Can Monstera and Calathea share one grow tent?
One tent means one light, one timer and one climate. This is what Monstera and Calathea each need, and which differences moving the pots can fix.
The short answer
- Light: at their most demanding stage, no single light level suits both. Monstera wants 120–275 µmol/m²/s, Calathea 70–135. (Placement can fix this)
- Day length: both are usually grown at 12 h, so one timer suits both.
- Temperature: both are comfortable at 20–26 °C.
- Humidity: both are comfortable at 70–80 % RH.
Light, stage by stage
| Monstera | PPFD | Calathea | PPFD | Suits both |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth | 95–230 µmol/m²/s | Mature | 70–135 µmol/m²/s | 95–135 µmol/m²/s |
| Mature | 120–275 µmol/m²/s | Mature | 70–135 µmol/m²/s | none |
They share a light level in 1 of 2 stage combinations.
For plants whose target is daily light (DLI), the PPFD shown is at their usual day length. On a different timer it changes.
How to make it work
Light is strongest under the centre of the fixture and weaker towards the edges. Put Monstera under the centre and Calathea towards an edge or the back of the tent.
If Monstera still falls short, lift its pot on a box: closer to the light means more light, without changing anything for Calathea.
Where exactly, in your tent?
That depends on your tent, your fixture and how high it hangs. Add Monstera and Calathea in the app and it shows where each pot gets its own light.