With its huge slitted leaves, the Monstera is one of the most popular houseplants. Read here how you can help your plant get back on track when it's not doing well.
How can I save my Monstera when it has problems?
To save a Monstera, check watering habits, site conditions, pest or disease infestation, and cut off damaged leaves. Adjust care accordingly to create optimal conditions for recovery and growth.
Did you water the Monstera too much?
The Monstera loves it moist, but you should avoidwaterlogging. If you watertoo much and too often, water will collect in the pot and the roots will rot. Rotten roots cannot provide the plant with nutrients. The leaves then turn brown. Inspect your plant. If the roots are rotten, you should replace their soil and cut off any rotten parts.
Is your Monstera suffering from drought?
You can easily test whether you have wateredtoo little and your Monstera is suffering from drought. Insert a finger into the soil about three centimeters deep. If it is bone dry there, you haven't given enough water. It's best to give the Monstera a ten-minute dip and then let it drain well. Give your plant a few days to recover.
Is the Monstera dissatisfied with its current location?
Have you watered and fertilized enough, but the leaf tips of your Monstera are still turning brown? Then it may be in the wrong location. As a tropical plant it requires special conditions:
- Monstera needbright, indirect light. Ideally they should be placed on an east or west window.
- They love itwarm: In summer between 21 and 29 degrees Celsius and in winter at least 16 to 21 degrees Celsius.
- Avoid drafts and cold.
- Monstera favor ahigh humidity around 65 percent.
Is the Monstera affected by pests or diseases?
ControlCheck your monsters for pest infestation or diseases. If you seesmall animalson or under the leaves or in the soil, it could besickness gnats, thrips or spider mitesIsolate the Monstera and shower it thoroughly.
If you discover brown spots with a light halo, this could indicatefungal infestation, such aseye diseaseor theleaf spot disease. In this case, the affected leaves must be removed with a disinfected knife and discarded.
How do I care for a Monstera that already has damage?
Depending on the cause of the damage, the Monstera should be cared for accordingly. You can cut offindividual damaged leavesat the baseBe careful not to damage other leaves or aerial roots. If necessary, repot your plant and place it as ideally as possible. In the case of contagious diseases and pests, the plant must be isolated for a few weeks so as not to endanger others.
Tip
Mechanical influences can also cause lasting damage to the Monstera
If the leaves of your Monstera are constantly cornered against a window, wall or objects, they can be permanently damaged. The location on a highly frequented walkway can also damage the plant through permanent collisions. Move your Monstera to a more protected location.