How Much Light Does a Monstera Really Need? (Window Direction Guide)

In their natural jungle habitat, they grow under the canopy of larger trees, which filters the intense tropical sun. You want to replicate that filtered, bright environment indoors.

☀️ The Right Amount of Light

• Bright, Indirect Light is Ideal: This means the area is well-lit for at least 5-8 hours a day, but the sun's rays do not hit the leaves directly for extended periods, especially during the harshest midday or afternoon sun.

  
  

• A Little Direct Sun is Okay (Often Beneficial): Gentle, direct morning sun (from an east-facing window) or late, weak afternoon sun is usually tolerated well and can encourage faster growth and more pronounced leaf splits (fenestrations).

  
  

• Avoid Harsh Direct Sun: Intense, direct sun (especially south or west midday/afternoon) will scorch and burn the leaves, leaving brown or yellow patches.

  
  

• Low Light is Tolerated, But Not Ideal: A Monstera can survive in low light, but it will grow much slower, produce smaller leaves, and may stop developing its signature splits. The plant can also become "leggy" as it stretches toward the nearest light source.

Monstera climbing on moss pole with mature leaves

 Window Direction Guide

Here is a breakdown of how to use the different window directions to achieve bright, indirect light for your Monstera:

Window Direction	Light Conditions	Recommendation
East-Facing	Receives gentle, direct morning sun, followed by bright indirect light for the rest of the day.	Generally Ideal! Place the plant close to the window. The morning sun is usually not intense enough to burn the leaves.
South-Facing	Receives the most intense, prolonged light throughout the day, including harsh midday sun.	Use Caution! Place the plant several feet back (5-10 feet) from the window, or use a sheer curtain to diffuse and filter the light. Otherwise, the leaves will likely burn.
West-Facing	Receives bright indirect light in the morning, but intense, hot, direct sun in the afternoon/evening.	Handle with Care! Use a sheer curtain to filter the direct afternoon light, or position the plant a few feet back from the window so it only receives indirect light.
North-Facing	Receives the least amount of light, typically just ambient, indirect light.	Low Light! This is generally considered low light for a Monstera. Your plant will likely survive, but growth will be very slow and leaves will be smaller and may not split. You may need to supplement with a grow light.

Key Takeaways for Placement

1. Check for Shadows: A good way to check your light is with the "shadow test." In a bright, indirect light location, your hand's shadow should be soft and fuzzy, not sharp and well-defined.

2. Rotate Your Plant: If your Monstera is in front of a window, rotate it every few weeks to ensure even growth on all sides. Otherwise, it will lean toward the light source.

3. Watch the Leaves: Your plant will tell you what it needs:

   • Yellowing/Browning Spots: Could be a sign of too much direct sun (sunburn). Move it further back or use a sheer curtain.

   • No Splits, Slow Growth, or Small Leaves: Could be a sign of too little light. Move it closer to a brighter window.