Monstera Problems: 17 Common Issues And Expert Fixes

Simple care adjustments restore drooping leaves and keep indoor foliage flourishing.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 28, 2025

Simple care adjustments restore drooping leaves and keep indoor foliage flourishing.

17 Common Problems With Monstera Plants and How to Fix Them

Monsteras (Monstera deliciosa and its relatives) are known for their dramatic leaves and easy growth, but even these popular houseplants can develop frustrating problems. Identifying symptoms early and applying the right solutions can transform a sickly Monstera into a thriving indoor showpiece. In this comprehensive guide, discover the 17 most frequent problems Monsteras faceâincluding yellow leaves, pests, root issues, and diseasesâand the expert fixes for each.

Understanding Monstera Problems: Causes and Key Symptoms

Healthy Monsteras display glossy green leaves, robust fenestrations (the distinctive leaf splits or holes), and steady growth. However, environmental stress, inappropriate care, pests, and diseases can all impact your plant, leading to warning signs such as yellowing, drooping, disfigured leaves, and stunted growth. Early detection and correct diagnosis are crucial for effective intervention.

Common Monstera Problems and Solutions

1. Leaves Turning Yellow

Symptom: Leaves shift from vibrant green to pale yellow.

Primary Cause: Overwatering is the most common culprit. Excess soil moisture leads to root rot, preventing roots from absorbing water and nutrients, quickly turning leaves yellow.
Other Causes: Underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, low light, or pests may also contribute.

Solution:

Check soil moisture. If still wet 2 inches deep and you havenât just watered, overwatering is likely.
Cut back on watering; allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
If several leaves have yellowed or rot is suspected, repot immediately into fresh, well-draining soil. Trim away mushy roots, sterilize tools, and use a clean pot.

2. Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

Symptom: Crispy brown margins or tips on leaves.

Usually due to low humidity, underwatering, excess fertilizer, or salt accumulation in the soil.

Solution:

Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Water consistently and flush soil periodically to remove excess salts.
Avoid over-fertilizing and ensure your Monstera is not positioned in direct hot airflow.

3. Wilting or Drooping Leaves

Symptom: Both old and new leaves appear limp and soft.

Triggered by underwatering, damage to roots, or occasionally overwatering-induced root rot.

Solution:

Inspect soil dryness and adjust watering schedule accordingly.
If soil is soggy, check for root rot and repot if necessary.
Remove any dead or severely damaged leaves to encourage recovery.

4. Leaf Curling

Symptom: Leaf edges roll inwards or curl up.

Commonly due to underwatering, low humidity, heat stress, or sometimes pest activity.

Solution:

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil dries out.
Raise ambient humidity and keep away from blasts of hot/cold air.
Inspect regularly for signs of pests, and treat promptly if found.

5. Slow or Stunted Growth

Symptom: Plant barely grows new leaves or stems remain short and leaves small.

Causes include insufficient light, depleted soil nutrients, root congestion, or persistent pest issues.

Solution:

Increase light exposure (but avoid direct harsh sunlight).
Repot into fresh soil if rootbound or nutrients are exhausted.
Feed with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Check for pests and treat any infestations.

6. Leggy or Spindly Growth

Symptom: Long, weak stems with wide gaps between leaves; plant may appear top-heavy or unstable.

Typically a response to insufficient light.

Solution:

Move plant closer to a bright, indirect light source.
Rotate the plant regularly to promote even growth.
Prune back elongated stems to encourage bushiness.

7. Small, Deformed, or No Fenestrations

Symptom: New leaves are unusually small, lack characteristic splits or holes, or are misshapen.

Insufficient light is the top cause, but young Monsteras also naturally lack fenestrations.
Other causes include nutrient deficiencies or pest damage.

Solution:

Increase indirect light levels.
Feed appropriately and repot if the plant is rootbound.

8. Black or Brown Spots on Leaves

Symptom: Irregular spots, sometimes with yellow halos, appearing on foliage.

Could be caused by fungal or bacterial infections (e.g., leaf spot disease, rust), overwatering, or pest wounds.

Solution:

Remove affected leaves with sterilized scissors and dispose.
Improve air circulation and avoid splashing water on leaves.
Apply a fungicide or copper-based bactericide if spreading continues.

9. Disfigured or Misshapen New Leaves

Symptom: Deformed, curled, or bumpy new growth.

Often caused by sap-sucking pests (mealybugs, aphids, scale) or viral diseases such as mosaic virus.

Solution:

For pests, handpick small infestations or rinse with soapy water.
Use neem oil or an alcohol-based solution for larger outbreaks.
There is no cure for mosaic virusâdestroy affected plants to prevent spread.

10. Webbing Around Stems and Leaf Joints

Symptom: Fine silken webs, especially at leaf axils or undersides of foliage.

Caused by spider mites, which thrive in dry environments and leave leaves speckled with tiny yellow/red spots.

Solution:

Increase humidityâspider mites dislike moisture.
Regularly spray leaves with water, particularly during dry spells.
For large infestations, treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

11. Infestations: Thrips, Mealybugs, Scale, Aphids

Symptom: Sticky residues, honeydew, clusters of white fluff, shell-like bumps, distorted leaves, or black spots.

Mealybugs: White cottony insects, usually near leaf joints.
Thrips: Tiny, mobile insects causing black spots and silvery scars.
Scale: Hard brown bumps tightly stuck to stem/leaf.
Aphids: Pear-shaped insects (green, yellow, black), often with sticky deposits.

Solution (general for pests):

Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove visible pests.
Use a mild soap and water spray or insecticidal soap twice weekly until clear.
For persistent pests, apply neem oil and ensure good air circulation.
Isolate infested plants to prevent spread.

12. Root Rot

Symptom: Yellowing leaves, foul odor, and mushy, brown roots.

Always a result of overwatering and poorly-draining soil.

Solution:

Remove Monstera from its pot, rinse roots, and snip away all affected tissue.
Repot into fresh, well-aerated soil; water sparingly until established.
Sanitize the original pot if reusing.

13. Mushy or Soft Stems

Symptom: Pulsing, drooping stems near the soil line.

Often an advanced sign of root or stem rot from chronic overwatering.

Solution:

Follow the same root rot rescue process.
If rot is extensive, take healthy cuttings and propagate as a last resort.

14. Blackened Leaf Edges or Spots

Symptom: Black or dark brown patches, especially at leaf tips or edges.

Potentially caused by too much direct sunlight, frost damage, or extreme over-fertilization.

Solution:

Move plant out of direct sun; avoid drafts or cold windows.
Reduce fertilizer strength and flush soil if necessary.

15. White Residue or Spots on Leaves

Symptom: Powdery or crusty white film on foliage.

Likely mineral deposits from hard water or a minor fungal issue (powdery mildew).

Solution:

Wipe leaves with distilled water and a soft cloth.
Use a less mineral-rich source for watering; treat powdery mildew with neem oil if present.

16. Leaves Not Unfurling or New Leaves Stuck

Symptom: New growth remains tightly rolled or fails to emerge fully from the sheath.

Mostly environmental: low humidity, underwatering, or pest blockages.

Solution:

Mist regularly or run a humidifier nearby.
Ensure even, moderate moisture in soil.
Check for signs of thrips or other pests interfering with growth.

17. Propagation Fails (Cuttings Donât Root)

Symptom: Cuttings rot in water or soil, or fail to develop roots.

Possible causes: waterlogged substrate, stagnant water, low temperature, or lack of oxygen.

Solution:

Use a clean jar with fresh, non-chlorinated water; change water every 2-3 days.
Keep propagation areas warm (20â25Â°C/68â77Â°F).
If rooting in soil, use perlite or a chunky aroid mix for good airflow around the stem.

General Monstera Problem Prevention Tips

Provide bright, indirect lightâavoid deep shade or harsh sun.
Water thoroughly but infrequentlyâallow the top inches of soil to dry out.
Increase humidity to 50% or higher, especially in winter.
Maintain optimal temperatures (18â28Â°C/65â82Â°F).
Fertilize lightly during the growing season.
Check regularly for pestsâwipe both sides of leaves and stems.
Repot when rootbound or soil quality declines.

Monstera Problems: Quick Reference Table

Symptom	Likely Cause	Recommended Fix
Yellow Leaves	Overwatering/root rot	Let soil dry; repot if severe
Brown Tips/Edges	Low humidity, salts	Raise humidity; flush soil
Drooping Leaves	Under/overwatering	Check and adjust watering
Leaf Curl	Low water/humidity	Mist, water consistently
Black/Brown Spots	Fungal/bacterial	Remove leaves, fungicide
Leggy Growth	Low light	Increase indirect light
Webbing	Spider mites	Raise humidity, insecticidal soap
White Residue	Hard water build-up	Wipe with distilled water

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: My Monstera’s leaves are yellowing, but the soil is dryâwhat should I do?

A: If the soil is consistently dry, underwatering or nutrient deficiency may be at fault. Water thoroughly and feed with a balanced fertilizer to see if new growth improves.

Q: How can I prevent spider mites from returning?

A: Regularly increase humidity and wash leaves with water. Inspect all new plants and isolate if pests are found before adding to your plant collection.

Q: What is the white, sticky substance on my Monstera?

A: Likely mealybugs or scale insects. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and wipe away visible residue with a damp cloth.

Q: My Monstera’s new leaf looks deformed. Should I be worried?

A: Occasional minor deformities are normal, but chronic issues indicate pest, light, or viral problems. Check for aphids, scale, or mealybugs; improve care and isolate if viral disease is suspected.

Q: Leaves have brown spots with a yellow ring, what’s the cause?

A: Classic sign of leaf spot diseaseâremove affected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid watering onto leaves.

Conclusion

Monsteras are resilient and rewarding houseplants. However, they do signal distress with various symptoms when their needs aren’t met. By carefully observing your plant, acting on early warning signs, and following prevention best practices, you can keep your Monstera lush and healthy for years to come. Regular troubleshooting and gentle care provide the best defense against the common problems outlined above.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman