What Is The Right Grow Light Distance For Monstera?

Monstera plant requires sufficient light to grow new leaves, stems, and roots. Without adequate light, the plant cannot produce food to cater needs of the entire plant system.

You can provide light to this plant using two sources, i.e., natural sunlight and artificial grow lights. Sunlight is a natural source of light that is perfect for the plant’s growth.

Alternatively, grow lights can be used to keep monstera in indoor conditions. However, keep them at the right distance from the plant. Otherwise, it will be difficult to grow the plant in low light. 

So, let’s learn more about the appropriate distance between monstera plants and grow lights in this guide. 

Source – Reddit

Monstera Grow Light Distance

Monstera’s grow light distance should be around 15 inches. It means you shouldn’t be placing them too far from the plant. 

The 12-36 inch distance is considered appropriate for indoor plants, but it depends on the watt parameter of the light source. If the light source emits intense light, keep the plant farther away. Similarly, you will need to move it closer to the lights if the wattage is less. 

Generally, regular light bulbs or tube lights are placed far away from the plants. These light sources provide different light intensities, whereas the grow lights offer the right amount of light when positioned correctly.

Most new-generation grow lights have a full spectrum range between 3500K and 6500K. When using these lights for monstera, change the settings to 5000K. It will be close to daylight settings and simulate natural conditions. 

The National Center for Biotechnology Information has done in-depth research on this topic, and they also concluded the following findings – 

If natural like plant growth is desired in indoor plant cultivation, the application of a balanced light spectrum is generally recommended.

Important: Use the grow lights with an adjustable height feature. It will allow you to adjust the height later when the plant grows upward. Hanging lights are also useful for this purpose. But they only serve the purpose if you keep monstera in one place.

Things To Consider While Placing Grow Lights For Monstera

Since monstera likes a decent amount of light, you should place it right above the plant. This way, the grow lights will emulate the natural light conditions and provide adequate light required for the plant’s growth. 

So, here’s what you need to consider while placing the grow lights – 

1. Location

Monstera grows well in indoor places, and its leaves turn big in no time. 

Therefore, it’s important to choose a place where it will have ample space to grow. You can keep it in any corner of the room so that it will have enough space and won’t cause hindrance to anyone moving in the room.

Also, when you keep it in the corner, it looks beautiful. Plus, you get to place the grow lights properly at a distance. 

2. Height Of The Room

Keep this plant in a room where the room’s height is at least 10 ft or more. This is important because the plant gets upward space to grow, and you can also arrange the grow light setup properly.

In smaller rooms, you will always find it difficult to manage the entire setup. You won’t be able to add more plants along with monstera in limited space. 

3. Switchboard Connection

The switchboard should be far from the plant and grow light setup. 

If you keep it too close to the plants, it might cause short-circuit issues while watering or spraying the plant. Hence, you need to be careful while selecting the place for your monstera and grow lights. 

4. Size Of Grow Lights Setup

Similar to room height and space, you will have to consider the size of grow lights. It shouldn’t be a bigger setup for apartment rooms. 

If you want to grow more plants in this setup, it makes sense to go for the bigger setup. In this case, you will probably need to dedicate a separate room for the plants and grow lights. 

For a smaller setup, go for growing lamps or hanging grow lights. It will save a lot of space, and you can still have some space for companion plants. 

3 Early Signs To Know Your Monstera Needs More Light

These are the signs to know more about the deficient light conditions for your monstera plant – 

1. Dark Green Leaves

Although the monstera plant grows dark green leaves, it will produce even darker leaves due to lack of sunlight. These leaves will also not look very shiny, which is another indication of light deficiency in the plant. 

2. Droopy Leaves

When monstera doesn’t receive sufficient light, the leaves will droop. 

It can also be a sign of underwatering or too much sunlight. So, you must check these factors before concluding the cause for droopy monstera leaves. 

3. Lack Of Growth

It’s another sign that your monstera needs more light. 

In natural conditions, the plant sends out adventitious roots for new growth. But it won’t show this behavior if there is limited space and insufficient light for growth. 

Note: Your monstera plant will stop producing new leaves and branches in winter. So, wait a few more months to see renewed growth in the early spring and summer seasons. 

How To Grow Monstera In Low Light

It’s difficult to grow monstera in low light conditions, but you can surely make some changes in its placement as per the needs. 

E.g.,

Placing it near a bright window can help address the light issue. 

If the space is a problem, keep it in this place for morning or afternoon hours and move it to a regular place in the evening. This way, the plant will get sufficient natural light during the day. 

Otherwise, you will have to install a grow light in the room. It might add to the additional expenses, but you will be able to have more plants in this type of setup. 

Here’s an insightful video on grow lights for indoor plants –

4 Tips To Revive Monstera From Lack Of Sunlight Issues

You can fix this problem in your monstera plant by providing sufficient sunlight. If your plant doesn’t get enough light, it will struggle over a long period.

To resolve this issue, let’s look at the following suggestions. 

1. Move Your Plant To A Bright Spot

If you have been growing the plant in a shaded place, move it to a bright place. It’s the most simple solution to this problem. 

Of course, the plant won’t show quick growth in a day or two. You will have to wait at least a month to see significant changes in your plant.

When choosing the bright spot, pick the one that gets indirect sunlight. Don’t keep it in direct sunlight, as the leaves might turn yellow. 

2. Keep Rotating The Plant

It’s essential to rotate the planter every week or ten days. It allows the plant to receive natural light from all directions. 

When we keep the plant in one position, it grows leaves and branches in the same direction. Eventually, it leads to improper growth. 

3. Keep Your Monstera Outdoors For A Few Days

The monstera plant can grow outdoors as well. 

Once the sun comes out, place the plant in the sun for a few hours and get it back to the shade in the evening. If your plant is suffering from sunlight issues, it is an ideal way to fix the problem. 

Besides, you should perform this task in early spring when the sunlight won’t be too harsh on the plant. 

4. Use Grow Lights

Ultimately, if there is no sunlight available in your room, it’s best to go for artificial lights. 

Monstera does well in low light conditions, so grow lights won’t be an issue. Keep them under this light for at least 6-8 hours, depending on the growth and size of your plant. 

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