Monsteras are loved for their bold, glossy leaves and natural splits. While they are often labeled as “easy plants,” light plays a huge role in how healthy and attractive they become. With the right lighting, a Monstera grows faster, develops bigger leaves, and forms deeper fenestrations. In poor light, it may survive, but it rarely looks impressive.

How Monsteras Grow in Nature

In the wild, Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America. They start their life on the forest floor and eventually climb trees using aerial roots.

These rainforests have tall canopies that filter sunlight. This creates bright conditions without constant direct sun hitting the leaves. Monsteras evolved to take advantage of this filtered light. They are adapted to brightness, but they are not adapted to intense, all-day sun exposure.

This natural growth pattern explains why Monsteras do best indoors in bright, indirect light. They are built to use strong light energy, but they rely on protection from harsh rays that can damage leaf tissue.

The Ideal Light for Monstera

The best light for a Monstera is bright, indirect light. This means your plant should receive plenty of daylight, but without strong, direct sunlight shining directly onto the leaves for long periods.

A common and effective placement is near a bright window where the plant has a clear view of the sky but is shielded from intense sun. East-facing windows are often excellent because they provide soft morning sun followed by bright indirect light for the rest of the day. This gentle morning exposure usually supports healthy growth without causing leaf burn.

North-facing windows can also work, especially in homes with large windows or open layouts. While growth may be slower compared to brighter exposures, many Monsteras still perform well in bright northern light if the space is not too shaded.

South- and west-facing windows typically offer the strongest light. These locations can still be suitable if you take precautions. Placing the plant a few feet away from the window or using sheer curtains helps diffuse the light. This allows the plant to receive enough energy for growth while reducing the risk of sun damage.

What Happens to a Monstera in Low Light

Monsteras are often described as low-light tolerant, which is partly true. They can survive in lower light, but there is a big difference between surviving and thriving.

In low-light conditions, you may notice:

• Slower overall growth
• Smaller leaves
• Fewer or no natural splits
• Long, stretched stems reaching toward the light

This stretched growth is called legginess. It is a clear signal that your Monstera is not getting enough light. The plant is putting energy into searching for brighter conditions instead of building strong, full foliage.

If your Monstera has been sitting in low light for a long time, moving it gradually to a brighter spot can lead to noticeable improvement. New leaves that grow in better light are usually larger and show more dramatic splits.

What Too Much Direct Sun Looks Like

While Monsteras enjoy bright spaces, too much direct sun can cause damage. Strong midday or afternoon sun through a window can be surprisingly intense and can harm the leaves.

Common signs of too much direct light include:

• Yellowing leaves
• Brown, crispy edges
• Bleached or faded patches on the leaf surface

Morning sun is usually softer and is often safe for Monsteras. In contrast, afternoon sun can act like a magnifying glass through glass windows and scorch the leaves. If you notice burn marks, move the plant farther from the window or add a light-filtering curtain.

How to Judge Light Levels in Your Home

You do not need special equipment to estimate whether your Monstera is getting enough light. Simple visual checks can be very effective.

A practical guideline is the reading test. If you can comfortably read a book in that spot during the day without turning on a lamp, the light level is usually sufficient for a Monstera. If the space feels dim to your eyes, it is likely too dark for strong, healthy growth.

Another method is the shadow test. Soft, blurry shadows on the floor or wall usually indicate bright, indirect light. This is ideal for Monsteras. Sharp, dark shadows typically mean strong direct light, which may be too intense for long periods.

Observing how light changes throughout the day is also helpful. A spot may look perfect in the morning but become very bright and harsh in the afternoon.

Using Grow Lights for Monstera

Grow lights are a practical solution if your home or office does not receive enough natural light. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are widely used and energy efficient.

Grow lights are especially useful in apartments with small windows, offices with limited daylight, or during the winter months. When using a grow light, place it at an appropriate distance based on the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures your Monstera gets enough light without overheating or drying out.

Seasonal Changes and Light

Light levels change throughout the year, and your Monstera responds to these shifts. In winter, days are shorter and sunlight is weaker. Growth often slows down naturally. During this time, moving the plant closer to a window or adding a grow light can help maintain healthier growth.

In summer, light is stronger and lasts longer. This is when you should watch closely for signs of sun stress. A spot that worked well in winter may be too bright in summer. Adjusting placement by a few feet or using sheer curtains can protect your plant while still giving it plenty of energy.

Find Healthy Monstera Plants at Tropicflow

At Tropicflow, we carefully select exotic indoor plants, including Monstera varieties, that are well-suited for indoor environments. Whether you are adding your first Monstera to your home or expanding your plant collection, choosing a healthy plant is the first step to long-term success.

You can explore our collection of Monstera and other exotic indoor plants here.

Pairing a healthy plant with the right light conditions will help you enjoy strong growth, beautiful leaves, and the bold tropical look that Monsteras are known for.