This article, “How Cold Can Monstera Plant Tolerate,” will cover all you need to know about Monstera Deliciosa’s temperature requirements during cold weather.
Read on to discover:
- An overview of the tropical plant Monstera Deliciosa and cold tolerance.
- An explanation on keeping tropical Monstera outside during winter months.
- Monstera plant cold tolerance (dry air, too much humidity, and nighttime temps).
- Answers to some questions about Monstera outside weather conditions.
Monsteras are tropical plants cultivated for their eye-catching foliage, characterized by huge holes. In fact, due to the fenestrated leaves, they are sometimes known as the Swiss Cheese Plant.
Even though Monsteras thrive in warmer locations, what should you do if you live in an area with cold temperatures, and how do you ensure your Monstera survives during winter?
Although Monstera plants can survive in cold temperatures, you still need to exercise caution when planning on keeping it outside in cold weather, even if it can handle the first frost.
Can a Monstera Live Outside in Cold Climates?
Although Monstera is not a cold-hardy plant, it is possible to cultivate it outdoors when the temperatures drop. In fact, the Monstera plant may be grown indoors successfully in USDA 10 and 11.
Nevertheless, even though you may keep your Monstera outside in the ideal temperature range, you must bring it back inside before the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, if you want the Monstera plant to thrive year-round in other regions, such as the United States and Mexico, place it outdoors during the warmer temperatures.
If you do not reside in an area classified as one of the USDA 10 or 11, planting the Monstera in a container will allow you to relocate the tropical plants quickly whenever necessary.
This will allow you to either bring the Monstera indoors when the temperature is too low or transfer the plant outdoors when the weather is too warm during the summer months.
Cold Tolerance: How Cold is Too Cold for Monstera?
Maintaining the ideal temperature for Monstera is not complex. When kept indoors, they thrive in temperatures of 64 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius).
However, Monstera Deliciosa and other Monstera species of tropical rainforests cannot handle temperatures that are exceedingly high, extremely low, or even quite severe in any direction.
Most species can survive temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). However, Monsteras cannot tolerate cold temperatures since this would hinder their growth.
Not only is this fact applicable to Monsteras but also a wide variety of other houseplants, which is why insufficient sunlight is one of the most common causes of stunted growth.
The Best Temperature and Humidity Levels for Indoor Monstera
In an ideal world, those interested in growing plants indoors would have access to climate-controlled greenhouses where Monsteras could properly simulate the natural conditions.
However, it is still possible to grow tropical plants indoors without access to greenhouses by creating an atmosphere with a temperature and humidity level optimal for Monsteras.
Monstera Temperature and Humidity Tolerance
When growing Monsteras indoors, conditions typical of tropical climates are ideal for Monstera plants, such as between 68 and 86° Fahrenheit and humidity around 60-80%.
Additionally, Monsteras may grow at humidity levels between 40-50% at slightly lower temperatures. Nevertheless, the growth will be stunted if the temperature drops below 55.
Many Monstera growers don’t know, but temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit have the potential to suffocate and destroy the tropical plant, especially if it’s new surroundings.
Temperature and Humidity Range in Native Habitats
Monstera plant is usually found in a humid environment year-round, growing naturally from Southern Mexico to Central America and the border of the tropics in South America.
The climate of these subtropical to tropical regions is ideal for growing Monsteras. The lowest monthly temperatures stay at or above 64.4, while the high temperatures lie just over 80.
Although it is possible to find a Monstera growing in its natural habitat, you do not need to precisely replicate these conditions inside your house for a Monstera plant to thrive easily.
Maintaining an indoor temperature that is consistently above 60 and a humidity level that ranges from 40-50% should be enough to support the health and vitality of any Monstera.
Signs of Wrong Temperature or Humidity
If the environment where your Monsteras grow is not optimal, you can easily recognize it via the following indicators—each categorized according to the tropical climate conditions.
- Monstera’s Environment (Too Cold): Drooping leaves, cold damage, brown spots, blackened or yellowing leaves, wilting, discoloration, cold shock, or a loose root ball.
- Monstera’s Environment (Too Hot): Scorched leaves, brown or dry spots, blossom drop, dry leaf edges, bolting, wilting, leaf rolling and cupping, or blossom end rot or root rot.
- Monstera’s Environment (Too Dry): Crispy leaf tips, browning or yellowing edges, develop dry leaves, curled leaves, low moisture content, brittleness, or slow growth.
- Monstera’s Environment (Too Humid): Damp leaves that grow closely together, root rot, moldy foliage and/or potting mix, yellowed leaves, mushy stem, drooping leaves.
To conclude, you can keep Monsteras outside during winter, provided that you reside in an area with a tropical climate.
However, don’t forget to bring your plant inside before the temps drop below 50.
If you give your Monsteras the proper care and attention, it will grow and continue to provide your house with an appealing dose of greens throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a bonus, we’ve taken time to answer some questions about Monstera plants and the right temperature for proper care in winter and summer. Read on.
Can I Leave My Monstera Outside in the Winter?
As long as you give your Monstera plant the attention and care it needs, it should be able to spend several weeks outdoors.
Be vigilant that the soil does not frost during the winter, and continue to provide the plant with consistent irrigation.
In addition, you should ensure that your houseplant receives sufficient full sunlight each year to maintain the plant’s growth.
When Should I Bring My Monsteras Inside in Winter?
Bring your Monstera plants inside before the nighttime temperatures drop below 50. To ensure that your houseplants receive enough indirect sunlight, position them so that it is next to a sunny window (a few hours).
In addition, your Monstera plants should get consistent watering, humidity, and fertilization with an all-purpose soil every two weeks.
What Happens to Monstera Leaf in Winters?
Since Monsteras are tropical plants, they enter a period of dormancy throughout the winter months, during which the growth either slows down or completely ceases.
However, this is not the end of the story since the Swiss Cheese Plant cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing.
When the temperature drops below 50, some soil begins to show signs of stress.
Are Warm Temperatures Ideal for Indoor Plants/House Plants?
Even though Monstera plants need warm temperatures to grow, temperatures above 100 might harm the plant.
This is more likely to occur if the Monstera outside does not have enough protection from the sun’s rays and if it is not well hydrated.
If you want your Monstera leaf and overall plant to look its best, keep it at a temperature between 60 and 90°F.
What is the Steady Temperature for Monstera Plant During Winters?
During the winter months, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature for your Monstera between 70 and 85°F.
This will assist in encouraging healthy development and avoiding illness.
Root rot is common; however, you can use a heater with a ceramic heating element or a water mister to combat this issue and keep your Monstera healthy.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
