In this article, we will give you all of the tips and tricks you might need for growing outdoor monsteras, including where to best plant them. We will also go over some helpful information if monsteras are considered invasive plants in your state. Finally, we’ll give you some helpful advice on how to best protect this tropical beauty from cold weather if you live in a zone that may not support year-round outdoor growth. Let’s get started!
Can You Grow a Monstera Outside?
Native to tropical regions in South and Central America, monstera deliciosa plants thrive in humid conditions. They are vining plants capable of attaching to trees and other structures using an involved root system. In ideal conditions outdoors, monsteras can reach up to 30 feet tall, which is at least double the height of the average indoor-grown monstera. The most important thing to consider when planting a monstera outside is its sun exposure and the overall temperature of your region. Unless you live in Hardiness Zones 10-12, your monstera likely won’t survive your winter season. Anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous territory for the monstera deliciosa, so keep this in mind if you are debating planting one outside!
Are Monsteras Considered Invasive?
Depending on your region, the monstera deliciosa may be considered invasive where you live. The monstera is invasive in the following states, though it is still not banned from being planted outdoors:
HawaiiFlorida
Again, you aren’t technically banned from planting a monstera deliciosa outdoors in any state. However, both Hawaii and Florida recommend planting with care. You should keep your local ecosystem in mind when planting, as other plants, trees, and shrubs can be easily overtaken by a monstera’s vining nature. While a giant, thriving monstera plant is a sight to behold, just make sure it isn’t overwhelming your other natural wonders!
How to Plant a Monstera Outside
Choosing a proper spot for your monstera is key if you plan on planting it outdoors. Even choosing to bring out your potted monstera during the summertime is a good idea, but always make sure to keep it in a location out of direct sunshine. Here is a general overview of how to best plant and grow a monstera deliciosa outside.
Light Requirements
While a monstera that grows indoors as a houseplant needs bright and indirect light, outdoor monsteras do best in a shady location out of direct sunlight. Naturally, the light found outdoors is much stronger and more likely to burn monsteras as compared to the light found indoors. Choosing a location that gets two to three hours of direct sun is likely alright, but anything more and you risk harming the delicate leaves found on your monstera plant.
Water Requirements
All monsteras enjoy moist conditions, but not soaked conditions. Try to keep your monstera plant consistently damp while outdoors, especially in the summertime. Having other plants nearby may help increase the overall water found in the soil near your monstera. This is a plant that is used to cooperation and sharing space with other plants, so it’s always a good idea to mimic its native habitat.
Soil Requirements
Fast-draining soil is the number one swell requirement for monstera plants. Their roots are delicate and cannot stand to be left soaking in water for any length of time, so make sure to plant your monstera in a loose type of soil. Besides being well-drained, monsteras don’t have very many soil requirements otherwise.
Temperature Requirements
As previously mentioned, your monstera deliciosa cannot handle temperatures that dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit regularly. Freezing conditions will kill any monstera plant, so make sure to keep this in mind if you plan on planting one outdoors. There are ways that you can protect your monstera plant, but consistently chilly temperatures won’t do you any favors!
Support and Trellis Requirements
The reason that monstera plants can grow so large, particularly outdoors, is the fact that they are climbing plants. Supporting your monstera as it grows is key to developing a thriving plant. Just make sure that you are aware of everything that this entails. Monsteras are considered invasive because of their growth habits, capable of damaging or killing surrounding structures and plants. Give your monstera a trellis or some type of support as it grows. However, just make sure that it doesn’t latch onto any other plants in the process!
Protecting Your Monstera
If you are located in a region that is right on the edge of a monstera’s tolerance, you may consider protecting it during the wintertime. There are many different products available that are designed to keep plants warm in the winter. However, this may or may not work depending on the size of your monstera. You may also consider only bringing your monstera outdoors in the summertime. Also known as vacationing, monsteras benefit greatly from exposure to the great outdoors during warmer months. However, you must return these plants inside as the seasons change. Keep in mind that this only works if your monstera is still in a container or pot. But this may be a solution that works well for all parties involved!
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