When picking out a new houseplant, monstera plants are an excellent choice. If you’re looking for more information about this incredible plant, you’ve come to the right place.
Can monstera live and thrive outdoors: Monstera plants can live outdoors as long as there is no threat of frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, bring the plant indoors in the fall before the temperatures turn to freeze. Then, gradually bring the plant outdoors again in the spring as the air starts to warm up.
Are monstera indoor or outdoor plants?
When used in a domestic setting, monstera plants are primarily indoor plants. This is because they are native to tropical areas so they won’t survive the harsh winters in most locations.
Even if you live in an area that is warm most of the year, a bit of frost can kill off a sensitive monstera plant, so it is better to keep it indoors.
Where do Monsteras grow in the wild?
The Monstera deliciosa family of plants is native to Central America. They are found in the wild as far north as Mexico and as far south as Panama.
Through travel and exploration, the species can now be found in other tropical areas, such as Hawaii and Seychelles. It prefers areas that are high in humidity and have similar temperatures all year round.
Characteristics of wild monstera plants
Monstera plants are also known as the Swiss cheese plant. This is because rips in the leaves form naturally which doesn’t impede the growth of the plant.
The reason for these tears is so that sunlight can move through the plants and reach the lower leaves. Amazingly, some species of monstera can grow to be 50 feet tall in the wild.
There are many different varieties of monstera plants. Some will spread out in a bushy manner while others will grow upwards like a vine.
Can a Monstera live outdoors all year round?
Yes, you can grow a monstera plant outdoors throughout the year but only if you try to mimic its natural living conditions. This includes living in an area that has mild winters that are not prone to frost.
In the United States, only very southern regions such as California and Florida can support the needs of monstera plants. You can take your chances in other regions but the plant may not survive the winter if there is a sudden cold snap.
Another element that will help your monstera plant live outdoors for the entire year is if you live in an area with high humidity. Monstera plants live in tropical climates and depend on the high moisture content in the air to absorb enough water.
Things to consider when growing monstera outdoors
Winter
Before you decide on keeping your monstera plant outdoors, you need to be aware of what your winter conditions are like. This will determine whether you can keep your plant outside the whole time or if you need to bring it indoors.
Most varieties of monstera can live outdoors in Gardening Zone 11 or 12. Any lower and the winter temperatures will be too low.
Also, be aware if your region has unexpected cold snaps. Some areas, such as southern Texas, can have very mild winters but a few days of severe freeze. In these cases, the drastic drop in temperature will be too much for your monstera plant.
If you want to keep your monstera plant outside but know you will have a cold winter, then you can bring your plant indoors. Do this before there is any hint of frost.
Then, once spring arrives, slowly acclimate your monstera plant by exposing it to more and more time outdoors so it gets used to the cooler temperatures.
Humidity
Living in an area with high humidity may be uncomfortable for you but it will do wonders for your monstera plant. The more humidity, the better, and it can mean having to water your plant less often.
If you don’t have a lot of humidity in your region, you can still mist your plant as you would indoors. This takes more effort but your monstera will appreciate it.
Soil
Planting your monstera plant in a container is a must if you want to bring it indoors over the winter. However, it will be less prone to weather changes if it is in the ground.
Try to use a tropical plant soil mixture as this will closely imitate its natural habitat. You can find tropical mixes at any gardening store or online.
Nutrients
Monstera plants can grow to be quite large in the right conditions. To help your plant reach its towering heights, be sure to fertilize it regularly.
Again, use a tropical plant fertilizer as this will provide your monstera with the right mixture of nutrients. Pay attention to signs your plant is healthy. Unhealthy signs include yellowed leaves, holes along the edges of the leaves, and stunted growth.
When can I put my Monstera outside?
You can put your monstera plant outside again in the spring but only after the threat of frost is over. This is entirely dependent on your region and can range from March to June.
Slowly bring your monstera plant outside for a few hours each day when it is the warmest. As the weather warms up, you can leave it outside for longer.
Nighttime temperatures can cause a lot of stress for your monstera plant so only leave it outside at night when the temperature remains above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Monsteras Grow in Shade?
Monstera plants prefer full or partial sun. Indeed, they split their leaves to allow as much sunlight to filter down to the lower parts of the plant.
You can experiment with growing your monstera plant in the shade but it won’t have that healthy glow to it.
Conclusion
Monstera plants are usually grown indoors as they are tropical plants that need warmth and humidity. You can grow monstera plants outdoors but in most areas, you will need to bring the plant indoors during the winter.
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