Does Monstera Like Direct Sunlight? | Best Light Conditions for Monstera

Monstera leaves can burn in direct sunlight developing brown or yellow marks on the leaves. Direct afternoon sun can damage monstera leaves so it is best to place them in a position that only gets filtered light. Place monstera at least 3 feet from a window to avoid radiant heat and in a position that avoids direct sunlight.

This article will explore the best light conditions for monstera, best position for outdoor monstera plants as well as indoor plants.

Sunlight for monstera plants

Monstera plants like bright, filtered light and will point their leaves towards the light gradually over time. Placing monstera at least 3 feet away from a window is a great idea and make sure there are no direct sun rays on the leaves.

Direct sun can radiate through the glass, damage the leaves and cause plant damage. Sunburnt leaves can turn yellow or brown on the edges or the center of the leaves where the direct sun had contact. Outdoor monstera plants can be burnt by the sun too, especially if they are planted in a position that gets afternoon sun.

Best position for outdoor monstera plants

The best position for outdoor monstera plants is where the leaves can be protected from direct sun, particularly in the afternoon. Provide shade to your monstera by a nearby garden wall, larger plants like bananas or palms. Monstera can be protected under a verandah or shade house over summer to keep their leaves healthy.

Outdoor monstera love shade from a nearby wall large trees growing overhead.

Best position for indoor monstera plants

Indoor monstera plants can get the perfect amount of light near a window that gets morning filtered light. Place it at least 3 feet away from the window itself to reduce the radiant heat reaching the plant. This can dry the soil and damage the leaves.

Monstera like more light than other indoor plants like ZZ plant which grow well in full shade. Place monstera next to your pothos who will both love some morning filtered light and can help to create a humid microclimate that will benefit them both.

Pairing monstera with pothos indoors is a great way to create a microclimate.

How much sun should monstera get

Monstera can survive some morning direct sun if the weather is mild and it gets shade my mid-morning or at least by the middle of the day. Sub-tropical and tropical regions are great for growing monstera. They love warm, humid weather and regular water. Make sure you allow them to dry out between watering and plant them in well-draining soil.

Outdoor monstera can grow large and will grow up like a vine if they have something to grip onto. You can grow indoor monstera up a grow pole indoors as well to add some height to your plant.

How many hours of light Monstera need

Monstera need at least 6 hours of bright light but this does not need to be direct sun. Indoor monstera will grow best if they get light most of the day.

They don’t need to be close to a window but it does help to encourage them to grow faster. Monstera can grow a new leaf every 4 weeks with this amount of light and regular water.

Planting monstera in shade

Monstera will grow outdoors if they are given dappled shade. They work perfectly paired with other tropical plants. Shade them with large palms or plant them under a native tree. They are hardy once they are established but will need regular water when they are first planted out.

Using artificial light for growing monstera

If you want to grow your monstera in a dark, indoor space they will definitely grow better if they are given artificial light. Choose an indoor UV light made specifically for plants to help your monstera grow. These lights can be tiny or large, depending on the size of your monstera.

Benefits of filtered light for monstera

Filtered light is perfect for your monstera and here are the benefits of finding the perfect light position for your plant. Aim for bright, filtered light indoors or outdoors. Here are the top benefits of this perfect position.

1. Fast leaf growth

Filtered, bright light is perfect for getting fast leaf growth. In this position, during the warmer months of spring and summer you can expect your monstera to grow a new leaf each month. Monstera will slow its growth in winter but you might still see one or two new leaves pop up in this time.

A new leaf growing from the stem of my monstera.

2. Large, split leaves

Filtered light is perfect for encouraging your monstera to grow large, split leaves. As your monstera grows large, the leaves will also grow large and develop the traditional Swiss cheese look. It is a happy day when your small monstera plant grows its first split leaves.

Small monstera will start with round leaves which will eventually be replaced over time with larger, split leaves.

This was the first leaf on my monstera to split.

3. More variegation

If you are lucky enough to have a variegated monstera you will get more color or variegation when they get bright filtered light. If they are grown in too much shade then the leaves can turn greener. If the plant gets too much sun, they can develop burn marks and start to droop.

A position that gets at least 6 hours of bright, filtered light is perfect for monstera and will reward you with large, colorful leaves.

Does Monstera Like Direct Sunlight? | Summary

Monstera does not like direct sun, instead they like bright filtered light. Indoors it is best to place them at least 3 feet away from a window that gets morning light. Outdoor monstera love a shady position protected by overhead trees or a shade structure. Palms are the perfect pair to your monstera or plant them in a large pot to sit on your verandah.

Happy growing.