If you want your Monstera plant to grow and develop fenestrations, make sure that you give it enough light. When it doesn’t receive enough natural sunlight or artificial light, it will stop growing and may eventually wilt.
Monstera thrives with 10 to 12 hours of bright, indirect lighting every day. When there is inadequate sunlight during winter or when the room is too dark, you should use grow lights to supply your Monstera plant with light.
This article will guide you on things to consider when buying a grow light and determine which grow lights are best for your Monstera plant so you can keep yours healthy and happy!
Let’s get started!
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What are grow lights?
Grow lights are also known as artificial light. They provide supplemental lighting to create a desirable environment for Monstera plants indoors, allowing them to grow at any climate during any time of year.
In short, these grow lights are specially designed to substitute natural sunlight and encourage photosynthesis.
Considerations when buying a grow light
When you are choosing grow lights for your Monstera plant, it’s important to understand that there are several factors you will need to take into consideration:
1. Where do you place your Monstera plant?
The room where you plan to place your Monstera plant will determine which grow light you choose.
Why?
Grow lights are available in blue/red as well as full-spectrum white. The spectrum of light emitted by the grow lights will affect the color ambiance you see in your room.
The blue/red spectrum grow lights will make your room turn purple and unsuitable for when you need to work or do other activities. In this case, you will want to use the full-spectrum white.
However, if you have dedicated space for your plants, it is best to use blue and red spectrum grow lights. They will boost plant growth and promote darker, healthier colors in the leaves and stems of your Monstera.
2. Do you just own one or a collection of Monstera plants?
How many plants are you trying to grow under the light?
Grow lights can vary in size from a single bulb to those huge, meters-long fluorescent arrays suspended from the ceiling.
If you are just propagating a small Monstera cutting, perhaps you will only need a small incandescent growlights put into a regular desk lamp.
However, if you have a collection of Monstera or other plants growing in the same space, you might consider a larger High-Intensity Discharge (HID) growlights.
3. How long do you need to turn on the growlight?
If you have bright sunlight for a short period of time, you can turn your grow light on for just three to four hours per day.
But if the plant does not get enough light, it means that the grow lights should be on for at least 10 hours.
Most incandescent grow lights can overheat quickly if you have them on for too long. In this case, it would be best to buy LED lights, because they stay cool even after extended use.
4. Are you a busy person?
Suppose you’ve bought the most expensive grow light for your Monstera plant, but then you work outside throughout the day. This means that your Monstera is not getting the required amount of light.
In this case, you may want to consider getting a timer for your grow lights. With it, you will be able to schedule when your Monstera plant needs light and when it doesn’t. Also, most LED grow lights now come with a timer as a standard feature.
5. What is your budget?
A $10 LED grow light is a good option when you want the cheapest possible option to get your Monstera plant off to a great start.
However, if you’re interested in additional features (i.e., adjustable spectrum, dimmable light, and smartphone compatibility), we recommend the more expensive LED grow lights, which typically range from $200 to $500.
Tips on using your new grow light!
How High Should Your Grow Lights Be Above Your Monstera?
The height between your grow light and your Swiss cheese plants will affect how effective your light is.
Generally, grow lights should be positioned at most 12 inches (30 cm) away from your plant. As the distance increases between the plant and grow light, intensity decreases exponentially.
However, You should place incandescent bulbs at least 24 inches (60 cm) away from the plant as they have a higher heat signature than can potentially burn leaves when placed too close.
How Long to Turn on Grow Light Every Day?
Although most grow lights can be used 24/7, I recommend turning them off and allowing your Monstera to experience darkness for 8 hours a day.
In the dark, plants go through a process called respiration, where plant cells use sugars generated during photosynthesis and oxygen molecules to produce energy to grow.
The Best Grow Lights for Your Monstera
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best grow lights for growing Swiss cheese plants. Here are my recommendations:
Best Budget Grow Lights Overall: GE Lighting 93101230 LED
GE Lighting 93101230 LED is one of the most affordable grow light I have ever found online. It is perfect if you are new to owning houseplants and don’t have too many collections at home.
This bulb provides bright, full-spectrum lighting and conveniently fits into a desk lamp. I have never had any overheating problems with the light, even though I keep it on a timer, and they are on for about 10 to 12 hours each day.
My only concern about the lamp is that it is too noisy for me. The buzzing sound distracts me from doing my work.
Best Grow Lights for Variegated Monstera
The white part of Monstera Variegata leaves does not have chlorophyll for photosynthesis, which means they need to work twice as hard to produce energy.
Thus variegated Monstera needs to be provided with light with higher lumens.
With its blue and red spectrum, the Ezorkas 4 head timing is perfect for a Variegated Monstera. It boosts optimal growth of your houseplants and promotes darker shades of green.
Additionally, this grow light has 4 heads and a long-reach arm that allows you to cover large parts of the plants easily. This is the best option for people with a more serious interest in indoor plants and wants to give their plant the ideal light.
Also read: Do I Have a Variegated Monstera Plant? Here Are the Signs!
In Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to choose the right grow light for your Monstera!
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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