Monstera deliciosa light requirements are crucial for the plant’s growth and health, and many indoor gardeners struggle to provide the right amount of light for their beloved plant.
This article will explore the different light requirements of the Monstera deliciosa plant and provide tips on providing optimal lighting conditions.
Contents
What Is the Ideal Light Environment for Monstera Delicosa?
The ideal light environment for Monstera Delicosa includes bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light for several hours each day. The plant can tolerate some direct sunlight, but overexposure can cause the leaves to scorch and turn brown. If the light location is not ideal, grow lights can be used.
Low-light environments should also be avoided as they can stunt the plant’s growth and cause the leaves to become smaller than normal. Signs of insufficient light may include leggy growth, small leaves, and a lack of new growth.
– Functionality
Light exposure can significantly impact the variegation, which is the patterns of coloration of Monstera plants. These plants have a natural tendency to produce variegation in response to low light levels, which is thought to be an adaptation to help them maximize their ability to photosynthesize in shady environments.
In general, variegated Monstera plants are ones that tend to prefer indirect brighter light, while those with less variegation may be able to tolerate lower medium light levels. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the variegation to fade or disappear, leaving behind a solid green leaf, which is a problematic issue, in the long run.
As a result, it is essential to provide it with appropriate light levels to maintain or enhance the variegation of this beautiful plant. This may involve placing the plant near a bright, indirect light source or providing it with supplemental grow lights. Regularly rotating the plant helps ensure that all parts of the foliage receive adequate light exposure.
Can Monstera Deliciosa Grow in Artificial Light ?
Yes, Monstera can grow in artificial light. While natural sunlight is the best option, artificial lights can be a good substitute for areas with low light conditions or during the winter when daylight hours are shorter. However, it’s significant to choose the right type of artificial light.
Moreover, the light should be positioned at the appropriate distance from the plant and be left on for the appropriate amount of time each day, typically 12 to 16 hours. It’s also critical to monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal growing conditions for the plant.
When using artificial light for Monstera deliciosa, it is important to select a light source with the appropriate spectrum for its growth and provide it with appropriate light cycles to mimic natural sunlight patterns.
It is also important to ensure that the plant is placed at an appropriate distance from the light source to avoid overheating or damage to the plant; use a light meter to determine that. With the right plant care and attention to lighting, for different varieties of Monstera deliciosa can thrive in indoor environments under artificial light.
– Type of Lighting
Several types of lights are best suited for Monstera deliciosa plants. LED lights are a popular option because they emit a full spectrum of light that can be customized to meet the specific light requirements of the plant.
Fluorescent lights, such as T5 or T8 bulbs, are also a good choice because they produce a lot of light and are energy-efficient. High-intensity discharge (HID) lights, such as metal halide and high-pressure sodium bulbs, can also be used, but they tend to produce a lot of heat and require special fixtures.
Ultimately, the best type of artificially generated lights for Monstera deliciosa plants will depend on factors such as the size of the plant, the space available, and the specific light requirements of the plant at each stage of its growth.
What To Avoid When Supplying Light To Monstera Deliciosa?
When supplying light to Monstera Deliciosa avoid very low light conditions for the plant and provide direct light to come toward the plant also. In addition, you must try to avoid locating it to north-facing windows and placing the wrong light regarding the plant’s age.
– Very Low Light Conditions
Monstera plants can not thrive in low-light conditions and can just about survive. These plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight for several hours each day. There will likely be slow growth if placed in low-light environments, and their leaves will become smaller than normal.
Signs of insufficient light may include a slowed monstera growth rate, leaves turning yellow, and a lack of new growth. Therefore, providing the plant light at the ideal level and especially enough morning sunlight, is recommended to ensure it grows healthy and lush.
– Direct Light
Too much light can negatively affect monstera plants. While they require bright, indirect sunlight, exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods can scorch their leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown spots. This is especially true for young or newly propagated plants, as they are more sensitive to light intensity.
In addition to leaf burn, bright direct light can cause the plant to become dehydrated, increasing the transpiration rate. Symptoms of too much light include brown or yellowing of monstera leaves, aerial roots, leaf curling or crinkling, and a dry, brittle appearance. It is important to balance providing adequate light and not overexposing the plant to direct sunshine.
– Locating to a North-facing Window
Monstera plants cannot thrive in a north-facing window as they will not receive enough sunlight. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, which can be achieved by placing them near a south– or east-facing window.
If you only have a window facing north, you can still grow a Monstera plant by providing supplemental lighting with grow lights. Since Monstera is a tropical plant, so you might want to pay attention to the warmth and humidity it requires.
Monsteras enjoy environments where the relative humidity is at least 50 percent. Your home’s humidity levels will vary depending on the space. The ideal places for Monsteras are typically the bathrooms, kitchens, and basements because they have the highest levels.
– Placing The Wrong Light Regarding the Plant’s Age
The age of a Monstera deliciosa plant does indeed affect its light needs. Younger plants require less light and can be sensitive to direct sunlight. As the plant matures, it can handle more intense light and may even require it for optimal growth and foliage development.
Moreover, mature plants also tend to produce larger leaves, which can benefit from higher light levels to maintain their size and shape. It’s important to gradually acclimate a younger Monstera plant to brighter light conditions over time and to avoid sudden changes that can shock or damage the plant.
Adequate light is essential for Monstera deliciosa to grow and thrive, but finding the right balance for the plant’s age and current growth stage is important. With proper care and attention, a Monstera deliciosa can develop into a stunning and lush indoor specimen, adding life and beauty to any space.
Are There Different Monstera Deliciosa With Specific Light Needs?
Yes, there are different monstera deliciosa plants with specific light needs, as some of them are low light tolerant plants, and some are direct light tolerant ones. In addition to this, some varieties prefer bright but indirect light, and lastly, some prefer medium to bright light.
– Low Light Tolerant
Monstera deliciosa ‘Borsigiana’ Monstera deliciosa ‘Swiss Cheese plant’ and Monstera Adansonii are more tolerant of lower light conditions and can grow well in shadier areas.
Generally, it’s important to observe each plant and adjust the lighting accordingly to ensure that they get the right amount and type of light to thrive. It’s also important to research the specific light requirements of the Monstera deliciosa variety you are growing to ensure it receives the appropriate amount of light.
– Direct Light Tolerant
The “Aurea” variety of Monstera deliciosa can tolerate direct sunlight. However, it is not recommended to place this plant in direct sunlight. Like other Monstera deliciosa varieties, the Aurea is the type that prefers bright indirect light and can be sensitive to direct sunlight.
To elaborate further, this variety of Monstera deliciosa can tolerate a moderate amount of light, but direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent damage to the plant. It is best to provide bright, filtered light from an east- or west-facing window or under artificial light that simulates natural light.
It is known for its bright, yellow variegation on its leaves. While it may be tempting to place this plant in direct sunlight to enhance its color, it is not recommended.
Exposing the “Aurea” variety to direct sunlight for extended periods can cause the leaves to scorch or burn, leading to irreversible damage. It is ideal for providing this plant with vivid, filtered light from an east or west-facing window or under artificial light that simulates natural light.
If you want to enhance the color of this beautiful variety, you can try providing it with a bit more light than usual but still avoiding direct sunlight. This can help to bring out the vibrancy of the yellow variegation.
However, monitoring the plant’s reaction to the increased light is important, and adjusting accordingly if the leaves show signs of stress.
– Bright but Indirect Light Tolerant
Thai Constellation Monstera can not thrive in low-light conditions but may survive. The Thai variety of Monstera is known for its striking variegated foliage, which makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, it may not thrive in such environments.
Ideally, the Thai Constellation Monstera should be in a bright-light location. It should be placed away from direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn to the leaves. However, the leaves’ variegation may become less pronounced if placed in low-light conditions. The plant may grow more slowly and become leggy in its search for light.
If you want to grow a Thai Constellation Monstera in low light conditions, it is important to supplement its light requirements with artificial light sources. LED lights are a good option, as they emit the right spectrum of light for plant growth and can be adjusted to provide the appropriate intensity.
In general, it is recommended to provide the plant with at least 12 to 16 hours of light per day when grown under artificial lighting. While the Thai Constellation Monstera can tolerate low light conditions, it may only thrive in such environments with proper care and supplemental lighting.
– Medium to Bright Light Tolerant
The “Marmorata” variety of Monstera deliciosa can thrive under artificial light, as it has to be bright and it can also be medium-bright, yet, the source must not be a direct one. Many indoor plant gardeners use artificial light sources to provide consistent and appropriate lighting for Marmorata plants.
You may also freely grow this plant under artificial lighting because it is one of the rare types of Monstera varieties. In this case, you may go ahead and place a full-spectrum LED, or fluorescent lights with a color temperature of 5000K-6500K, are typically recommended for indoor plants, including Monstera deliciosa.
Conclusion
Understanding the light requirements of Monstera deliciosa is crucial to its growth and well-being, so here’s a summary of what you read:
- The ideal light requirements for Monstera deliciosa plants include bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light for several hours each day.
- While this plant thrives in bright, indirect light, it can also adapt to low light conditions, but it may grow more slowly and develop smaller leaves.
- Monstera deliciosa plants can not thrive in low-light conditions and can just about survive.
- Variegated Monstera light requirements are critical and significantly impact the variegation of Monstera deliciosa plants.
- Monstera deliciosa plants can be grown under artificial lights.
By providing appropriate conditions for lighting, Monstera deliciosa can grow to become a stunning and healthy addition to any indoor or outdoor space.
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