To understand if we can live outdoors, you must first understand where we come from. We are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Our natural home is not on the scorching, exposed forest floor, but high up in the canopy, where we climb tall trees. This means our ideal conditions are dappled, bright, indirect sunlight, consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and protection from strong winds. An outdoor summer can mimic these conditions beautifully, but only if done correctly.
For us, a summer outdoors can feel like a return to our roots. The increased air circulation is excellent for preventing pests like spider mites, which thrive in dry, stagnant indoor air. The gentle breeze also helps to strengthen our stems, making us sturdier. Furthermore, the quality of light outdoors, even in shade, is far superior to most indoor light. This often leads to a growth spurt—larger leaves, more pronounced fenestrations (those splits and holes you love), and overall improved vigor. The occasional summer rain is a wonderful treat, naturally rinsing dust from our leaves and providing soft, chemical-free water.
Moving us outside is not as simple as just carrying the pot into the yard. A sudden change, known as transplant shock, can severely damage us. You must acclimate us gradually over 7-10 days. Start by placing us in deep, full shade for a few hours a day, slowly increasing our time outside and gradually introducing us to a brighter shade spot. Never place us in direct, harsh afternoon sun—our leaves will scorch and turn yellow and crispy. Our ideal outdoor spot is on a patio under a pergola, beneath a large tree that provides shifting shade, or on a north-facing porch.
Our care routine will change outside. We will drink much more frequently due to increased light, heat, and wind, so you must check our soil moisture daily. However, ensure we are never sitting in waterlogged soil, as this will rot our roots. The nutrient needs of a vigorously growing outdoor Monstera are higher; a monthly feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. You must also become a vigilant scout for outdoor pests like slugs, snails, and aphids, checking our leaves regularly.
We are tropical plants and have zero tolerance for frost. The move back indoors is mandatory once nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F (10°C). Please do not wait until the last minute. Plan the move and begin to reverse the acclimation process, gradually bringing us back inside to our winter spot. This is also a crucial time to thoroughly inspect our leaves and stems for any pests that may have hitched a ride, treating us if necessary before we rejoin your indoor plant collection.
