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.
Why are the leaves on my plant folding?
Plant genetics mostly determines growth patterns. Others are tall and have few branches, while some are naturally short and bushy.
The main causes of variations in plants, outside genetics, are:
- inadequate lighting
- Overly bright
- extremes of heat
Keep an eye out for indicators like upward leaf curl, which shows the leaf is attempting to hold onto moisture. The light will likely be too close in this situation.
Surprisingly, in a hydro system with plenty of water and oxygen available, plants can handle bright light better.
Everything is fine as long as your plant is largely healthy and developing daily! The ability of a plant to adapt to its surroundings increases with size.
How is a bent monstera leaf fixed?
The leaves and stems of a thirsty Monstera should droop or bend downward as a warning sign. It could also appear wilted.
But this is a simple problem to solve because after a decent watering, the plant should seem more vibrant again.
Every 7-8 days, I notice that my Monstera enjoys water. It’s time to water if the soil feels dry on your finger or 1-2 inches down.
Bending stems could also be an indication that your plant needs more support if it is still producing new stems, you can see a lot of new growth, and you know it is receiving enough water.
A simple solution is to bury a moss pole in the ground and direct the stems to begin growing upwards rather than outwards.
Check your pot’s size as well. Make sure the pot isn’t too huge if the plant is young. These plants may endure cramped conditions for a while before requiring repotting.
Additionally, a pot that is too large frequently necessitates overwatering because to the soil’s tendency to retain extra moisture. A young plant won’t enjoy these circumstances, too.
Additionally, excessive watering nearly invariably results in root rot, which serves as a haven for fungus gnats (learn how to get rid of them).
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.
Why are my cheese plant’s leaves curling?
Usually, irrigation problems like under or overwatering cause Monstera Deliciosa leaves to begin curling. Once you continue your regular watering schedule, the leaves will unfold. Other causes, such as heat stress, pests, poor humidity, and pot confinement, might cause the enormous leaves to curl inward. However, because these leaves will unfold as the plant ages, the coiled appearance of new growth is entirely typical.
Can a leaf curl be reversed?
A plant’s response to not having its requirements satisfied is frequently curled, decaying leaves. Insufficient moisture usually causes leaves to wilt or curl, but too much watering can also make leaves curl. Maintain soil that is moist but not soggy. Leaf rolling may also be caused by extreme heat and dryness. During the hottest portion of the day, covering plants with a shade cloth is beneficial. Other reasons for leaf curl include trimming, transplant shock, and root injury. The still-green leaves will thicken and curl. With the right care, the plant typically bounces back and the leaves return to normal.
How is a straight Monstera plant grown?
Monsteras are climbing plants, therefore unlike most plants, they have not developed to support their own weight with their stems. They develop massive, enormous leaves to absorb as much sunlight as they can in the dense rainforest.
The Monstera needs longer, stronger stems to maintain itself, but this requires energy. As a result, it leverages the strength of other plants to lift itself up by grabbing onto neighboring surfaces with its aerial roots.
These wiggling protrusions from the plant’s stems, which can reach lengths of three feet, are called roots. They will cling themselves to any adjacent surface that is sturdy enough to hold the plant and latch onto it to keep it standing.
Because of its growth strategy, your Monstera requires support. There won’t be any trees nearby to climb, but it needs something to support itself, so consider what kind of support you can offer. Typically, folks will use a moss stick or a stake.
However, there are a variety of support systems you can provide, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s examine a few possibilities.
Option One) A Garden Stake
The easiest and most affordable solution is frequently a plain garden stake. Simply insert a sturdy stake into the ground, then allow your Monstera to use it to climb.
To help the plant to grow straight, place it close to the center of the pot. The plant will begin to grow in that direction if a stake is only placed at one edge because that is where it is getting support. It becomes out of equilibrium as a result, which causes the issues mentioned above.
If your Monstera is already overgrown, adding stakes is a smart option because it makes it simple to gently nudge the stems back toward the middle of the pot, and you can add more than one stake if necessary. They are also portable, so you can move them about to support the plant wherever it needs it and add or remove stakes as necessary.
Stakes are more more versatile than the more intricate support systems, but they aren’t the most attractive choice. You might want to think about other options if they are ruining your Monstera’s appearance.
Option Two) A Trellis
A trellis might be a nice alternative for people who have small plants that are just starting to need support. These are quite secure and will guarantee that your plant maintains its training in one place.
Pick a trellis that can support your Monstera. Keep in mind that these plants can reach heights of up to 10 feet indoors (or even higher), which is a tremendous amount of weight for one trellis to hold.
The plant will be supported by a trellis that has numerous poles because these are typically more stronger. Additionally, they provide the plant with multiple locations to adhere to rather than just one or two, allowing it to spread out and develop thickly.
However, due to the inflexible shape, training your Monstera onto a trellis would be quite challenging if it is already half-grown or fully-grown. A trellis is rigid and cannot be rearranged to accommodate the contour of your plant. Only young Monstera plants can benefit from these.
Option Three) A Moss Stick
Moss sticks may be slightly more expensive than other options because they have been specifically created to support Monstera plants and other climbing plants. They do, however, have a number of important advantages.
Although the material of the poles varies, they are all covered in sphagnum moss to give the Monstera a surface that is comparable to one it would find in the wild.
The Monstera can root in the damp, organic material because most trees have moss and lichen growing on their bark, which may help to keep your plant happy. The moss has a lot of texture, which makes it easier for your plant to grasp and keeps it from falling.
The plant will also receive water and micronutrients from the moss, which it will take through its aerial roots. Your plant’s health is improved as a result.
The aesthetic is the next significant benefit. The sticks seem very much in keeping with the natural sense of the plant because they are covered in moss, and they will fit in well. The moss pole extends the natural beauty, whereas a trellis or pegs can ruin it.
Any moss stick you purchase must be sturdy enough to hold up your Monstera as it grows. For your plant to have several support points, think about adding more than one.
Some claim that utilizing moss sticks encourages better leaf growth and keeps Monstera healthy.
Option Four) A Coco Coir Pole
This is made to assist climbing plants, much like the moss stick. It has pretty much the same advantages, trapping moisture and nutrients for the plant to feed on, and providing support to keep your Monstera upright.
Try a coco coir pole if you don’t like the way a moss stick looks; they both have the same function and will keep your plant happy and healthy. You are free to combine the two if you’d like!
How is a bent plant straightened?
When repairing plant stems, tape is your first line of defense. Use Scotch tape, electrician’s tape, florist tape, or even just regular Scotch tape. Applying tape to the bent flower stem is similar to putting on a cast for a broken leg. It aligns the harmed parts and straightens the stem, allowing the stem to heal.
A splint may also be necessary to repair bent plant stems that are heavy or large, like tomato plants. You’ll require splints of various sizes, depending on the location. You can make use of drinking straws, pencils, skewers, toothpicks, and more.
To reinforce the bent area, tape one or more splints to the plant. If you can’t find the tape, use plastic ties to fasten the splints.
My Monstera is floppy; why?
The most frequent cause of Monstera leaves drooping is underwatering. However, it can also be caused by dry air, chilly winds, overwatering, excessive light, or heat. Other potential causes include pests, illness, overfeeding, being rootbound, or dusty leaves.
How does each of these causes cause the leaves of Monstera plants to droop or wilt? How can you prevent it from occurring? We have solutions, additional symptoms for each cause, and explanations.
How are Monstera leaves made to unfold?
You might also try boosting the light, BUT proceed with extreme caution. Moving the plant outside would be something I would do, but I would make sure it was shaded. Although it appears gloomy to us, it is the epitome of bright or indirect light.
Since the sun is quite bright in addition to being very hot, doing this frequently entails boosting the light. (I know, I know.
However, if your Monstera is in a cool, low-light area inside, moving it to a warmer, sunny window may encourage the leaves to unfold more quickly. Don’t try to place your Monstera close to a radiator or anything like that.
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.