Why your Monstera Deliciosa is dying and how to help.

Are your Monstera’s leaves turning brown or yellow? This could be a sign of distress in your beloved Swiss Cheese Plant. Thriving in a tropical climate, the Monstera Deliciosa requires careful attention to moisture, light, and temperature conditions.

Whether it is low temperatures, improper watering, or nutrient deficiencies affecting your plant, understanding the root causes is key to restoring its health. In this guide, we will explore effective solutions the most common problems, from adjusting your watering habits to optimizing the environmental conditions.

Leaves turning yellow

• Moisture Issues: Overwatering is a big no-no. Wait until the top 3-4 cm (1-2 inches) of soil are dry before watering again. Soil should be damp, not soggy. Remember to empty the saucer under the pot to prevent root rot. Alternating between very dry and very wet soil can also stress the plant and cause yellow leaves.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Your Monstera needs regular feeding, especially during its growing season. Failing to fertilize can lead to nutrient deficiencies, resulting in yellow leaves. Use liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks or slow-release pellets as needed.
• Pests: Bugs like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can attack your Monstera, sucking moisture and causing the leaves to yellow. Check regularly for pests and treat them promptly to prevent damage.

Keep in mind that it is normal for your older leaves, especially those at the bottom to turn yellow and drop as the plant focuses energy on new growth.

Leaves turning brown

• Low Humidity: Being tropical plants, Monsteras thrive in high humidity. If your home’s air is too dry, it can cause the leaves to develop brown edges. Increasing humidity with misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier can help.
• Overwatering: Dark brown spots often indicate overwatering. Monsteras prefer their soil to be moist but not soggy. Ensure good drainage and check the soil’s moisture level before watering again to prevent root rot and brown leaves.
• Underwatering: On the flip side, underwatering can lead to light brown, crispy edges. Monsteras need their soil to dry out slightly between waterings but should not be left dry for extended periods. Adjust your watering schedule based on the soil’s dryness and the season.
• Excessive Sunlight: Direct sunlight can scorch Monstera leaves, causing them to turn brown and crispy. They prefer bright, indirect light. Consider moving your plant away from direct sun or using window blinds to diffuse the light.
• Fungal Diseases: Brown spots with yellow halos may indicate a fungal infection. Improving air circulation and avoiding wet leaves can help prevent such issues. Remove infected leaves and consider fungicide treatments if necessary.
• Water Quality: Tap water containing fluoride or being too hard can cause brown leaf tips. Using rainwater, distilled water, or filtering your tap water can mitigate this problem.

Leaf curl or drooping leaves

When the leaves curl, it is often a sign the plant is too dry because of underwatering or fast-drying soil. Check the moisture level and consider watering more if needed. Drooping leaves can be caused by similar issues as leaf curl. The solution might be aerating the soil to improve water absorption by the roots.

Pests infestation

The Monstera Deliciosa is known for its robustness. It is generally not prone to diseases and pests.However, like any houseplant, it can occasionally be troubled by pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips. When watering your Monstera, take the opportunity to inspect its leaves closely. Early detection is key, and you can spot these critters by the presence of orange dots, sticky spots, or white webbing on the leaves.

Here’s how you can get rid of pests on your plants

Start by wiping off, scraping, or rinsing any affected leaves. Regularly misting the leaves with water can also help prevent pests. After cleaning the leaves, keep an eye on them every day. If pests reappear, use a houseplant-safe spray on both the top and underside of all the leaves involved. Check the leaves again in 3-5 days. If the pests persist, repeat the treatment to ensure your plant stays healthy and vibrant.

Important: Always isolate infested plants immediately. Otherwise, the parasites might spread to your other green friends.

Ready to transform your Monstera Deliciosa care routine? This comprehensive guide is packed with all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your Swiss Cheese Plant not only survives but thrives.

Also check out all the other blog post about the Monstera Deliciosa

Why the Monstera Deliciosa is the Perfect Plant for Every Home.

How to keep your Monstera Deliciosa alive – basic care for your Monstera

Image: Generated with AI (Midjourney)