Should I Put My Monstera Outside – Your Complete Guide To Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your gorgeous indoor Monstera deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves, and wondered if it’s missing out? You see it thriving by a window, but a little voice asks, “Could it be even happier outside?”

You’re not alone in asking, should i put my monstera outside? It’s a question I hear all the time from fellow plant lovers. The answer is a resounding YES, but with a very important “but.” Moving a houseplant outdoors isn’t as simple as just carrying the pot onto your patio. Done wrong, it can lead to sunburn, shock, and a very unhappy plant.

Don’t worry—I’m here to promise you that you can absolutely give your Monstera a glorious outdoor vacation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the incredible benefits, the step-by-step process for a safe transition, the best practices for outdoor care, and how to bring your leafy friend back inside when the season changes.

Let’s unlock your Monstera’s full potential together!

The Surprising Benefits of Putting Your Monstera Outside

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” You might be surprised by the incredible boost an outdoor adventure can give your plant. These aren’t just small perks; we’re talking about a total transformation. Here are the main benefits of should i put my monstera outside.

  • Explosive Growth: This is the big one! The combination of brighter, more dynamic light and increased air circulation mimics a Monstera’s natural habitat. This encourages faster, larger, and more vigorous growth than you’ll typically see indoors.
  • Bigger, Better Fenestrations: Those beautiful splits and holes in Monstera leaves are called fenestrations. More light is the primary trigger for developing them. An outdoor environment provides the high-quality, indirect light needed to encourage more dramatic and mature-looking leaves.
  • Natural Pest Control: A gentle breeze and the presence of beneficial insects (like ladybugs) can help keep common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs at bay. The outdoors is a tougher environment for these pests to establish a foothold.
  • A Good Soaking from Rainwater: Natural rainwater is a treat for houseplants. It’s naturally soft, slightly acidic, and free of the chlorine and minerals often found in tap water. A gentle rain shower can help flush away dust from leaves and salts from the soil.

Is It Time? The Perfect Conditions for an Outdoor Vacation

Timing is everything. You can’t just move your Monstera outside on a whim. The key is to wait for the right weather conditions to avoid shocking your plant’s system. Think of it as waiting for perfect beach weather before you go for a swim.

Temperature is Non-Negotiable

Monsteras are tropical plants. They despise the cold. The most critical rule is to wait until all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C). Even one chilly night dipping into the 40s can cause serious damage.

Light: The Goldilocks Principle

Your Monstera has been living in the filtered, gentle light of your home. Throwing it into direct, harsh sunlight is the #1 mistake gardeners make. This will scorch its leaves in a matter of hours, leaving ugly brown or yellow patches.

The perfect spot is one that receives bright, indirect light. Think of a spot under a large tree, on a covered porch, or beneath a patio umbrella where it gets dappled sunlight, especially during the intense afternoon hours.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Acclimate Your Monstera to the Outdoors

This process, known as “hardening off,” is the most important part of this entire should i put my monstera outside guide. The goal is to gradually introduce your plant to the more intense outdoor conditions over a week or two. Slow and steady wins this race!

  1. Day 1-2: Find a Deeply Shaded Spot. Start by placing your Monstera in a fully shaded, protected location for just an hour or two. A covered porch or against a north-facing wall is perfect. Bring it back inside afterward.
  2. Day 3-4: Increase the Time. Leave the plant in the same shady spot, but extend its time outside to 3-4 hours. Keep a close eye on it for any signs of stress, like wilting.
  3. Day 5-7: Introduce Dappled Morning Sun. Now you can move it to a spot that gets a little bit of gentle, early morning sun for an hour. Morning sun is much less intense than afternoon sun. Increase its total time outside to 5-6 hours, with the rest of the time in shade.
  4. Day 8-10: More Sun, More Time. Gradually increase the amount of dappled or morning sun it receives each day. By now, it can likely stay outside for most of the day, as long as it’s protected from the harsh midday and afternoon sun.
  5. Day 11-14: The Final Move. Your Monstera should now be accustomed to the outdoor environment. You can move it to its semi-permanent summer home—a spot with bright, indirect light all day long. It can now stay outside 24/7, provided the nighttime temperatures remain warm.
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Pro-Tip: A great way to check if the light is too intense is the “hand shadow test.” Hold your hand a foot above the leaves. If the shadow it casts is soft and blurry, the light is likely perfect. If it’s a sharp, dark shadow, it’s probably too direct.

The Ultimate Monstera Outdoor Care Guide: Best Practices

Once your plant is happily acclimated, your job isn’t quite done. Outdoor care is a little different from indoor care. Following these should i put my monstera outside best practices will ensure it thrives all season long.

Watering Wisdom

Plants dry out much faster outside due to wind, sun, and heat. You’ll need to increase your watering frequency. Ditch your strict indoor schedule and check the soil every couple of days. Stick your finger two inches deep—if it feels dry, it’s time to water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.

Feeding for Growth

With all that new growth it’s pushing out, your Monstera will be hungry! Feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, following the product’s instructions. This provides the fuel it needs for those giant, fenestrated leaves.

Pest Patrol

While outdoors can deter some pests, it can invite others. Regularly inspect the tops and undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or thrips. Catching them early is key. If you find any, a strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap can often do the trick.

Protection from the Elements

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Strong winds can shred those beautiful leaves, and heavy downpours can overwater the soil. If a big storm is coming, it’s wise to move your Monstera to a more sheltered spot temporarily.

Common Problems with Putting Your Monstera Outside (And How to Fix Them!)

Even with the best care, you might run into a few issues. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems with should i put my monstera outside and how to handle them like a pro.

  • Problem: Yellow or Brown Crispy Spots on Leaves.

    Cause: Sunburn! The plant is getting too much direct sunlight.

    Solution: Immediately move it to a shadier location. The burnt parts of the leaves won’t recover, but the plant will be fine and produce new, healthy growth.
  • Problem: Wilting or Drooping Leaves.

    Cause: This is usually a sign of thirst.

    Solution: Check the soil. If it’s dry, give the plant a deep, thorough watering. It should perk back up within a few hours. If the soil is wet, it could be a sign of overwatering and root rot.
  • Problem: Leggy Growth with Small Leaves.

    Cause: Not enough light. Even outdoors, a spot in deep, dark shade won’t be enough.

    Solution: Move it to a location that receives more bright, indirect light.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tips for Your Outdoor Monstera

As gardeners, we’re stewards of the earth. Incorporating sustainable should i put my monstera outside practices is easy and rewarding. An eco-friendly should i put my monstera outside approach benefits your plant and the planet.

Consider placing a bucket or watering can out during a rain shower to collect free, nutrient-rich water for your plants. If you encounter pests, opt for organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap instead of harsh chemical pesticides. This protects beneficial insects and keeps your garden ecosystem healthy.

Bringing It Back Inside: Preparing Your Monstera for Winter

Just as you hardened your plant off for the outdoors, you need to prepare it for its return. Start this process when nighttime temperatures begin to dip back towards that 60°F (15°C) mark.

  1. Pest Inspection: This is critical. Before bringing it inside, give your Monstera a thorough inspection. Check under leaves, in crevices, and on the soil for any hitchhikers. You don’t want to introduce an infestation to your indoor plants.
  2. Give it a Shower: A good rinse with a hose can dislodge any unseen pests and wash away dust and debris from the leaves.
  3. Reverse Acclimation: Bring the plant indoors for a few hours at a time, gradually increasing its indoor stay over a week. This helps it adjust to the lower light and humidity levels of your home.
  4. Choose its Winter Home: Place it in the brightest indirect light spot you have. Be prepared for it to slow its growth significantly over the winter—this is completely normal. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing until spring returns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Monstera Outside

Can a Monstera live outside year-round?

Only if you live in a tropical or subtropical climate where temperatures never drop below 50°F (10°C), such as USDA hardiness zones 10-12. For most people, a Monstera’s outdoor stay is a summer-only vacation.

Will my Monstera get bigger if I put it outside?

Almost certainly! The increased light, humidity, and air circulation are powerful growth stimulants. Many gardeners are shocked by how much their Monstera grows in just one summer outdoors.

What’s the best pot for an outdoor Monstera?

Ensure your pot has excellent drainage holes. Outdoor plants are subject to rain, so you need to prevent water from logging the soil. A heavy pot (like terracotta or ceramic) is also a good idea to prevent it from being tipped over by the wind.

Your Monstera’s Best Summer Ever Awaits

So, should you put your monstera outside? Absolutely. It might seem like a lot of steps, but the process is simple and the rewards are immense. Giving your Monstera a summer vacation outdoors is one of the best things you can do for its health and vitality.

By following this guide, you’re not just moving a plant; you’re giving it an experience that taps into its wild, tropical roots. You’ll be rewarded with a bigger, healthier, and more magnificent plant than you thought possible.

Go on, open the door and let the adventure begin. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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