Yellow leaves can also signify a variety of things. You’re probably overwatering your monstera if the leaves are turning yellow. Make sure your plant receives lots of indirect sunshine so the top few inches of soil may dry out quickly before watering.
Considering that your monstera may also be lacking in nutrients, this is an excellent moment to start using a liquid fertilizer in your usual care. Because Monstera Plant Food is made to be used with every watering, you won’t need to keep track of a fertilization schedule, which is why we adore it!
Dark brown spots on monstera leaves is a good indication of the plant getting too much water.
If your monstera plant has dark brown stains on its leaves, it may be because of overwatering, which is rotting the roots. (Read 4 Signs Your Monstera Is Over-Watered for additional information.)
Trim off any roots that appear mushy or brown with clean, sharp pruning scissors after carefully removing the plant from the pot. Repot the plant into a clean container (either a new one or the old one that you’ve cleaned out) with fresh, dry soil after removing as much of the old, damp dirt from the root ball as you can.
Make sure your monstera receives enough of light, and reduce watering while the plant is healing. You can also remove the damaged leaves with pruning.
Make sure the soil feels dry before watering to prevent root rot, and think about obtaining a moisture meter like this one to check the moisture content of the root ball before watering.
Light brown spots and crispy edges on monstera leaves means the monstera needs more water.
Your monstera plant may be thirsty if the edges become a light brown color and become “crispy.” Give the earth a drink and think about watering a little more frequently if it feels dry. The dead edges can be removed because they won’t recover.
Additionally, avoid placing your monstera in direct sunlight as this might burn the leaves! Move your monstera a little further into the space or to a better location altogether if you observe the sunshine directly striking your leaves.
A drooping monstera can mean it needs more water or more light.
Another symptom that could imply a variety of things is drooping monstera leaves. Your monstera may be overwatered or underwatered in this situation.
Look at the earth to determine which it is! It’s likely that your plant needs water if the soil seems dry. Give your plant a chance to dry out if it feels moist before watering it once more. Make sure it receives plenty of indirect sunshine so it can successfully do this. Consider repotting into a pot with greater drainage and a faster-draining soil if you notice your soil remains wet for an extended period of time.
Your monstera might need additional light if the soil looks to be healthy and watering doesn’t seem to be the problem. (Read 4 Signs Your Monstera Needs More Light for more information.)
Read our instructions on watering your monstera here. Watering is typically the most challenging aspect of taking care of any plant.
Should you trim the Monstera’s brown leaves?
Your Monstera should have any damaged leaves removed. Trimming dead leaves helps your plant’s health in addition to improving its appearance.
- Unable to photosynthesize are dead leaves. Any brown or black areas on your Monstera’s leaves are no longer able to supply the plant with energy.
- Dead leaf sections have no protection against rot and infection in comparison to healthy leaves. Dead plant cells provide nutrients that are consumed by bacteria and fungi. For instance, you can notice mold growing on dead leaves that have been left on the plant or in the soil. To help defend the remainder of the plant against these diseases, remove any dark or damaged tissue.
It is possible that only the ripped edge of a leaf will become brown to seal a cut if there is only very minimal damage, such as accidently ripping or torn a portion of the leaf. Leave minor imperfections alone if they don’t affect other parts of the plant or interfere with your pleasure of the plant’s aesthetics.
Monstera damage to the roots and stems can be more serious than damage to the leaves because it prevents the plant from transporting water and nutrients. Visit our soon-to-be-available guides on stem damage and root rot.
How frequently should 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
Why does the leaf on my Monstera seem burned?
If Monstera Deliciosa is not cultivated under ideal circumstances, its leaves will become brown. On a Monstera Deliciosa, brown leaves may indicate overwatering or inadequate light. Overwatering can be fatal to your Monstera because it might result in other problems like root rot. Low humidity, underwatering, or illnesses are additional causes of brown leaves.
How can overwatered monstera be fixed?
If the monstera delicosa or adansonii has not experienced serious root rot, it may be feasible to revive it. The most crucial step is to remove excess water from the soil and allow plenty of time for your pots to dry.
If you want to restore our plant to optimal health, you may need to take into account the potential consequences of overwatering a monstera.
Here’s how to save a monstera that’s been overwatered:
Withhold watering and drain the potting soil
It’s important to wait to water your plant until you’re certain that the extra water has been drained.
At least twice a week, give your Monstera adansonii some water (depending on the climate in your area). Make sure the top layer of the potting has dried out completely before providing water to your plant (about 1-2 inches).
Check for root rot indicators
A negative effect of overwatering is root rot. Drooping leaves, a bad smell, and the sight of dark brown spots inside your plant’s roots are a few of the typical signs of root rot.
In order to stop the infection from spreading to other sections of the plant, it is essential to replace the potting soil and remove any rotting roots. To help inhibit the spread of disease, use a fungicide (and eradicate the fungi from your soil).
Make sure you stick to your watering schedule, and check on the health of your plant frequently.
Change potting medium
By altering the potting medium, you can prevent waterlogging, root rot, and other consequences of over watering. In addition, monstera are often enormous plants that may occasionally need to have their growing containers changed to allow a growth in size.
A potting mix of well-moisturized, well-drained soils with a relative pH range of 5.5-6.5 is ideal for growing monstera. Additionally, you can choose to mix pine bark fines with peat moss in a 1:4 ratio.
Selecting the best potting medium enables you to regulate temperature and water retention while also giving your plant a secure foundation.
Change the growing container
Selecting the right growth container for your monstera adansonii or delicosa is essential. When choosing a high-quality pot, you may need to take the plant’s size into account as well as drainage options and the pot’s material. The spacing on either side of a healthy growing pot should be about one and a half inches.
Before adding any potting material, always make sure your roots fit within the pot securely. While some monstera plants have aerial roots that may cling to the surface, the majority of them will fit inside the container.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to pick a pot with drainage holes so that excess water can run off. Another choice is double potting, which might be advantageous if you have growing containers that don’t fit inside your home.
How can burned Monstera leaves be repaired?
The Monstera plant’s best quality is how quickly it responds to resurrection and how effectively it heals.
However, pay close attention to seriously damaged components, which are typically irreparable. Before moving toward revival, start by removing the damaged portions.
Relocate the Plant
For instance, if your plant is close to a window with a west or south orientation, move it at least three to four feet away.
The east-facing window, which receives plenty of morning sunlight but less during the day, is another option.
In the tropics, monstera, a shade plant, flourishes in the shade of big trees. For them to stay safe, identical circumstances must exist at home.
The optimal light temperature for plant growth is between 2,700 and 7,000 Kelvin.
Placing the plant near areas that receive a lot of bright, diffused sunlight, such as adjacent to a curtained window, patio, or door, is one approach to accomplish that.
However, avoid putting them in dimly lit, moist locations that get little to no sunshine.
Remove the Burnt Leaves
The following and most crucial step is to recover the plant by chopping off damaged areas.
The harmed leaves won’t recover anyhow, but they will deprive the plant of its vital nutrients.
Get rid of any damaged leaves to help the plant regenerate by directing nutrients to strong stems and new leaves.
Trim any burned patches, browned or faded leaves, or spent or bleached leaves using a pair of disinfected pruning shears or scissors.
Not to fear, the areas that were cut will sprout new foliage this coming growing season.
How can I tell whether my Monstera is content?
How can you prevent your Monstera from drowning? We’ve discussed a little bit about how to avoid overwatering it. Once you get to know your Monstera and understand all of its behaviors, you’ll notice lots of indicators that it needs water. Some of them may not come as a surprise because the indications that a Monstera needs watering are also quite similar to those that other plants exhibit.
Your Monstera’s Soil Is Dry
The primary indication that a Monstera needs watering is dry soil. A Monstera deliciosa shouldn’t thrive in arid conditions, despite the fact that it’s vital to allow the soil dry up a little bit between waterings. Although too-dry soil won’t immediately kill a plant, it will hinder its capacity to grow effectively.
Since every plant and indoor environment is unique and can necessitate a different amount of time between waterings, routinely testing the soil will enable you to determine when your Monstera needs to be watered. Using your finger is the simplest method for doing this!
If the soil is dry after sticking your finger in it for about an inch, water the plant. Don’t water your Monstera just yet if it’s moist or still wet.
Your Monstera is Leaning Over
Although it is an unusual indicator, I have observed a leaning Monstera in my collection. An underwatered Monstera will begin to sag in a manner that causes the leaves to droop, which is similar to wilting. On a little Monstera, this is much simpler to see, although it can be seen on bigger plants as well.
Always examine the soil before watering because leaning plants might occasionally be an indication of a different problem, such as overwatering. Never add more water when the earth is damp; dry soil indicates that it is time to water.
Your Monstera should bounce back within a few days after receiving a thorough watering if the cause of drooping is too little water. As much stress as possible should be avoided allowing the Monstera to become this dry as it will stunt the plant’s growth.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Curling
Leaf curling is just another sign that a Monstera needs watering. The leaves of a Monstera that needs water will start to curl inward, making them appear smaller and less wide.
This is a temporary problem that almost always goes away with some time and some good watering! If the soil is dry, check it and give it a nice, thorough watering. Within a few days, the leaves ought to resume their regular state.
If they don’t, there might be another problem going on. Before watering once more, take some time to run a diagnostic.
Your Monstera’s Leaves are Brown, Yellow, or Dead
An alarming sign may be the yellowing of your Monstera’s leaves. Dark green, waxy leaves are present on a healthy, happy Monstera (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green).
Some discoloration is expected because older Monstera leaves gradually turn yellow and drop off as they become older. However, you have an issue if you notice many sections of the plant with yellow, brown, or dead leaves or new leaves.
In addition to underwatering, additional issues that might cause leaf discoloration include overwatering, excessive or insufficient sunshine, or parasites. Don’t water the plant right away; instead, take the time to inspect it for any signs of these issues.
Although older growth will occasionally die off, you should take immediate action if any leaf loss is accompanied by other symptoms like drooping or discolouration. The soil’s moisture content should always be checked as the initial step. Water the soil deeply if it is dry. Look for indications that your plant may have been overwatered if the soil is wet.
Your Monstera Isn’t Putting Out Fenestrated Leaves
With adult Monsteras that haven’t started fenestrating or that produce leaves with holes in them, a lack of fenestration can become a problem. Fenestrations are nearly always a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.
This can occasionally be brought on by inadequate sunlight. Examine the surroundings of the plant to rule that out. Monsteras require six to twelve hours a day of bright indirect sunlight. Try transplanting the plant to a brighter location if it isn’t receiving this much light.
Set a smart alarm to remind you to inspect the soil if lighting isn’t the issue and you think your Monstera needs extra water. This will assist you in forming the practice of routine plant maintenance. You can establish the ideal watering balance by making sure the soil is moist enough many times per week. Be careful not to overwater, though!