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Monsteras are native to the tropical rainforest in Mexico and Panama, which means these popular houseplants need warm temperatures all throughout the year. 

The consequence of this is that your Monstera’s temperature can make or break your success with this plant. That is why it is important to know the ins and outs of temperature requirements for Monstera plants.

monstera in temperatures that are too high next to a chair with a hat on it

What temperatures do Monsteras like?

The Monstera plant grows best when the room’s temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures best mimic what this plant would experience when growing in its native environment. If your Monstera is kept in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it will likely not survive.

Another thing to consider is that Monsteras will need to be kept away from areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. Areas such as near doors or drafts are a big no-no for Monsteras since these locations typically fluctuate in temperature, and can pose a potential health risk for the plant.

Along with warmer temps, Monsteras also require humidity levels that are a bit higher than normal. Monsteras thrive in humidity levels of 60-percent or higher. But they can tolerate levels as low as 40-percent. It is best, however, to ensure they get a constant supply of those higher humidity levels.

Find out more: 12 Proven Tips to Get Your Monstera the Humidity It Needs

Where is the best indoor location for Monstera?

The best location for your Monstera is in an area where it can get bright, but not direct sunlight and sufficient warmth. East-facing windows are typically the ideal area to achieve the best lighting requirements. However, you can place the Monstera in another area, just make sure that it isn’t in direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight not only scorches the leaves, but it also increases the temperature of the air around the plant. Not only is this amount of light well in excess of your Monstera’s light requirements, this increase in temperature is not good for Monstera plants and can cause severe damage to its health. If you want your Monstera to last for years, you will need to make sure it isn’t in direct sun.

If you cannot keep the plant out of the path of direct sunlight, you will have to filter the rays by using a curtain or other type of blocking device. Direct sunlight is one of the quickest ways to damage the Monstera’s leaves. Once a sunburnt Monstera’s foliage has been scorched, that leaf will not recover.

monstera in temperatures and light that it likes near a window

How hot is too hot for Monstera?

While Monstera plants thrive in warm temperatures, temperatures above 100-degrees Fahrenheit can severely damage the plant. This is especially the case if the plant isn’t protected from the sun’s rays and is not properly watered. The best temperature for your Monstera shouldn’t go above 90 degrees or below 60 degrees.

On warm spring, summer, and fall days, you can move the Monstera outdoors and let you get some fresh air. Make sure, however, that the temperature is no lower than 60 degrees and there won’t be any sudden drop in temperatures while your Monstera is outside. If you see the temperature start to fall, quickly move the Monstera back indoors to protect it from damage.

In most areas, the Monstera plant can live outside from May until September, but this time varies depending on your climate and the temperature. Because temperatures, both too hot and too cold, can damage the plant, you will need to monitor the weather and be prepared to move the plant if the temperature starts to change.

How cold is too cold for Monstera?

Monsteras do not tolerate the cold very well. In fact, you should never grow your Monstera in an area where the temps drop to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Allowing your Monstera to grow in temperatures below 55 degrees can severely damage and even kill the plant.

Because the Monstera isn’t cold hardy, it is more often than not grown indoors. If, however, you live in an area with warmer winters, you may be able to grow the plant outside. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, the Monstera plant can grow in zones 10 and 11.

If you live outside of these zones, the Monstera will need to be grown indoors. That doesn’t mean that you cannot take the Monstera plant outside. In fact, it is not uncommon for gardeners to move their Monstera outside on warm spring and summer days.

Can I take my Monstera outside?

Monsteras can be taken outdoors on warm days that have a temperature of 60-degrees Fahrenheit and above. You should never take the plants outside if the temps are below this or if they could begin to fall rapidly, as your Monstera won’t tolerate such temperatures.

Monstera plants can benefit from the fresh air they get when taken outside on warm spring, summer, or fall days. This is especially true during summer rain storms where the humidity level is typically higher than normal. Just make sure that the Monstera plant is protected from the sun’s rays if you decide to take it outside.

In most cases, the Monstera plant will be fine sitting on a covered porch. If you decide to move the plant and its container into the yard, find a location that isn’t in direct sunlight. A shaded place under the canopy of trees, for example, will help protect the Monstera and keep it safe while outside.

monstera leaf with sunlight coming through it

Will frost damage my Monstera?

Frost will not only damage the Monstera plant, but it can also kill it. Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests and cannot handle cold temperatures or frost. In fact, one of the quickest ways to kill the Monstera is to place it outside during periods of cold temperatures.

Monstera plants need a constant temperature of at least 60 degrees. While they can survive in temperatures as low as 55 degrees, it isn’t ideal and the plant should be left in that low temps for an extended period of time.

What sense is there in having a Monstera plant if you are just going to let it become frost damaged? The Monstera plant isn’t a hard plant to grow, but it does require warmer temperatures. If you are not comfortable with providing these warmer temps for this plant, consider purchasing a plant that can grow outdoors in your climate.

The USDA Hardiness Zone map can show you which plants are hardy for your specific climate. What this means is that those plants can grow outdoors in your area even in the winter months. They won’t require you to maintain a steady temperature like Monstera plants do.

Signs your Monstera’s temperature isn’t right

The best way to keep your Monstera healthy is to know the plant’s growing requirements before you even begin to care for it. If you don’t provide the plant with the right temperature for your Monstera, it will let you know in various ways.

1. Stunted growth

When the temperature is too cold for the Monstera, the plant will begin to experience cold shock. Cold shock will cause the Monstera to stop growing, and the plant won’t start growing again until the temperature is corrected. 

2. Wilting or drooping leaves

In addition to their growth being affected, other signs of cold shock are wilting or drooping leaves on your Monstera. Given that these are the symptoms for many different issues with your Monstera, it basically comes down to a process of elimination for determining whether your Monstera’s temperature is the culprit.

3. Yellow or brown leaves

If you notice your Monstera leaves turning brown or even yellowing Monstera leaves, these are also both indicators of cold shock on this plant. 

Should you notice any of the aforementioned signs of cold shock on your Monstera, immediately move the plant to a warmer location. Furthermore, make sure the plant isn’t near an area, such as a vent that is blowing air-conditioned air, where the temperature may be colder than in the rest of your home.

That said, be aware that if there are brown spots on your Monstera’s leaves, this can also be a sign that your Monstera’s temperature is too high, especially if the leaves are overly dry as well, as I’ll cover below.

pruning shears and a brown leaf removed from cold shock due to Monstera temperatures being too low

4. Scorched leaves

The chances of your Monstera experiencing temps that are too high inside your home is rather low, but not impossible. It can occur if the plant is placed in direct sunlight or near a vent where heated air blows out.

With that in mind, when the temperature is too high for the Monstera, it will start to show signs of scorched leaves. 

5. Dry soil

If your Monstera isn’t getting the right amount of humidity, especially when paired with temperatures that are too hot, you will start to notice that the soil begins to dry out much quicker than normal. 

Just be careful when trying to address this as an environment that is too dry can also cause you to accidently overwater your Monstera, which results in a slew of problems for this plant.

6. Dry leaf tips

Another sign of an environment that is too warm is if your Monstera starts to develop dry and crispy leaf tips that start to brown.

This can also be a sign of low humidity, which may go hand in hand with hot weather in your area. If that’s the case, you may wish to try to address both at once.

7. Root rot

It is very unlikely that your Monstera will be exposed to humidity levels that are too high given how much this plant likes humidity. But if you live in a very hot and humid environment, there’s a chance that your Monstera’s temperature and humidity levels are too high even for this plant.

In that case, you may start to see signs of root rot in your Monstera. This includes damp leaves that begin to yellow and droop, mold forming on the foliage or top of the soil, mushy stems and, ultimately, the death of your plant. As such, if you suspect this is the case, it’s important to act quickly.