Not getting sufficient light can be a stressful condition for a Monstera. Insufficient light can make the plant less thriving and sick. Even though direct scorching sunlight can cause severe damage to the plant, not getting enough light can make them lose their beauty.
Your plant will come up with different signs if it is not getting enough light. You need to identify them and take action immediately to get it back to a show-stopping centerpiece. Here are some common and visible signs that a Monstera is begging for more light.
What Are the 4 Signs That Your Monstera Needs More Light?
Smaller Leaves and Stunted Growth
Smaller leaves and stunted growth can be the beginning signs that the plant lacks enough light. You will notice the plant produces smaller leaves and unfurls its big leaves.
Why Does This Happen?
In their natural habitat, a Monstera grows in bright, indirect light under the canopy of rainforests. Unlike all other varieties of Philodendron, sufficient light is important for photosynthesis. A Monstera cannot expand its roots or grow big without enough light.
What Should You Look for?
The most common signs that the plant is not getting enough light are no new growth of leaves even after proper care and, smaller leaf size with fewer holes and splits.
What to Do?
Move the plant to south or east-facing windows where it can receive enough filtered, bright light. You can use grow lights with full spectrum LED if the natural light is limited.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Other than overwatering, insufficient light can also make the leaves of a Monstera turn yellow.
Why Does This Happen?
Chlorophyll is responsible for the lush green color of the leaves. Due to insufficient light, your Monstera struggles to produce chlorophyll; thus, its leaves turn yellow.
What Should You Look for?
Even after following a proper watering schedule if you notice the leaves are turning yellow at the bottom without any brown tips then, make sure the plant is not getting enough light.
What to Do?
If you find that your beloved plant spends most of the day in shadow then, move it to a spot with brighter light conditions. Gradually introducing the plant to brighter light can prevent leaf shock.
Uneven Appearance
A light-starving Monstera will always stretch in one direction instead of growing compactly. This sign indicates your Monstera needs more light.
Why Does This Happen?
Monsteras follow a process called phototropism that makes them grow towards light. However, if there is no sufficient light the plant will try to move towards unevenly. This can lead to a leggy appearance.
What Should You Look for?
Due to the lack of light, you will notice a Monstera to be leaning heavily in one direction. There will be large gaps between leaves and its stems will be spindly and unusually long.
What to Do?
Try to place the plant in a spot where it can receive bright, indirect light all around. You should rotate the plant weekly so, that it grows evenly.
Lack of New Leaves
No new leaves produced by a Monstera can disappoint a plant collector. Lack of sufficient light can stop the plant from producing fresh, new leaves. Here is some additional information on new leaves that you might find helpful: Monstera Not Growing New Leaves? Identifying and Fixing the Problem
Why Does This Happen?
A light-deprived Monstera does not get enough energy to grow new stems and leaves. This condition will not allow the plant to thrive well.
What Should You Look for?
You will notice the plant to be lacking new growth even during the summer and spring season which is considered to be the growing season of a Monstera. No new, fresh shoots will be noticed.
What to Do?
Make sure the plant is placed in a spot where it is getting 6 to 8 hours of bright indirect light daily. Use grow lights, especially during winter months or if the sunlight is sparse.
Best Solutions to Get More Light
Here are some practical solutions to make your Monstera thrive.
Move Toward a Window
The best way to help the plant get sufficient light is by moving it closer to a south or east-facing window. Here it will receive adequate bright, indirect light.
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains will prevent a Monstera from direct scorching sunlight that can cause severe damage to the plant. The filtered light through the curtains can make your plant happy.
Use Artificial Lighting
Using full-spectrum LED grow lights can be ideal for a Monstera, especially during winter months and in homes with poor lighting. Grow lights can mimic natural sunlight and fulfill the plant’s light requirements.
Rotate the Plant
To prevent one sided-stretching and uneven growth you should rotate your Monstera every couple of days.
Wrapping Up
Even though Monsteras are low-maintenance plants, their basic needs should be fulfilled to make them thrive. Light deprivation can make your Monstera struggle and lose its beauty.
So, if you notice any of the signs shared above in this post then, take immediate action to bring your Monstera back to life. With a little care and attention, you can help your favorite Monstera lead a healthy and happy life.
