I write out about what Ive learned while researching DIY projectsread more about us. 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. Monstera Leaves Curling Due to Overwatering If the soil still seems damp a week after watering, you're probably overwatering. Suppose you already love growing monstera deliciosa or consider incorporating it into your plant family. Straight up and down usually means that they've had sufficient light. This also occurs when plants have too much water. Monstera's split leaves evolved to let the sun through. But what does this have to do with Monstera leaves? New plant owners may be surprised to find their once-vertical house plant starts to take up more and more horizontal space as it expands outward. Although underwatering is the most common reason for Monstera leaves facing down, overwatering, insufficient sunlight, stress, and pests are also possible reasons. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If you think your plant is not getting enough water, try giving it a deep watering. Monstera is a naturally vining plant that was not designed by nature to stand upright. And, as you know, if your Monstera doesnt get enough water it will curl its leaves in an attempt to lower the transpiration rate. Monsteras should only be watered when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. If your Monstera stems are drooping, it is probably because they are not 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. So, if youre growing this plant indoors and its falling over or leaning, Fixing a leaning or lopsided plant is surprisingly simple. 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. Monstera plants curl when under-watered or when their leaves cannot obtain enough moisture from the air in their environment. Much of what you see written here is just our personal experiences with gardening. Because a monstera can grow quite abundantly, propagating it can be a great way to share the love of this houseplant. If the roots are weak or damaged, they wont be able to support the plant properly and it will continue to sag. Fortunately, theres a simple fix for this: just rotate it. If the plant goes too long without adequate water, even the roots will begin to suffer, and the leaves will begin to curl and die. Most of the time, monstera deliciosa will thrive without regular fertilizing. It can be tempting to assume that if you place your plant in a large pot with more potting soil, then it will have more space to expand into. 7 Causes of Monstera Leaves Curling (And How to Fix Them) If your Monstera leaves are drooping after repotting, dont worry this is normal! Provide support: One way to prevent your monstera from flopping over is to provide it with some sort of support. Additionally, the lack of structural support can cause downturned leaves. So, Overwatered: If your monstera is getting too much water, youll notice the, Monstera deliciosa is a climber in its natural habitat, using its aerial roots to cling to large trees, so. If your plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will start to droop and the stem will become weak. Fixing a leaning or lopsided plant is surprisingly simple. A successful option used by many plant parents is, A monstera plant grows towards the sunlight. Look for signs a build-up of fertilizer salts on the surface of the soil and think about what fertilizing schedule you have been doing. Keep in mind that curling leaves could be a sign of improper care on your part or an insect infestation. Furled monstera leaves are very delicate and should never be unfurled by hand. Both of these areas are ideal sunlight conditions for your plant. Counter this by adding a little water at a time, giving the soil plenty of time to absorb the water. When plants have too little water, leaves turn brown and wilt. 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. One or more of these issues can cause major damage to your plant over time but can be resolved quite easily if you know what to look for. The drawback is that distilled water is costly, especially if you have many plants. How long does it take for a droopy plant to heal? Close observation is always the first and most important means of defense. Hi, Im Andrew, and Smart Garden Guide is my website all about indoor gardening and houseplants. A bad pest infestation will cause the plant to lose considerable water and nutrients through the injuries on its leaves, resulting in your Monstera leaves drooping, and the whol eplant languishing. This is when the leaves of the plant droop down as if theyre tired or thirsty. When they need light, the leaves are nearly horizontal in an effort to catch more of the sun. Use a stake, moss pole, or trellis to get your Monstera leaves to stand up. What do Overwatered monstera leaves look like? Well, there may be a number of reasons why monstera leaves are curling up. This will prevent your Monstera drooping and slithering across the room searching for something the climb. Use a pot with at least one drainage hole. The biggest difference between the two is that too little water will result in your plants leaves feeling dry and crispy to the touch while too much water results in soft and limp leaves. First, check the soil moisture level and water if needed.Monsteras like to have evenly moist soil, but not soggy. Whilst Monstera plants are fairly forgiving in this regard, remember that these plants are tropical so they dont like to get too cold. How do you make a leaning plant stand up straight? As an affiliate of retailers(like Amazon), we earn from qualifying purchases. Monstera Leaning To One Side? (Here's How To Keep It Upright) Re-pot the Monstera Final thoughts on Monstera leaves curling down Why are my Monstera leaves curling? Over-fertilizing will cause crusty build-up on the edges of your pot or even on the surface of the soil. My name is Alexander Picot. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Monsteras can curling up for a number of reasons, including: Do you remember when was the last time you watered your Monstera? The truth is, Monstera leaves start to split because of evolution. Use a humidity tray under your Monstera. 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. Monsteras are a type of tropical plant that is known for its large, oval-shaped leaves. Although not as common as under-watering, it is possible to overwater your Monstera plant. This method works great for a medium-sized Monstera deliciosa that can be moved easily. . If you live in a climate that accommodates you growing your monstera outdoors, upside-down leaves may also signify an incoming cold front. This is a common problem that can be caused by several different things. Long thin pointed leaves grow up and over its container, mimicking the legs of a spider. Insects! The vining habit results in the foliage lying close to whatever its stems are trailing up against. Monsteras need bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Otherwise, the roots will sit in soggy soil and could rot, causing the leaves to droop. In effect, the soil surrounding the roots acts like a wet sponge. Your Monstera prefers soil that is consistently moist. Monstera adjust their leaves according to their light needs. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Immediately check your room temperature. Let your plant reabsorb the nutrients from these leaves and then remove them when they're crispy. The grandiose Monstera deliciosa, commonly referred to as the Swiss cheese plant, is beloved for its large and attractive perforated leaves. Improving the soil by repotting it into a 1 to 2 inches larger container will give its roots more space to grow, allowing for better absorption of moisture and nutrients. To prevent curling leaves, Monstera should ideally be placed in a room with humidity levels between 40% 60%. Move your plant to a shadier spot and see if the leaves improve. If the soil is deficient in any of these nutrients, or has too much of any of the nutrients, your monstera is going to struggle. Overwatering will drown the roots of your monstera, which can lead to fungal diseases, such as root rot. Changes in leaf color and leaf loss could be the result of overwatering or being overly exposed to direct sunlight. The majority of the bugs will be washed off this way. The best location for an indoor Monstera plant is at an east-facing or near a south-facing window. If the leaves are not hydrated, they can dry up and begin to curl at the tip of the leave. Be sure youre not over or underwatering your plant. However, to get your plant looking happy and lively again, its vital! In addition, apart from its sad-looking leaves, the drooping plant otherwise looks quite healthy. This will lead to severe root damage which prevents nutrients and water from being absorbed. Allow the soil to continue to drain in the sink for 1-2 hours, then put the plant back into its pot. Succulents (or plants in containers of any kind) need plenty of room to grow. smartgardenguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores worldwide. (7 Simple Solutions). Otherwise, the health of your plant is in jeopardy. Gradually, the soil will absorb water through the process of capillary action. Plants that are wilted in the afternoon will often perk back up at night and look perfectly happy by morning. The frequency at which your monstera plant prefers to be watered will vary depending on light and humidity, but the best rule of thumb is to water the plant when the soil is close to dry but not fully dried out. 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. Just like when wiping them down, make sure to support each leaf as you clean it and work from stem to tip. It is best to only fertilize monsteras monthly during their growing season, that is, from spring to summer and alternating months in fall and winter. Lets look at each possible cause of drooping Monstera leaves in turn. However, unlike bending in a monstera plant, drooping can result from too much or too little water. 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. An infestation of these pests can cause flipping or curling of the monsteras leaves because they will absorb the water and nutrients from the plant and its soil, causing dehydration and malnutrition. Avoid cutting or damaging the stem. You can fix an over-fertilized Monstera plant that started to curl up by. When potting your monstera, add a layer of gravel or sand at the bottom of the pot before adding your potting mix. If your monstera plant is bending, drooping, or curling, you likely have an issue with watering, the type of sunlight the plant is getting, or an issue with the soil. Although monstera deliciosa plants are relatively low maintenance, a sign of distress can be the plant's leaves flipping upside down. Hi, I'm Eric the blogger behind ReadyToDiy.com. Remember that while ripened monstera fruit is edible and delicious, the plant itself and its unripened fruit can be toxic to humans and animals. With a little TLC, your droopy Monstera should be back to its perky self in no time! You have watered your Monstera every day, but the leaves still curl up. If there are pest problems, you must take care of them as soon as possible. Yellowing of lower leaves, browning and crispy leaf tips and even defoliation is common signs of over-fertilizing. These plants are fairly tolerant but remember they are forest plants so ideally, they should get plenty of light but very little direct sunlight. You are far better off just pushing your finger into the soil and feeling for dampness. 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. They can grow to be pretty tall, sometimes in that 8-foot range. Soil should be damp by not soggy. Most likely, your plant is not getting enough water or light. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and let the plant soak for 30 minutes. What instead tends to happen is that the extra soil absorbs more water and the pot then becomes waterlogged. However, its important to note that Monstera can survive in low light conditions but wont do as well as in bright, indirect sunlight. Another easy way to check for underwatered Monstera is checking the weight of the pot, keeping in mind that dry soil pots will feel much lighter than wet. 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. Overwatering can drown the roots, especially if proper draining protocols arent put in place. Monstera deliciosa and other indoor plants discussed in this article are all hardy plant varieties that require minimal care. Nutrient Imbalance. Monstera plants need room to spread their roots, and they prefer growing up rather than out. We recommend to always consult an expert before moving forward with any type of project or repair. However, if an environment, indoors or outdoors, is too cold or too dry, this could lead to monstera leaves curling or flipping. The three main reasons your monstera may be bending, drooping, or curling are inadequate water supply, incorrect amounts of sunlight, and improper soil drainage. The moss provides an organic form of support, and the monsteras aerial roots will attach to the pole and help guide it upward. Indirect, bright sunlight or a grow lightshould help. Along with the content I write here, there is also a unique collection of gardening topics covered by some of our close friends. Avoid severing any plant roots if possible. If your plant is potbound or sitting in a lower spot, the weight of the leaves can cause them to droop down. You should consider 13 Alternatives To Using Distilled Water For Plants. If the soil didnt dry in time, you might need to improve your. 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. Bloomsprouts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Proper lighting 5. If you choose to fertilize your monstera deliciosa, an all-purpose indoor plant fertilizer is ideal. Monstera Obliqua: Tips for Buying And Caring for This Ultra-Rare Monstera Variety. A high oxygen producing plant that prefers indirect light and minimal watering. In severe cases of infestation, youll need to use chemical solutions or remove the afflicted plant before it spreads. Move the plant to a position with more natural light and the problem will soon be overcome. 8 Causes of Monstera Leaf Curling: Monsteras can curling up for a number of reasons, including: Underwatering Overwatering Use of chlorinated tap water Low humidity High temperature stress Over-fertilization Rootbound Pest Infestation Underwatering Do you remember when was the last time you watered your Monstera? How do you know if Monstera is happy? | Dependable Did you just notice that the tips of your precious peace lily's leaves are turning brown? Insert it about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down from the surface. With a little time and care, your Monstera will be back to its beautiful self in no time! This method works perfectly for the Monstera because it's suited for plants with large foliage. Low light will cause your plant to become stretched, with sparse foliage, and more prone to drooping and languishing. Use scattered pebbles to ensure that the base of the pot sits just above the level of the water. First, check the soil moisture if its too dry, water the plant and make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Keep the plant's environment humid 4. Spider mites, aphids, thrips, and white flies can be dealt with using non-chemical methods such as dishwashing liquid soap or rubbing alcohol. Dr. Moritz Alexander Picot c/o TheGrowingLeaf.comAn der Eiche 5, 50678 Cologne, Germany, link to How To Water Indoor Plants (Complete Guide), link to 13 Alternatives To Using Distilled Water For Plants, cutting the Monstera plants brown leaves, Monsteras soil is becoming dry too quickly. Alternatively, you should use filtered or. Finally, it could be that your pot doesnt have adequate drainage. Using a wide-based drip tray filled with water works well. If your plant is in a 4" pot, get a 6" one. With only minimal care and attention, these stalwarts will bounce back and reward the caring gardener with striking shiny foliage. Hopefully these tips will help you keep your monstera looking nice and perk! Peace Lily Leaf Tips Turn Brown: 5 Common Reasons & How to Fix it. If your plant is looking a little droopy, there are several things you can do to perk it up. Make the most of your wall space using pots attached to a trellis. Monstera Water Requirements: How often should you water a Monstera? Sometimes, theyre facing downwards because they lack the support they need to face up. If the leaves are discoloring and curling on the tips, it could be a sign that your plant is . Stress-inducing problems for plants can be from the temperature, or the roots can be damaged (commonly because of repotting the plant). Select an appropriate pot for your Monstera by getting the next pot size. When negative effects such as leaf curling become noticeable o. Hi there, my name is Allie and welcome to my blog; GareningWithAllie! A healthy, happy Monstera has deep green, waxy leaves (though younger plants or new leaves may be lighter green). This is my monstera, and this is its ridiculously long root noodle that grows at an alarming rate. Likewise, if its being overwatered, you may want to remove the rootball and allow that soil to dry. Moss poles are ideal for this. Where is the best place to keep African violets? Causes of Monstera Leaves Curling and How to Fix The most common reason for leaf curl in Monstera is not adequate water intake. Push the stakes of the moss pole or trellis down until the base rests firmly on top of the soil. If the plant pot is standing on a saucer make sure that this is not constantly filled with water. 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. 7 Reasons Your Monstera Has Droopy, Wilted Leaves It should perk back up within just a couple of hours but may take a few days to recover fully. Sometimes houseplants can react badly to repotting, resulting in transplant stress. You can also try repotting your plant in fresh potting mix. Dont be too alarmed. This triggers the plant to think that its dying from underwatering and shrinking its leaves surface to avoid further transpiration. Monsteras like bright indirect light, so if its been sitting in direct sunlight for too long, the leaves will begin to droop. Rooting, Propagating, and Decorating with Monstera Leaves These areas are the perfect breeding ground for monstera because they provide the moist, aerated soil that these plants crave, and the canopies that they grow under protect them from direct sunlight. You can also rely on modern technologies such as a single probe soil moisture meter to tell you when its time to water. Room temperature water is best for Monsteras (and most other houseplants). EZORKAS 80 Watt Dimmable Grow Light for Indoor Plants. check out my guide to treating and preventing common houseplant pests. With a little TLC, your Monstera will be back to its perky self in no time! If it is, water your plant thoroughly and wait to see if the leaves perk up. 7: Your Monstera Might Not Have Enough Humidity. 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. Next, check for signs of pests or diseases. How to check if leaves curling are due to over fertilization: How to fix over-fertilization in Monstera: Monstera leaves might curl because they have grown too big for their container. Be sure you choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom and a catch basin to collect excess water. Required fields are marked *. It's a good idea to use a clear vase or glass so you can easily check on the roots. Use one that is just a few inches larger than the one that the plant has been living in. This also occurs when plants have too much water. If you accidentally let your Monstera's soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to brown. When pruning, be sure to cut just above a leaf node (the point where leaves emerge from the stem). Use greening pins, clips, twine, or floral fabric to loosely attach nearby stems to the stake, carefully not to force any as they could snap. Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water. Move your plant to a brighter spot out of direct sunlight and see if the leaves perk up within a few days. Is Your Monstera Falling Over? 4 Tips to Keep it Upright Water your plant only when the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch. Move it to a brighter spot and see if that helps. The rest of this article will dive deeper into the characteristics of monstera plants, what causes them to bend, droop, or curl, and what you can do to fix it. Another reason could be too much water. 10 Causes of Monstera Leaves Curling (and How to Fix It) However, there are some things to take into account before adding this beautiful plant to your collection. When Monstera is underwater, it activates its natural ability to preserve water loss. If overwatering isnt the problem, your plant may be getting too much sun. Why are monstera leaves pointing down? You should repot regularly every 2 to 3 years. Inspired by his mothers love of gardening, Alex has a passion for taking care of plants and turning backyards into feel-good places and loves to share his experience with the rest of the world. If watering from the top, the dehydrated potting medium will sometimes let most of the water run straight through without being absorbed by the soil. Give it time: If youve just transplanted your monstera, it may take a little time for it adjust and start producing new growth. Monsteras need the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to grow their best. Another reason could be too much water. A mixture of 50-75% standard indoor potting soil, mixed with 25-50% peat moss, is the best solution for well-draining soil. A few Monstera leaves turning yellow at the lower end of the plant is completely normal. Yellowing Leaves. Monstera plants hail from the tropical forests of Mexico and South America, and they prefer hot, humid environments. They feed on the nutrient rich sap from your Monstera leaves, causing them to curl. Upon bringing your monstera plant home, you should immediately re-pot into a larger vessel to stimulate growth. Therefore, the leaves will begin to face down or droop. Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests, so they dont need a ton of water to thrive. You can also try moving your Monstera to a spot with more or less light too much sun can cause leaves to droop, while too little light will make them turn yellow. Along with leaves facing down, some other signs of a Monstera lacking support includes: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thegrowingleaf_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thegrowingleaf_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');While the lack of water is a significant factor in downturned Monstera leaves, the lack of sunlight is just as important. Solutions to 6 Common Monstera Houseplant Problems Lets take a closer look at each of these possibilities. What Animal/Insect/Bug/Pest Eats Holes in Hibiscus Leaves? If its not getting enough light, the leaves will droop as the plant tries to reach for more light. 3. 2. If youve checked your monstera plant and found that the soil is very moist, place the pot in an eastern facing window where it can receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. Bright light or dappled shade are both ideal. Monstera deliciosa usually grows vertically on just a few stems when its young, but starts to grow sideways when it gets older and heavier. If your plant lacks potassium, the leaves will begin to discolor and curl at the tips. Particularly when the leaf turns upside down, it can mean a few things. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bloomsprouts_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bloomsprouts_com-leader-1-0');How to check if the leaves curling is due to low humidity: Fixing the leaves curl caused by low humidity: Plant leaves may curl up because they are transpiring at higher rates due to increased temperatures. If the soil is moist, move the pot into bright indirect light and avoid watering until the top layer of soil dries out. Doing this will help support the plant and keep it upright. As Ive already mentioned, Monstera plants crave bright, indirect sunlight. Frequently spraying plants with diluted neem oil is a nontoxic method to help prevent pest infestations. This will give a chance for the plant to recover faster. Native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America, this tropical plant can grow several feet tall, both in the wild and as houseplants. To ensure your monstera plant can thrive, follow these suggestions: Does Losing Leaves or Having Curled and Droopy Leaves Mean That the Philodendron Plant Is Dying? If your Monstera is severely underwatered and shows signs of wilting, you might want to carefully relocate the plant into a bucket of water. They like their soil to always be slightly damp. Identify offending vines before you begin to prune your Monstera. If your Monsteras leaves are drooping and curling, it is likely due to one of three things: too little water, too much sun, or pests. Another possibility is that youre using water thats too cold. If your Monstera adansonii is looking a bit droopy, dont worry there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. Here are the 5 steps to properly repot a Monstera plant: Make a potting mix: potting soil, perlite, bark. How do you treat black spots on Hoya leaves? 15 Types of Monstera to Grow Identifying the problem is the most important step to nursing your plant back to health. If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). Without drainage holes, moisture retention around the roots will cause them to suffocate and rot. If neither of those solutions seem to be helping, its possible that your plant has pests. Second, make sure youre watering your monstera regularly but not too much over-watering can also lead to weak roots. Why Are My Monstera Leaves Drooping? (7 Simple Solutions) Why Monstera leaves are deformed and drooping. Why are the leaves on my green bean plants turning yellow? To water from the bottom, half fill a basin with water and stand your plant in it for 10-20 minutes.