The Monstera deliciosa, often nicknamed the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular houseplant prized for its large, fenestrated leaves. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, this plant thrives in warm, humid conditions year-round. While many owners place their Monstera outdoors during summer, returning it indoors is necessary for its survival as seasons change. Bringing the plant inside at the right time prevents cold shock and the introduction of outdoor pests. The transition requires precise timing based on temperature and careful adjustments to its care routine.
Identifying the Critical Temperature Threshold
The timing for bringing a Monstera deliciosa back indoors is directly linked to its tropical origins and intolerance for cold. These plants flourish in temperatures ranging from approximately 64°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods can cause significant damage to the plant tissue.
The absolute minimum temperature threshold is 50°F (10°C), below which leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and stress occur. Waiting until this point is risky because cold fronts move quickly, and nighttime temperatures are often lower than daytime forecasts. A much safer threshold is to move the plant inside when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 55°F (13°C).
Delaying the move until the first frost is visible can prove fatal. Frost occurs when temperatures drop to 32°F (0°C), causing water inside the plant cells to freeze and rupture the cell walls. By monitoring weather forecasts for lows in the mid-50s Fahrenheit, owners can proactively prevent cold shock and ensure a smooth transition.
Preparing the Plant for the Move
Before the Monstera moves back into the home, a thorough preparation process is necessary, focusing on the eradication of potential pests. The outdoor environment often harbors various insects that can quickly infest an entire collection of indoor houseplants. Common invaders include spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips, which feed on the Monstera’s sap and damage its foliage.
Begin preparation by carefully inspecting the entire plant, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves, leaf axils, and the soil surface. Use a strong jet of water to physically blast off any visible pests, such as aphids or spider mites. Follow this mechanical cleaning with an application of insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution to eliminate remaining insects or their eggs.
The soil also requires attention, as it can harbor insect larvae like fungus gnat eggs. Scrape off the top inch or two of soil and replace it with fresh, sterile potting mix to remove surface-level pests. This cleaning and inspection process should be performed a day or two before the move to allow the plant to dry and for the treatment to take effect.
Essential Indoor Care Adjustments
Once the Monstera deliciosa is situated indoors, its care regimen must be significantly adjusted to match the change in environment and the plant’s natural winter growth cycle. The light intensity inside a home is substantially lower than outdoor light. Place the Monstera near the brightest window available, ensuring it is protected from cold drafts coming from windows or exterior doors.
The most significant change is the reduction in watering frequency, necessary because the plant enters a period of slower growth, often called semi-dormancy. With less intense light and cooler temperatures, the plant uses water at a much slower rate. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again; this prevents the soil from remaining saturated, which could lead to root rot.
Fertilization should be reduced or halted entirely during the winter months when growth has slowed. Applying fertilizer to a plant that is not actively growing can lead to a buildup of mineral salts in the soil, potentially burning the roots. Resume a regular feeding schedule in spring when light levels increase and new, vigorous growth is observed.