Summer Glow-Up! 10 Indoor Plants To Take Out

9. The Trendy Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Seriously, who doesn’t adore a Monstera? Those iconic, holey leaves (the proper term is fenestrations, fancy huh?) are just so cool and instantly recognizable. I have a big fella named “Monstro” (original, I know!), and he’s a beloved part of my indoor plant family. But let me tell you, giving him a summer vacation outdoors is when he really lives up to his “deliciosa” name by getting even more gorgeous.

Why Your Monstera is Dreaming of a Summer Glow-Up

If you’re a Monstera parent, you know the thrill of seeing a new leaf unfurl, hoping for more of those beautiful splits and holes. Well, good news! Taking your Monstera outdoors for the summer promotes larger leaves and more dramatic fenestrations. It’s true! The increased light (the right kind, of course) and often higher humidity can signal to the plant that it’s time to mature and get those signature cuts. Monstro always rewards me with significantly bigger leaves, with way more impressive splits, after his outdoor stint. It’s like watching him level up in real time! This is a huge part of successful Monstera Deliciosa care.

Outdoor Spot Secrets: The Perfect Jungle Ambiance

Monsteras in their natural habitat are jungle understory plants, climbing up larger trees.¹ So, when you’re picking an outdoor spot, you want to mimic that. Bright, indirect light is the name of the game. Dappled sunlight under a tree or a shady canopy is ideal. Think of light filtering gently through leaves – that’s the sweet spot. A covered porch or a balcony that doesn’t get direct sun is also great.

Definitely, absolutely avoid direct, harsh sun. Those beautiful, broad leaves will scorch so fast, and you’ll end up with unsightly brown patches. I remember once, I misjudged the sun’s path for a few hours, and Monstro got a couple of burnt spots on a new leaf – I was kicking myself! So, shade with bright, ambient light is your mantra here. They are perfect outdoor shade plants that still want it luminous.

Transition Tips: Slow, Steady, and Supported

Like most of our leafy friends, you need to acclimatize slowly when moving your Monstera outside. Sudden changes in light and temperature can stress them out, potentially leading to Monstera leaf burn or yellowing.² A week of gradually increasing its time outdoors should do the trick.

Here’s a really important tip, especially if you have a larger specimen: provide support for climbing. Monsteras are natural climbers, using their aerial roots to attach to trees.³ Giving your outdoor Monstera a moss pole, a trellis, or even a sturdy stake to lean on can encourage it to produce those larger, more fenestrated mature leaves. Monstro has a big moss pole, and he loves it! It makes a huge difference in their growth habit.

Decor Vibes: The Ultimate Instagrammable Urban Jungle

Let’s be honest, the Monstera Deliciosa is the ultimate Instagrammable plant. Its graphic leaves are just made for photos! Outdoors, it can be the star of your stylish urban jungle vibe on your balcony or patio. It brings an instant sense of lushness, drama, and cool.

Imagine Monstro, with his giant, holey leaves, arching gracefully in a shady corner of my patio – it’s like having a little piece of the rainforest right there. It’s one of those large foliage plants outdoor that makes a huge impact. Whether it’s a smaller plant just starting to get its splits or a mature giant, a healthy Monstera outdoors is a guaranteed showstopper and will make your space feel incredibly chic and alive. They really help you achieve that coveted balcony jungle look!

So, if you’re ready for bigger leaves and more of those amazing splits, give your Monstera Deliciosa a taste of the good life outdoors this summer!

We’re almost at the end of our list! Our final plant is a classic succulent that loves a bit of sun. Click that “Next” button to find out who it is!