They like their soil to always be slightly damp. This will lead to severe root damage which prevents nutrients and water from being absorbed. Monstera's split leaves evolved to let the sun through. They can grow significantly tall in the wild and even indoors, monsteras can grow up to 8 feet in sufficiently sized containers. Signs such as drooping, browning, or crisping leaves on your plant are also common indicators of low humidity. In the wild, they can easily reach a height of sixty feet, though fortunately when contained in pots they dont tend to go beyond a more manageable nine feet. You are far better off just pushing your finger into the soil and feeling for dampness. Adding a trellis or mossy climbing stake near the center of your monstera plant will allow it to climb adequately. Monstera Obliqua: Tips for Buying And Caring for This Ultra-Rare Monstera Variety. Monstera deliciosa is a climber in its natural habitat, using its aerial roots to cling to large trees, so you should provide it with moss-covered support sticks or a trellis. Monstera Problems: 15 Frustrating Problems & Solutions If your monstera stem is bending, there are a few things that could be irritating the plant: improper pot size, overwatering, or soil that is so dense it cant drain properly. Therefore, too much direct sunlight on the plant can cause problems, including leaves facing down. You may also need to move it to a brighter spot if its been sitting in low light for awhile. Regularly dust your Monstera with a rag, feather duster, or even makeup brush. You should continue to re-pot your monstera every two years until it reaches a pot of 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter. Should I remove leaves that are turning yellow? Alexander Picot is the principal creator of TheGrowingLeaf.com, a website dedicated to gardening tips. When you move it from a cool air-conditioned room to a warm outdoor environment, Monstera will show signs of heat stress within the first few hours. While most of the time this is due to underwatering the plant, there are other possible reasons, including: Luckily, there are easy ways to fix many of these problems, so you can have your Monstera leaves back up in no time. One of the trendiest houseplants today is the Monstera Deliciosa, commonly referred to as the swiss cheese plant because of its broad, perforated heart-shaped leaves. Although they are hardy plants and can survive in a variety of growing conditions, they prefer moist, humid environments the best because of their origins in the rainforests of South America. If the leaves are drooping and the soil is very dry, start by watering, or even showering your plant. If your Monstera plant is on the larger side, gravity begins to take over and cause it to grow sideways, leaving your plant with leaves downturned, and sometimes, stems trailing on the floor. These components help to move moisture more easily around the soil, keeping plants appropriately hydrated. So, if this is the case for your plant, the best thing to do is choose a support method for the plant, such as a moss pole or trellis. Therefore, the leaves will begin to face down or droop. When they need light, the leaves are nearly horizontal in an effort to catch more of the sun. It's a good idea to use a clear vase or glass so you can easily check on the roots. Put the bottom of the cutting into water. These guys are easy to maintain but they do come with one disadvantage if they feel they are being neglected they tend to sulk and you may find your Monstera leaves drooping. Perform that finger test on the soil again and if it is soggy then you have been overwatering. One of the most common problems that monstera owners face is drooping leaves. How long does it take for a droopy plant to heal? Finally, check for pests such as mealybugs or spider mites. Upside Down Monstera Leaf - What It Means & How To Fix It In addition, extensive use of tap water accumulates the salt build-up which will kill your Monsteras root tips and make them more susceptible to root rot. What instead tends to happen is that the extra soil absorbs more water and the pot then becomes waterlogged. If your plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will start to droop and the stem will become weak. This post may contain affiliate links. Group your plants together to create a humid microclimate due to plant transpiration. In addition to the tropical aesthetics, monstera plants add to a room or home garden; monstera deliciosas are known for their high levels of oxygen production and indoor air circulation. Insect droppings and webbing along the underside of leaves, stems, or both are common signs of insect infestation. Your plant is simply adjusting to its new environment and will likely perk up within a few days. Is Your Monstera Falling Over? 4 Tips to Keep it Upright Monstera plants require a moderate amount of water, indirect sunlight, and well-draining soil in order to thrive indoors. Another reason could be too much water. Monstera leaves drooping is most commonly due to lack of water. Knowing where your plant originates from can tell you a great deal about what conditions it needs and these plants come from the south of Mexico and Central America where they thrive in damp tropical forests. Regularly checking plants for signs of pests is best practice. First, check the roots and see if theyre healthy and growing properly. 1. Monsteras are a type of tropical plant that is known for its large, oval-shaped leaves. If you see the leaves of your Monstera wilting or the whole plant drooping, take some time to examine your plant closely and review the care requirements to help you fix the problem. If its been sitting in the same spot for a while, try moving it to a brighter location. If you think your plant is not getting enough water, try giving it a deep watering. The right amount of water (not too much or too little). How to check if the leaves curling is due to high temperature: How to fix curling Monstera leaves caused by heat stress: Excessively fertilized soil can lead to an accumulation of fertilizer salts, affecting the PH of your soil. Place your Monstera in a bathtub and soak the soil with plenty of water for a few minutes and let it sit a while until the water drain completely. The more humid the growing conditions are, the better your Monstera will do. Both of these areas are ideal sunlight conditions for your plant. What do Overwatered monstera leaves look like? Although monstera deliciosa plants are relatively low maintenance, a sign of distress can be the plant's leaves flipping upside down. This content does not replace consultation with a qualified individual. Despite this, any insect harming the plant will cause it stress, which, as we know, can make the leaves downturned. These chemicals will kill off beneficial microbes living within your soil, preventing them from decomposing organic material and making it available for your roots to absorb. If your room humidity level is below 40%, you should either get a. And, as you know, if your Monstera doesnt get enough water it will curl its leaves in an attempt to lower the transpiration rate. Otherwise, the health of your plant is in jeopardy. Select an appropriate pot for your Monstera by getting the next pot size. Lets look at each possible cause of drooping Monstera leaves in turn. Make sure the pot youve planted your monstera in has drainage holes to allow the water to flow out of the pot to avoid the excess from pooling at the bottom. (7 Simple Solutions). A vining plant that grows well in a hanging container and requires pruning from time to time. A single Monstera deliciosa leaf in a vase makes an elegant centerpiece or decorative accent anywhere in your home. 7: Your Monstera Might Not Have Enough Humidity. Hi, I'm Eric the blogger behind ReadyToDiy.com. Long thin pointed leaves grow up and over its container, mimicking the legs of a spider. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 60 Institute Rd, Burlington, VirginiaPhone: (802) 862-0942Email: info@gethouseplant.com. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth which will be stronger than the old, floppy growth. Use a stake, moss pole, or trellis to get your Monstera leaves to stand up. Doing this will help support the plant and keep it upright. If your plant is leaning towards the light, there is a very simple way to fix the issue. Make sure to be even more attentive than normal to your Monstera for several weeks after repotting to make sure it settles into its new home. The leaves of a monstera can droop for a variety of reasons, including lack of water, too much sun, or even pests. If the potting mix is too dry or too wet, it can cause the leaves to droop. Check the roots for black, rotten ones and trim them off. If your Monstera is not near a window or other source of bright indirect light, move it to a brighter location. This can signify issues with under or overwatering, temperature stressors, too much fertilizer, or pests. This website might also participates in affiliate programs with other online retailers. If your plant is leaning towards the light, there is a very simple way to fix the issue. Then replant it and check the moisture levels after. Despite this neglect, they somehow always seem to cling to life. If the soil is moist but your plant is still droopy, try gently tapping or shaking the pot to loosen the roots and encourage new growth. Allow the soil to continue to drain in the sink for 1-2 hours, then put the plant back into its pot. Make a clean cut close to the main stem. If the plant pot is standing on a saucer make sure that this is not constantly filled with water. If your Monstera is losing leaves, the stress the plant must be under is severe. Bright light or dappled shade are both ideal. Monstera leaves drooping after repotting is more likely if the roots were in bad shape, or if they were damaged during the repotting process. Because there are so many reasons that could cause your Monstera leaves to face down, its essential to go over them and the additional signs or symptoms for each. Frequently spraying plants with diluted neem oil is a nontoxic method to help prevent pest infestations. So, if you notice the leaves drooping, you may wonder if youre doing something wrong. When my Monstera leaves start curling up, I just wait for a few days to let the soil dry up before giving it water again. Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water. If overwatering isnt the problem, your plant may be getting too much sun. Suppose you already love growing monstera deliciosa or consider incorporating it into your plant family. With that said, Happy Gardening! A healthy, happy Monstera has deep green, waxy leaves (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green). How to Prune Your Monstera: The Ultimate Guide - Houseplant Authority 1. Insert it about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down from the surface. Monstera Dubia (Monstera Dubia) The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak This lesser-known variegated monstera species, sometimes called the shingle plant, has small heart-shaped leaves. In its natural environment the plant will climb up trees and so you will need to offer it some sort of support to cling to so that growth remains upwards. These plants can grow quite large if transplanted and thrive in rooms with indirect light and minimal watering. Place the pot in indirect sun and dont water it again until the top 1-2 inches are dry. Monstera plants prefer bright, indirect light, so if it is receiving too much direct sunlight, the leaf may turn upwards in an attempt to reduce its exposure. As soon as they are happy with their growing conditions, your Monstera deliciosa will gain size quite rapidly. This is where the majority of the pests will be hiding. How do you know if Monstera is getting enough light? . The two most common reasons for brown spots on Monstera are: Inconsistent Soil Moisture If the very tips of your leaves are turning brown, it could result from the entire soil drying out too much and/or from inconsistent and improper watering. First, check the soil to see if it is dry. And stressed roots can cause a lot of additional problems for the plant. Soil should be damp by not soggy. Its doing exactly what its support to do, but youll have to take the place of Mother Nature and give it a support! Additionally, the lack of structural support can cause downturned leaves. Your Monstera's Leaves are Brown, Yellow, or Dead - Leaf discoloration on your Monstera can be cause for alarm. Check the tops and undersides of leaves regularly as it is always easier to deal with plant pests if you attack them before they have had a chance to become established. The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. Nutrient Imbalance. Your Monstera prefers soil that is consistently moist. The soil that your Split-Leaf Philodendron ( Monstera deliciosa) is planted in looks extremely dry. This means nutrients cant easily travel, and it messes with the entire makeup of the plant. Decapitated Monstera Deliciosa in the Houseplants forum Without that, the aerial roots have their oxygen supply cut off. You need to kill these insects as soon as possible or your plant will die quickly.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bloomsprouts_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bloomsprouts_com-leader-3-0'); How to check if you have pest infestation on your Monstera: How to quickly exterminate pest infestation: A new Monstera leaf may curl for a short period of time when it first appears but the leaves will eventually unfurl if you left them to rest. If you find your Monstera leaves drooping, the first thing to think about is watering problems. It is possible to purchase meters for testing the moisture level of your soil but they vary in accuracy and arent really necessary. As an affiliate of retailers(like Amazon), we earn from qualifying purchases. If there are pest problems, you must take care of them as soon as possible. Solutions to 6 Common Monstera Houseplant Problems Why is my monstera not standing straight? Roots that are root-bound dont hold onto the soil, which means they cant retain any water for timely absorption.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bloomsprouts_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bloomsprouts_com-leader-2-0'); How to fix leave curls due to root-bound: Along with all of the care we might do wrongly, there is another natural cause why Monstera leaves might curl up. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'gardeningwithallie_com-box-4','ezslot_18',172,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardeningwithallie_com-box-4-0'); Monstera plants thrive best when they are in an environment that has a lot of moisture in the air. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'bloomsprouts_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bloomsprouts_com-medrectangle-3-0');In this post, Ill go over each causes of monstera leaves curling and what you can do to fix them. Monstera leaves curl up to reduce the surface area to avoid releasing too much water moisture into the air by transpiration. If your plant is potbound or sitting in a lower spot, the weight of the leaves can cause them to droop down. Droopy Monstera | How To Fix Monstera plants curl when under-watered or when their leaves cannot obtain enough moisture from the air in their environment. If the plants leaves do not appear stressed in the morning, they can probably go another day or two before needing water. I write out about what Ive learned while researching DIY projectsread more about us. If the roots are weak or damaged, they wont be able to support the plant properly and it will continue to sag. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. You can just put your Monstera into a lukewarm shower for several minutes to wash the leaves. Fixing a leaning or lopsided plant is surprisingly simple. Stress-inducing problems for plants can be from the temperature, or the roots can be damaged (commonly because of repotting the plant). If you accidentally let your Monstera's soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to brown. If your plant lacks potassium, the leaves will begin to discolor and curl at the tips. Much of what you see written here is just our personal experiences with gardening. Remember that while ripened monstera fruit is edible and delicious, the plant itself and its unripened fruit can be toxic to humans and animals. If the leaves are still drooping after youve adjusted your watering schedule, it may be that the plant is getting too much sun. If too much water is the issue, allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and make sure there is good drainage in the pot. Because a monstera can grow quite abundantly, propagating it can be a great way to share the love of this houseplant. Plants that lack light fail to produce those slits in the leaves that is so much a characteristic of the delicious monster. Slightly damp soil with adequate draining (and a pot with drainage holes). Related Questions. Spider mites and mealybugs are among the most common indoor pests affecting monsteras. Make sure you use a well-draining mix and water regularly to prevent the roots from sitting in wet soil, which can lead to root rot. When the humidity in a room is low, leaves on monstera plants will lose more water than normal and start to curl up. Overwatering can drown the roots, especially if proper draining protocols arent put in place. Im Mark Felder, and Im one of the main authors of gethouseplant.com. Along with the content I write here, there is also a unique collection of gardening topics covered by some of our close friends. The three main reasons your monstera may be bending, drooping, or curling are inadequate water supply, incorrect amounts of sunlight, and improper soil drainage. Let your plant reabsorb the nutrients from these leaves and then remove them when they're crispy. Garden centers sell wooden stakes, bamboo stakes, plastic stakes, and metal stakes to which you can attach plants with a plastic plant tie. Monstera leaves usually don't split until a plantis mature - which sometimes could take two years. 10 Causes of Monstera Leaves Curling (and How to Fix It) As Ive already mentioned, Monstera plants crave bright, indirect sunlight. r/Monstera I thought you all might appreciate my $25 Lowe's sport find.. It is also not always Hey! Identifying the problem is the most important step to nursing your plant back to health. I assume that is what's going on here. Monstera Water Requirements: How often should you water a Monstera? With a little TLC, your Monstera will be back to its perky self in no time! Treat diseases 6. 7 Causes of Monstera Leaves Curling (And How to Fix Them) Dry soil is certainly not a suitable environment for them. Identifying the problem is the most important step to nursing your plant back to health. Your Monstera leaves are facing down due to underwatering. It doesn't appear like that pot has drainage holes in the bottom which can cause major issues due to lack of proper aeration at root level. The moss or coco coir also supports your Monstera's health because it contains micronutrients and moisture, which can be conveyed to the plant through its anchor roots. Upon bringing your monstera plant home, you should immediately re-pot into a larger vessel to stimulate growth. You have watered your Monstera every day, but the leaves still curl up. If youve ever noticed your Monstera leaves drooping after watering, youre not alone. Your Monstera prefers soil that is consistently moist. Your Monstera is a tropical plant, so it will thrive in more humid environments. Direct sunlight can lead to sunburn to your Monstera leaves and cause the leaves tips to turn brown and curl inward. Move your plant to a brighter spot out of direct sunlight and see if the leaves perk up within a few days. Some other common signs of too much sunlight on your Monstera plant include: If this is the case for your plant, you must move it away from the direct sunlight. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 3. Let me know if you need anything else. Monsteras like bright indirect light, so if its been sitting in direct sunlight for too long, the leaves will begin to droop. Deprived of light, the leaves do not develop the slits and remain small and feeble looking. Underwatered: If your monstera is too dry, leaves all over the plant will start to turn yellow, possibly starting with the newer, more vulnerable leaves. How do you stop Monstera leaves from curling? Tap water comes with chlorine and fluoride, which are added to help stop the spread of germs. Why are monstera leaves pointing down? A high oxygen producing plant that requires minimal watering and indirect light. The big leaves are pointing down and away from the light, and the newest leaf is still quite light green even and feels kinda floppy when it should have hardend off by now. They have large, holey leaves, which has led to them being nicknamedswiss cheese plants. If you notice your monsteras leaves beginning to droop, there are a few things you can do to try and revive it.