Have you ever wondered how to tell if your Monstera isn’t getting enough light? Don’t worry, it’s something even the seasoned plant parents sometimes overlook.
It’s crucial to recognize the telltale signals that your Monstera is craving more sunshine—after all, your leafy friend can’t exactly tap you on the shoulder and tell you it’s feeling a bit deprived.
In this article, we’ll guide you through spotting signs that your Monstera needs more light and dish out some handy tips on how to set the stage for your plant to have its moment in the (indirect) sun.
The Best Light for Monstera Plants
Monsteras thrive in bright but indirect light, which is kind of a sweet spot for them. This light condition mimics their original home in the rainforest, where they luxuriate under the filtered sunlight of taller trees.
Now, let’s get Sherlock Holmes-y and deduce if your green buddy is basking in the ideal light.
Here’s a simple DIY test: the hand shadow test. Place your hand about 12 inches above the plant during daylight. Can you see a clear, sharp shadow? Oops, that’s too direct.
Is the shadow barely visible? It’s too shy, meaning we need more light. If you spot a soft, yet distinct shadow, congratulations! You’ve nailed the lighting.
For those who love gadgets, a lux meter could be your new best friend. Monsteras are happy campers in the range of 2,000 to 4,000 lux.
These handy light-measuring tools come in many shapes and are available as apps for your phone, too.
6 Signs Your Monstera Needs More Light
Now, let’s shine some light and see if your Monstera is looking a bit under the weather. Here’s what to look out for:
Small Foliage
Your Monstera’s leaves should be grand, but if they’re coming in tiny, it could be a light issue. Without enough light, leaves stay small since the plant prioritizes conserving water and nutrients.
Stunted Growth
Noticed your Monstera has stopped growing? That might be due to insufficient light halting energy that fuels new stems and leaves. Your plant is saving its strength, focusing on sustaining itself.
Missing Holes
One of the Monstera’s signatures is its Swiss-cheese-like leaves. No holes could mean not enough light. The energy levels drop, so the plant keeps leaves intact to maximize photosynthesis.
Loss of Variegation
Got a variegated Monstera? If the distinctive white or yellow patches are fading to green, it’s likely a plea for more light. The plant naturally boosts chlorophyll to up photosynthesis, causing the color change.
Weak Aerial Roots
Monstera’s aerial roots should be robust. If they’re looking frail, this could be a low-light symptom. The plant aims to cut water loss by minimizing aerial root growth.
Leggy Growth
Stretchy stems and sparse leaves—called ‘leggy’ growth—indicate a light shortage. Your plant might be reaching for more light, which causes longer stems and fewer leaves.
Solutions and Tips to Improve the Lighting Conditions for Your Monstera
Here’s how you can brighten up your plant’s day:
Find the Perfect Spot:
- Place your Monstera near an east or west-facing window where it can soak up gentle morning or afternoon sun.
- Avoid direct light from south-facing windows which might be too harsh.
- Dark corners are a no-go. They’re basically light deserts for your leafy friend.
Prune your Monstera for Growth:
- Take some sharp, clean scissors and snip off any sad-looking leaves. Go for an angled cut right near the node.
- Snip-snip! This encourages your plant to focus on sprouting fresh, vibrant growth.
Rotate Regularly:
- Give your Monstera a little twirl (a quarter turn, to be exact) weekly to expose all sides to light evenly.
- Consistency is key. Rotate in the same direction each time so your plant doesn’t get confused.
Support with Artificial Light:
- If your home is more cave than sunroom, LED or fluorescent grow lights are life-savers.
- Position them about 12 to 18 inches above your Monstera, and run them for 8 to 11 hours daily to mimic that sweet, sweet sunlight.
If you’re still seeking more details, explore our article on Monstera lighting requirements.
