Monstera plants are renowned for having large, gorgeous leaves with fenestrations. However, those leaves can be sensitive, and the first area you’ll notice issues when a monstera is dissatisfied with its surroundings or care are the leaves!
Curling leaves are one of the many signs that a monstera needs a change. In order to narrow down the possible causes of monstera leaf curl, you may need to do some detective work and use the method of “elimination.”
In order to limit exposed surface area and water loss through transpiration, monstera leaves typically curl. This typically indicates that water loss is a problem for whatever cause, such as heat stress, underwatering, damaged roots, or fluid loss as a result of insect infestation.
A monstera leaf can curl in a number of various ways, which might help you identify the underlying problem.
Monstera Leaves Curling Inwards
If the tips of your monstera plant’s leaves are curling inward or upward, it can be a sign of inadequate watering, a lack of humidity, or even an insect infestation.
Monstera Leaves Curling Under
For many of the same reasons, monstera leaves can curl inward toward the base, though occasionally this may be a sign of heat stress or underwatering if the leaf lacks turgor pressure. This may be the case if the leaves feel flimsy, weak, or appear to be drooping.
Monstera Leaves Crinkling
Most typically, crinkled, brittle leaves indicate underwatering or low humidity, especially if they have dry or browning margins.
The probable causes and methods to determine why your monstera is stressed are listed below if you notice any of these symptoms, including puckering, curling under, or upward leaf motion.
What does a monstera leaf curling mean?
Learning to spot warning signals that your monstera is unhappy is among the most crucial aspects of monstera care. Most of these signals will be easiest to spot in the leaves. Consequently, what should you do if you find that your monstera leaves are curling?
The main offender is probably thirst or dryness. Your monstera may not be receiving enough water or the surroundings may be too dry if its leaves are curling and even seeming slightly brittle.
However, flooding your plant with additional water might not be the best solution! It’s crucial to identify the cause of your monstera’s drying out so you can address the underlying issue rather than just applying a Band-Aid repair that will only work momentarily or, worse, make matters worse!
What to do if you find your monstera leaves curling and drying out, as well as three reasons why your monstera may be too dry, are given below.
Curled monstera leaves – will they uncurl?
Depending on the cause, curled Monstera leaves may or may not uncurl. These causes include new growth, excessive fertilizing, and a lack of water. The leaves will uncurl for the previously mentioned first two reasons. The plant will gradually recover after the issues are fixed. On dry plants, controlled watering usually works. The curled leaves on the new growth will uncurl.
The water in the plants’ systems will be restored when they receive water replenishment, improving nutrient circulation. For the majority of leaf curl issues with Monstera plants, water usually works. Providing you’re using the proper kind of water, that is. Use filtered water that is free of chlorine and the majority of other chemicals. Allow the water to settle overnight if you’re using unfiltered water so that any chemicals will either settle at the bottom or evaporate.
How can curling Monstera be avoided?
Ultimately, there are just a few things that can be done to stop monstera leaf curl:
- Make sure your soil drains properly by repotting every year and keeping it aerated.
- When a moisture meter registers 3 to 4 or when the first few inches of soil feel dry to the touch, water your monstera thoroughly.
- Apply liquid fertilizer that is balanced on a regular basis.
- Keep out of the hot or cold drafts and direct sunlight.
- Beware of insects. If you spot them, wash your plant and apply neem oil to the area.
In other words, the greatest method to avoid problems with your monstera’s leaves is with adequate, regular maintenance. But we understand! Giving your plant everything it needs is not always easy. However, with some training and practice, you’ll be an expert!
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Do I need to spray my Monstera?
Monstera Deliciosas may tolerate low to high levels of indirect, dappled light. Their leaves may burn and scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Low light conditions will inhibit growth.
Make sure your Variegated Monstera Deliciosa gets enough of bright indirect light if you have one.
Water
You should spritz your Monstera Deliciosa frequently and water it once a week. In the winter, when you may only need to water your plant every two weeks, let the soil dry up in between waterings.
Humidity
Because Monstera Deliciosa prefers a humid atmosphere, we advise often wetting its leaves. To boost the humidity of the air around your plant, you might also place it close to other plants.
Additional care information
From a stem and leaf cutting, you may quickly reproduce your monstera deliciosa in water. Make sure to make the cut just below a stem node.
The Monstera Deliciosa’s huge leaves are readily covered in dust over time. Use a moist towel to routinely wipe them.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves may indicate that your Monstera Deliciosa has experienced moisture shock or has received too much light.
Browning leaves are a sign that your plant has been receiving insufficient light or has been exposed to low humidity.
How much water should I give my Monstera?
Fill the pot with water abundantly until you see water trickling through into the saucer underneath. The size of the plant and the potting container will determine the exact volume.
Should I mist my Monstera?
A light mist can give some humidity and aid in hydrating the leaves. However, take care not to drown the leaves in water, as this might cause rot and fungus diseases.
Can Yellow Monstera leaves turn green again?
Most Monstera plants will not recover their full vibrant green color after suffering from over- or under-watering problems, depending on the degree of color loss. If the leaf is extremely damaged, try to prune it back as neatly and closely as you can to the stem to make room for new development.
How do I know if my Monstera is healthy?
The secret to growing indoor plants successfully is finding the ideal ratio of light, water, food, and temperature. You’ll need to monitor and make adjustments to guarantee your Monstera plant flourishes because each home or business has its own particular combination of environmental factors. A Monstera that is happy and healthy will have strong, healthy leaves and show constant development.
Can plants recover from overwatering?
If you mitigated early and altered the watering patterns moving forward, plants can recover from overwatering. Over the course of two weeks, keep a watchful eye out for any general indications of plant health improvement.
How frequently should a Monstera be watered?
Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are the two varieties of Monstera that are grown as indoor plants. In addition to having entirely enclosed leaf holes, Monstera adansonii differs from M. deliciosa by having longer, tapering leaves. Leaf holes on Monstera deliciosa eventually mature, move toward the edge, and then open up.
Though they hardly ever flower or produce edible fruit inside, they are one of the few aroids that produce edible fruit, especially Monstera deliciosa, which is a member of the Araceae, the Aroid Family. Although the indigenous peoples of Central America had been familiar with monsteras for a very long time, the botanical community only became publicly aware of them in the early 20th century, like many aroids.
thrives in direct light that is bright to medium. Although it cannot tolerate strong, direct sunlight, it can become accustomed to it.
Water every one to two weeks, letting the soil dry out in between applications. In brighter light, water more frequently, and in less-bright light, less frequently. Pro tip: Water that has been filtered or set out overnight before use is beneficial for monsteras.
Although normal room humidity will do, humid circumstances are preferred. Use a fine-mist mister or humidifier to increase the humidity level in the room.
Most houseplants enjoy temperatures between 65F and 85F. (18C-30C). It’s ideal to keep the temperature above 60F. (15C).
Use a potting mix that drains effectively. As needed, include elements like perlite or lava rocks to improve soil aeration.
The Monstera is a calm and often pest-free plant. Treat pests as soon as they show up by wiping down the plant frequently and weekly applications of a natural insecticide like neem oil.
SYMPTOM: Edges of leaves that are turning brown and crunchy. CAUSE: Overwatered, thirsty, or high salt buildup
Curled leaves do they uncurl?
If your rubber plant is putting on new growth, it could be one reason why its leaves are curling. This is one issue that is completely normal and not a cause for alarm. New, immature leaves on the rubber plant are tightly curled as they grow, but as they mature, they will uncurl.
For how long do leaves take to uncurl?
Your monstera houseplant may take anywhere from 1 to 7 weeks to completely unfold.
Depending on how old the leaf is and what sort of monstera plant it is, it may unfold more quickly under ideal conditions and with correct monstera care, possibly in less than a week. A monstera leaf’s time to unfold depends on a number of variables, including humidity, watering frequency, sunshine exposure, pest activity, age, and nutrient content.
Monstera leaf unfurling time lapse
Watch the monstera leaf unfold in this time-lapse film in less than a week! Don’t be discouraged if yours doesn’t unfold as swiftly as hers, even though it’s feasible. Each monstera plant is unique.
I want them all, whether they are monstera deliciosa, monstera adansonii, or even monstera obliqua!
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Help! How can I tell if my Monstera is over or under watered?
- Most frequently, over or underwatering causes yellowing. It usually results from overwatering if a leaf has both yellow and brown coloring. If there are totally yellow leaves and some brown crispy spots on other leaves, the plant may be drowning. To see if the dirt supports your diagnosis, check it out.
RIGHT: A Monstera plant with drooping foliage and pale-colored leaves as a result of the soil’s lack of moisture. RIGHT: A significant amount of dark brown spotting with yellow edges, together with a loss of leaf structure, show that this Monstera has both been overwatered and is also under-lit.
There are leafless brown growths coming off of my Monstera. Is that normal?
- Yes! These roots are aerial, and they are entirely typical. These aid in supporting the plant in nature and enable it to rise and attain higher levels of light. The roots won’t harm surfaces or walls, and if they start to get out of control, you can always cut them.
My Monstera isn’t forming splits or holes on its leaves. What’s the deal?
- The absence of splits and holes in a Monstera leaf, also known as “fenestrations,” can be brought on by a variety of different things, but typically indicates that the plant is not established in an optimal location. Check on how much water and light it is getting and make any necessary adjustments. The aerial roots of your plant can also be pushed deeper into the ground to allow the plant to collect more nutrients. Remember that your plant won’t get holes until its leaves are more mature, so sometimes you just have to be patient.
My Monstera has gotten way too big. What can I do?
- re-prune it Monsteras are quite resilient and can withstand a decent trim. Stakes and ties can also be used to direct the growth of your Monstera in whatever direction you like.
How often should I fertilize my plant?
- Fertilizing indoor plants from spring through fall generally results in their thriving. Use an organic houseplant fertilizer once a month, dilution and application instructions on the container. In order to ensure that your plant doesn’t require fertilizer within the first six months of receiving it, Greenery Unlimited employs an organic potting mix with a slow release fertilizer in the soil.
How often does my plant need to be repotted?
- We advise repotting bigger floor plants every 18 to 24 months. In order to allow for growth, you need often use a potting vessel with a diameter that is 2- 4 bigger. Selecting a pot that is significantly larger than the previous one could drown the plant’s roots. Repot your plant into the same container, add additional soil, and remove some roots and foliage if you’d like to keep it at its current size. Repotting should be done in the spring or summer when the plant is at its healthiest.
ABOVE: Although the plant in the photo above appears to have aerial roots, this is not always a sign that it needs to be repotted. But now that the soil level has dropped to a few inches below the lip, many of the soil’s aeration-related elements have come to the surface. Both of these facts can suggest that the plant needs fresh soil and a somewhat bigger container.