Monstera Cold Tolerance: How to keep your beloved plant alive during winter?

Oleh Nicolas Johnston June 18, 2023 Post a Comment

When it comes to indoor plants, Monstera is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices among plant enthusiasts. However, with its tropical origin, Monstera can be quite sensitive to temperature changes, especially cold weather. In this blog post, we will explore how to keep your Monstera happy and healthy during winter by discovering its cold tolerance level.

Understanding Monstera Cold Tolerance

Before we dive into the details, let's first understand what cold tolerance means for Monstera. Monstera prefers warm and humid environments and can tolerate temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). When the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), Monstera may experience cold stress, which can lead to various problems such as stunted growth, leaf dropping, and even death.

To prevent these issues, it's crucial to know how to protect your Monstera from the cold. Here are 15 tips on how to do that:

1. Find the Right Spot for Your Monstera

During winter, it's essential to find the right spot for your Monstera where it can get enough sunlight and warmth. Try to place your Monstera in a bright room with plenty of indirect light, away from any cold drafts or windows.

2. Use a Humidifier

As mentioned earlier, Monstera loves humidity. Using a humidifier can help maintain the required level of moisture in the air around your plant, preventing it from drying out due to the dry winter air.

3. Water Your Plant Properly

During winter, Monstera doesn't need as much water as it does in summer. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues. Make sure to check the soil regularly and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

4. Use a Water Meter

If you're unsure about how much water your Monstera needs, you can use a water meter to measure the moisture level in the soil. This tool can help you avoid over or under-watering your plant.

5. Don't Fertilize Your Plant

Monstera doesn't need fertilizer during winter as it's not actively growing. Fertilizing your plant can cause more harm than good and lead to nutrient burn.

6. Protect Your Monstera from Cold Drafts

Cold drafts can quickly lower the temperature around your Monstera, causing cold stress. Make sure to keep your plant away from any open windows or doors that may let in cold air.

7. Cover Your Monstera with a Blanket

If your Monstera is close to a window or a drafty area, covering it with a blanket can help protect it from the cold. However, make sure to remove the blanket during the day to avoid blocking sunlight.

8. Move Your Monstera Away from Radiators

Although Monstera loves warmth, placing it too close to a radiator can cause dryness and damage its leaves. Try to move your plant away from any heat sources.

9. Use a Grow Light

If your Monstera isn't getting enough sunlight during winter, you can use a grow light to provide it with the necessary light. Make sure to choose a grow light that emits a spectrum similar to natural light.

10. Clean Your Monstera's Leaves

Dust and debris can accumulate on your Monstera's leaves over time, blocking out sunlight and affecting its growth. Make sure to clean your plant's leaves regularly with a damp cloth.

11. Keep Your Monstera Away from Pets

Some pets, such as cats and dogs, may be attracted to Monstera leaves and try to chew on them. Make sure to keep your plant away from any curious pets that may cause damage.

12. Don't Repot Your Plant During Winter

Although repotting can be beneficial for your Monstera, it's not recommended during winter when the plant is in a dormant state. Wait until spring to repot your plant.

13. Check for Pests

Winter is a time when pests such as spider mites and mealybugs thrive. Make sure to check your Monstera regularly for any signs of infestation and treat it immediately if necessary.

14. Prune Your Plant

Pruning your Monstera during winter can help promote new growth in spring. However, make sure to only remove dead or damaged leaves and not more than one-third of the plant's foliage.

15. Monitor Your Plant's Health

Finally, it's essential to monitor your Monstera's health during winter. Keep an eye out for any signs of stress or disease and take action promptly if necessary.

Keeping your Monstera alive and healthy during winter requires some effort, but it's definitely worth it. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your beloved plant stays happy and vibrant even during the coldest months of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Monstera survive in cold temperatures?

Monstera prefers warm and humid environments and can tolerate temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). When the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), Monstera may experience cold stress, which can lead to various problems such as stunted growth, leaf dropping, and even death.

2. Do I need to water my Monstera more often during winter?

No, you don't need to water your Monstera more often during winter. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues. Make sure to check the soil regularly and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

3. Should I fertilize my Monstera during winter?

No, you shouldn't fertilize your Monstera during winter as it's not actively growing. Fertilizing your plant can cause more harm than good and lead to nutrient burn.

4. Can I repot my Monstera during winter?

No, it's not recommended to repot your Monstera during winter when the plant is in a dormant state. Wait until spring to repot your plant.

5. How do I protect my Monstera from cold drafts?

You can protect your Monstera from cold drafts by keeping it away from any open windows or doors that may let in cold air. You can also cover your plant with a blanket or move it to a warmer spot.

6. Can Monstera survive without sunlight?

No, Monstera needs sunlight to survive and thrive. However, it can tolerate low-light conditions for some time.

7. How often should I clean my Monstera's leaves?

You should clean your Monstera's leaves at least once a month to remove dust and debris that may block out sunlight and affect its growth.

8. How do I know if my Monstera is getting enough water?

You can check if your Monstera is getting enough water by sticking your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water your plant.

9. How do I prevent pests from infesting my Monstera during winter?

You can prevent pests from infesting your Monstera during winter by keeping your plant clean, using a humidifier, and checking for any signs of infestation regularly.