What kind of light does a monstera need
David Perry
Updated on May 24, 2026
Place your Monstera where it can receive medium to bright indirect light. While it is tolerant of lower light conditions, you may notice leggy growth as a result, so a spot where it will receive bright indirect light a few feet removed from a southern, western, or eastern facing window is ideal.
What kind of grow light is best for Monstera?
The #1 Best Grow Light for Monstera – GE Grow Light LED 32W Balanced Light Spectrum. My search for the perfect grow light ended when I tried the GE 32W Balanced Spectrum light bulb. This is what I use for all of my variegated Monstera Albo and they LOVE IT.
How do you care for a Monstera plant indoors?
In terms of care and maintenance, Georgina suggests placing your Monstera deliciosa in a well–lit indoor spot, with plenty of room for it to grow. Water weekly or when it’s looking dry, and polish leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust in order to unblock its pores and allow it to breathe and absorb moisture.
How many hours of light do Monstera need?
Monsteras are tropical plants, so they will need plenty of bright light (at least 8-10 hours) every day, in most areas. Monsteras need plenty of bright light to grow, but too much direct sunlight can make them get leggy.Do monsteras need direct sunlight?
Your Monstera can grow just about anywhere in your home! It tolerates low light, but grows faster and becomes more dramatic in a spot with indirect bright light. That said, avoid strong, direct sunlight because it may burn the leaves.
What is bright indirect light for plants?
What is bright indirect light for plants? Bright Indirect light is when the sun’s rays don’t travel directly from the sun to your plant but, instead, bounce off something first. Plants in bright, indirect light will cast blurry, indistinct shadows. Bright indirect light is approximately 800-2000 foot candles.
What color light is best for Monstera?
In this case, you will want to use the full-spectrum white. However, if you have dedicated space for your plants, it is best to use blue and red spectrum grow lights. They will boost plant growth and promote darker, healthier colors in the leaves and stems of your Monstera.
Can I put my monstera in a west facing window?
The best place for a monstera is often in an east-facing window or near a south-facing window. North-facing windows may not be bright enough (but they’re far better than nothing!) and a west-facing window might let too much hot, direct afternoon light through.Do monsteras like to be misted?
Monstera Deliciosa enjoys a humid environment, which is why we recommend frequent misting of its leaves. Alternatively, you can place your plant close to other plants, which increases the humidity of the air around them.
Do monsteras like shade?They can actually grow in deep shade, but may not exhibit as much of the cut leaf foliage. If you live in zones 10 or 11, you can grow it outdoors in a shady spot. Monstera likes moist soil, but not one that stays soggy or overly wet.
Article first time published onHow do you know if your Monstera is happy?
A healthy, happy Monstera has deep green, waxy leaves (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green). As Monsteras age, their older leaves eventually turn yellow and die off, so some discoloration is normal.
Is Monstera good for bedroom?
“Monsteras are great because they can grow just about anywhere,” Mast says. “These plants tolerate low light, but grow faster and become more dramatic in a bright spot within your home. I like to place monsteras in bright indirect sunspaces.”
What to clean Monstera leaves with?
Keep leaves clean and dust-free by washing with a cloth dipped in a solution of a drop of dishwashing detergent in a few cups of water. Though it’s not required, the plant also appreciates regular misting of its leaves.
Can I put my monstera under a grow light?
Grow lights work well for a Monstera Deliciosa. Make sure they are not too close to your plant and ensure that your Monstera gets sufficient light from the grow light.
Why doesn't my monstera have holes?
If your young plant does not have holes in its leaves the reason can be that it is premature and needs to mature more. If it doesn’t naturally split, the problem may be insufficient sunlight. … Using a well-balanced fertilizer or pruning older leaves will also encourage your Monstera Deliciosa to form holes.
Do monsteras grow fast?
How fast will my plant grow? The growth of your plant depends on its access to light and water. In ideal conditions, with bright indirect light and consistent moisture, Monsteras can grow 1-2 feet per year. Keep in mind that the Monstera’s natural growth pattern is to spread wide rather than reach tall.
How do you keep monstera happy?
- Find a balance between sun and shade. If Monstera is given too much sun, the leaves will yellow. …
- Water Monstera moderately and evenly, about once a week. …
- To curb excessive growth, avoid re-potting too often and prune regularly by pinching off new growth.
Do monsteras like humidity?
Do these plants like humidity? Humidity definitely helps. Because monstera does hail from the tropics, it likes plenty of moisture in the air. … Keep leaves lush and green by boosting humidity levels with a small humidifier, growing it in a bright bathroom, or grouping it with other plants.
Is it normal for monstera leaves to droop?
This is almost always totally normal, and easily fixed. Your Monstera prefers soil that is consistently moist. … If you accidentally let your Monstera’s soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to brown.
How do I know what light to use in my plants?
The Simple Method Pick a spot in your house where you’re considering placing your plant. At the brightest time of the day, usually around noon, hold your hand up and look at the shadow. High light: Crisp, well defined shadows and stark contrast. Low light: Faint shadows, unclear outline.
What is considered low light for indoor plants?
Low Light: Many rooms qualify as low light, especially in winter. Rooms with north-facing or partially shaded windows would qualify as low-light situations. If you can’t easily read a newspaper, it’s probably low light. Plants can still grow in low-light rooms with the addition of artificial light.
What kind of light do indoor plants need?
Like plants growing outdoors in the sunlight, indoor plants grow best under full-spectrum bulbs, which produce a balance of cool and warm light that replicates the natural solar spectrum. They’re excellent for seedlings as well as houseplants, culinary herbs and other plants.
Do monsteras need a pebble tray?
Yes! Though Monsteras are not too demanding about their conditions, they prefer medium- to high-humidity. If you have noticed crispy leaves or live in a dry climate, it is a good idea to increase humidity around your Monstera deliciosa by using a humidifier or a pebble tray.
Do monsteras like coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are good for Monstera based on anecdotal evidence. While they are no substitutes for regular fertilizers, they can help improve the soil structure. But one has to proceed with caution as they can also cause harm by promoting fungal growth and attracting fungus gnats.
Do monsteras like small pots?
Monstera love to be cramped in their pots. They will grow huge regardless of their pot size. If you pot your monstera into a huge pot it not grow any faster or larger, most likely it will get root rot from all the excess wet soil, or it will direct more energy to root growth instead of growing any leaves.
How close to a window should a monstera be?
Place the plant 4 to 10 feet away from a south-, east- or west-facing window. Position the plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Turn the plant one-quarter to the left every 10 to 14 days to prevent the leaves from growing unevenly in a single direction toward the light.
Is apple cider vinegar good for Monstera?
Some solutions are: a mix of apple cider vinegar with honey in a shallow bowl to catch them, mix one part peroxide with four parts water and pour that through the soil to kill any larvae, or place sticky fly paper strips by your plant. … Plant looks wilted all the time – It may be time to repot your Monstera!
How far can Monstera be from window?
A plant that requires medium light can flourish 5-10 feet away from a south-facing window, making sure direct sunlight does not hit the plant.
Why does my monstera weep?
Your monstera “weeping” or “sweating” is the result of the removal of unwanted water and minerals, and that is why there is nothing to be worried about. Guttation is a normal procedure in most vascular plants, and your monstera is one of them.
Do you water monstera from top or bottom?
Bottom watering is a method of watering a Monstera Deliciosa from the bottom up. When you water your plant from the bottom up, its roots get more robust because they’re continuously spreading directly down toward the moisture. To do this, fill a container with water and place your pot in it.
How often do monsteras grow new leaves?
Monstera plants can grow new leaves every 4-6 weeks. With more growth, the plant produces more growth points and starts to produce even more leaves per month. Of course, there will be differences in how individual plants develop based on how much care they receive and whether they’re grown in an optimal environment.