Can Your Monstera Live Outside? What You Should Know

The Monstera deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves, is a popular houseplant that brings a touch of the tropics indoors. Its lush appearance often leads plant owners to wonder if this specimen can thrive in an outdoor environment. Moving this plant outdoors is possible, but its success depends on providing conditions that replicate its native habitat.

Determining Outdoor Suitability

The primary factor in deciding if your monstera can live outside year-round is your climate, specifically your region’s minimum winter temperatures. Monsteras are tropical plants native to Central America and are not tolerant of cold. They are considered winter hardy only in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12, where temperatures rarely dip below 30 to 40°F.

For those living in cooler climates, a monstera can be moved outside temporarily during the warmer months. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. The ideal range is between 65°F and 85°F, as no monstera should be exposed to frost, which will damage the leaves.

Transitioning Your Monstera Outdoors

Moving a monstera from a stable indoor environment to the outdoors requires a slow adjustment period known as “hardening off.” Abruptly placing your plant in direct sun and wind will cause stress, leading to sunburn, leaf drop, and shock. This transition should take place over one to two weeks, allowing the plant’s leaves to build tolerance to higher light intensity and air movement.

Begin the process by placing your monstera in a completely shaded and sheltered location for a few hours on the first day. Over the next several days, gradually increase the amount of time it spends outside. After about a week of being in full shade, you can introduce it to small amounts of gentle, indirect morning sun. Continue to slowly extend its exposure to this dappled light, always avoiding harsh midday or afternoon sun. Rushing this process can damage the foliage, as even the brightest spot inside your home is significantly darker than a shaded area outdoors.

Outdoor Care Requirements

Once your monstera is accustomed to its new environment, its care routine will need adjustment. An ideal spot would be under a covered porch, beneath the canopy of a large tree, or on a patio with an awning. This provides the bright, indirect light monsteras prefer while protecting them from direct sun, strong winds, and heavy downpours.

Watering needs will increase, as outdoor conditions like wind and higher temperatures cause soil to dry out much faster. Instead of watering on a strict schedule, check the soil every few days. When the top two to three inches feel dry, water thoroughly until it escapes the drainage holes. Dark-colored pots can absorb more heat, accelerating this drying process, so monitor them closely.

The combination of increased light and faster growth means your outdoor monstera will be a heavier feeder. During the active growing season, you will likely need to fertilize more frequently than you did indoors. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly can provide the nutrients to support healthy growth, which may also mean the plant requires structural support like a moss pole sooner.

Common Outdoor Challenges

Placing a monstera outside introduces it to potential problems from pests and the elements. Outdoor plants are more accessible to common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the front and back of leaves for signs of these pests, as early detection helps manage an infestation before it causes significant damage.

Sunburn is another frequent issue for monsteras that are not properly acclimated or are placed in a spot with too much direct sunlight. Scorch appears as yellow or brown, crispy patches on the leaves. If you notice these spots, move the plant to a location with more shade. The damaged tissue will not recover, but protecting the plant from further exposure will save the remaining foliage.

Strong winds can tear the plant’s large leaves, while heavy rain can be equally damaging. Animals may also be tempted to chew on or dig in the pot. Careful placement in a sheltered location is the most effective way to prevent this type of physical damage.

Overwintering Your Outdoor Monstera

For those in climates with cold winters, bringing the monstera back inside is a required step for its survival. The cue to begin this process is falling temperatures. When nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50-55°F (10-13°C), it is time to prepare the plant for its move indoors. Waiting too long risks exposing the plant to a sudden frost, which can be lethal.

Before bringing it inside, conduct a thorough inspection for any pests. Check under leaves, in crevices where leaves meet the stem, and on the soil surface. It is good practice to spray the entire plant with a hose to dislodge any insects or debris. As a preventative measure, you can treat the foliage with an insecticidal soap to avoid bringing an infestation into your home.

Once clean, the plant will need to re-acclimate to the lower light conditions of your home. Just as you hardened it off for the outdoors, you must reverse the process. Start by placing it in a bright indoor location, but not in direct sun. Some leaf drop is normal during this transition as the plant adjusts, but it should stabilize and recover.