilting or burnt leaves. Conversely, if your Monstera looks pale and has small leaves, it could be an indication that it’s not getting enough sun. The best way to tell if your Monstera is getting the right amount of sun is to observe it over time – if you notice improvements after introducing more light, then you know that was the issue!
Can Monstera survive in a dark room?
Monstera plants, also known as Swiss Cheese plants, can survive in a dark room, but may not thrive or grow very well. In a dark room, the plant will be less healthy with fewer leaves and slower overall growth.
Should I put my monstera by a window?
Placing a monstera by a window is an excellent idea, but it’s important to note that you should keep the plant a few feet away from the window in order to avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too intense for a monstera, and if exposed to it for too long, the leaves can begin to yellow or brown. Additionally, draughts of hot or cold air created by windows can cause stress to your plant. Keeping your monstera a few feet away from the window will ensure that it gets enough light without being exposed to direct sun or cold draughts.