Monsteras are fairly forgiving houseplants, but even a healthy plant can occasionally develop yellow leaves, brown spots, curling foliage, drooping stems, or a stubborn lack of new growth.
The tricky part is that many Monstera problems look alike.
A drooping plant might need water, for example, but it can also droop when its roots have stayed wet for too long. Yellow leaves can point to overwatering, poor drainage, insufficient light, root trouble, or simply an older leaf reaching the end of its life.
Instead of treating a symptom immediately, look at the whole plant. Check the soil, roots, light, recent watering, and any environmental changes.
This guide walks through the most common Monstera problems, what may be causing them, and the practical steps you can take to help your plant recover.
Start Here: Check These Five Things First
Before diagnosing an individual leaf, take a few minutes to inspect the plant’s overall growing conditions.
Check these five areas:
- Soil moisture
- Drainage
- Light
- Roots
- Pests
These simple checks can narrow down many problems surprisingly quickly.
Check the Soil
Push a finger a few inches into the potting mix.
Is it:
- Saturated?
- Slightly moist?
- Mostly dry?
- Extremely dry and pulling away from the pot?
Also consider how long it has been in that condition.
Soil that remains wet for a long time is very different from soil that was watered yesterday and is already beginning to dry normally.
Check the Drainage
Make sure excess water can actually leave the container.
A beautiful decorative pot can become a problem if water collects at the bottom around the roots.
If your Monstera sits inside a cachepot, remove the inner container after watering and empty any standing water.
Check the Light
Monsteras generally grow best in bright, indirect light.
If the plant is several feet from a small window or sitting in a dark corner, insufficient light may contribute to slow growth and soil remaining wet for too long.
On the other hand, intense direct sunlight can scorch foliage.
Check the Roots
If the plant is declining and the soil conditions don’t seem right, inspecting the roots may be necessary.
Healthy roots are generally firm. Roots affected by rot often become soft, dark, mushy, or unpleasant smelling.
Check for Pests
Look closely at:
- Leaf undersides
- New growth
- Leaf joints
- Stems
- Areas around the veins
- Crevices near the petioles
A pest problem can be easy to miss until the population becomes large.
Why Are My Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellow leaves are one of the most common Monstera complaints.
Unfortunately, “yellow leaves” isn’t a diagnosis by itself.
Possible causes include:
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Root rot
- Insufficient light
- Nutrient problems
- Environmental stress
- Natural leaf aging
The pattern of yellowing can provide useful clues.
Yellow Leaves and Wet Soil
If multiple leaves are yellowing and the soil stays consistently wet, overwatering or poor drainage should be investigated.
Stop watering automatically and allow the soil to dry appropriately.
Check that the container has functioning drainage holes.
If the plant continues declining despite allowing the soil to dry, inspect the root system.
Yellow Leaves and Dry Soil
If the potting mix is extremely dry and the plant is also drooping, the Monstera may simply have gone too long without water.
Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
Don’t compensate by keeping the soil constantly wet afterward. Return to a normal wet-and-dry cycle.
One Older Leaf Turning Yellow
An occasional older lower leaf turning yellow isn’t necessarily a problem.
Plants naturally shed older foliage.
If the rest of your Monstera is healthy and actively growing, one aging leaf may simply be reaching the end of its life.
Several leaves yellowing rapidly deserves more investigation.
Why Does My Monstera Have Brown Tips?
Brown tips are often associated with moisture-related stress, but there are several possibilities.
Common causes include:
- Inconsistent watering
- Prolonged dryness
- Very dry indoor air
- Fertilizer buildup
- Mineral or salt accumulation
- Root damage
Feel the soil before making changes.
If it’s bone dry and has been that way for a while, underwatering is more likely than overwatering.
If the soil is wet and the plant is declining, check the roots instead of adding more water.
Can You Cut Brown Tips Off a Monstera?
Yes, if the damage bothers you.
Use clean scissors and trim only the dead tissue.
Keep in mind that cutting away a brown tip is cosmetic. It doesn’t solve whatever caused the damage.
If new leaves continue developing brown edges, investigate the underlying conditions.
Why Does My Monstera Have Brown or Black Spots?
Dark spots can be more concerning than a small crispy tip, particularly when they appear quickly or continue spreading.
Possible causes include:
- Excess moisture
- Root problems
- Cold damage
- Sunburn
- Physical injury
- Leaf disease
The appearance and location of the spots matter.
Soft Dark Spots With Wet Soil
Soft brown or black areas combined with consistently wet soil can indicate moisture-related stress.
Check the roots and drainage.
If roots are rotting, simply waiting for the leaves to improve won’t solve the problem.
Dry, Crispy Brown Patches
Dry brown patches may be associated with:
- Sunburn
- Severe dehydration
- Heat exposure
- Physical damage
Think about recent changes.
Did you move the plant closer to a sunny window? Was it recently transported? Did the leaves press against hot or cold glass?
The plant’s recent history often provides the missing clue.
Why Is My Monstera Drooping?
Drooping is one of the easiest symptoms to misinterpret.
Many people see a drooping plant and immediately reach for the watering can.
Sometimes that’s exactly what it needs.
Sometimes it’s the worst thing you can do.
Drooping With Dry Soil
If the soil is dry throughout much of the pot and the leaves have lost firmness, the plant may need water.
Water thoroughly and allow the container to drain.
A thirsty Monstera may begin recovering relatively quickly once its roots have access to moisture again.
Drooping With Wet Soil
If the plant is drooping while sitting in wet soil, don’t add more water.
The roots may be stressed because they aren’t receiving enough oxygen, or rot may already be developing.
Check:
- Drainage holes
- Soil density
- How frequently you’ve been watering
- Root condition
The goal is to determine why the soil remains wet.
Drooping After Repotting
Some Monsteras temporarily droop after repotting because their roots have been disturbed.
Keep conditions stable and avoid repeatedly moving, watering, fertilizing, and adjusting the plant in response.
If the roots were healthy and the new potting mix is appropriate, give the plant time to settle.
Why Are My Monstera Leaves Curling?
Curling leaves often indicate that the plant is responding to environmental stress.
Possible causes include:
- Underwatering
- Low humidity
- Excessive heat
- Root problems
- Pest activity
- Sudden environmental changes
Start with the soil.
If it’s very dry, watering may solve the issue.
If the soil is wet, investigate the roots and other conditions instead.
New Monstera Leaves Curling
Fresh leaves naturally emerge rolled or folded and gradually unfurl.
Don’t try to physically force a new leaf open.
Damaging a developing leaf can leave permanent tears or scars.
Give it appropriate humidity, light, and watering and allow the leaf to open naturally.
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Unfurl?
A new leaf can take time to fully open.
Slow unfurling isn’t automatically a problem.
However, excessively dry conditions, inconsistent watering, or other environmental stress may interfere with development.
Try to maintain stable conditions.
Avoid:
- Pulling the leaf open
- Picking at the sheath
- Repeatedly misting inside tightly rolled foliage
- Moving the plant constantly
Patience is usually safer than trying to “help” mechanically.
Why Doesn’t My Monstera Have Holes?
The holes and splits in Monstera leaves are called fenestrations.
Young plants often produce solid leaves, so a lack of holes isn’t automatically a care problem.
Fenestration generally becomes more pronounced as the plant matures.
How to Encourage More Fenestrations
Focus on:
- Bright indirect light
- Healthy roots
- Appropriate watering
- Adequate nutrition
- Climbing support
- Plant maturity
A Monstera growing in weak light may continue producing smaller, less mature-looking foliage.
Giving the plant something to climb can also support its natural growth habit.
Why Is My Monstera Growing Small Leaves?
If new leaves remain small, consider the plant’s overall growing environment.
Potential causes include:
- Insufficient light
- Lack of climbing support
- Nutrient deficiency
- Root problems
- Recent propagation
- Plant immaturity
Don’t expect a recently rooted cutting to immediately produce enormous fenestrated leaves.
It needs time to establish.
Does Fertilizer Make Monstera Leaves Bigger?
Fertilizer supplies nutrients needed for growth, but it isn’t a shortcut to giant leaves.
Increasing fertilizer won’t compensate for inadequate light or unhealthy roots.
Too much fertilizer can actually damage the plant.
Why Is My Monstera Not Growing?
Monsteras can grow quickly under favorable conditions, particularly during brighter months.
If yours appears completely stalled, consider:
- Light levels
- Season
- Temperature
- Root health
- Nutrient availability
- Recent repotting
- Plant maturity
Growth often slows during darker winter months.
A plant that isn’t producing leaves but otherwise looks healthy may simply be growing more slowly.
When Slow Growth Is a Warning Sign
Investigate further if stalled growth is accompanied by:
- Yellowing
- Drooping
- Soft stems
- Persistent wet soil
- Root damage
- Pest symptoms
The combination of symptoms matters more than slow growth alone.
Why Is My Monstera Leggy?
A Monstera with long stretches of stem and relatively small leaves may not be receiving enough light.
Plants naturally grow toward available light.
Move the Monstera gradually into a brighter location.
Existing stretched growth won’t become compact again, but improved conditions can help future growth develop more strongly.
Should You Rotate a Monstera?
Occasional rotation can help balance a plant that’s leaning heavily toward a window.
However, Monsteras naturally orient their foliage toward light and have a distinct front and back as they mature.
If you’re training one up a support, it’s often better to position the support behind the stem and let the leaves face the light rather than constantly changing the plant’s orientation.
Why Is My Monstera Leaning or Falling Over?
Monsteras are climbers.
As they mature, they can become awkward and sprawling if they have nothing to climb.
This isn’t necessarily a sign of poor health.
Consider adding:
- A moss pole
- Coir pole
- Wooden plank
- Sturdy stake
- Trellis
Secure the main stem loosely to the support using soft plant ties.
Avoid tightly attaching individual leaf petioles because they need freedom to move.
Why Are My Monstera Stems Turning Yellow or Brown?
Stem discoloration deserves closer inspection.
A brown, dry scar on an older stem can be normal.
A soft, dark, spreading area is more concerning.
Check for:
- Excess moisture
- Rot
- Physical injury
- Pest damage
If the affected tissue is mushy and spreading, inspect the roots and nearby stem tissue promptly.
Monstera Root Rot: Signs and Treatment
Root rot is one of the more serious Monstera problems, but catching it early can improve the chances of recovery.
Signs of Monstera Root Rot
Look for:
- Persistent yellowing
- Drooping with wet soil
- Soil that smells unpleasant
- Black or brown roots
- Mushy roots
- Soft stem tissue
- Roots that fall apart easily
Healthy roots should feel firm rather than slimy or mushy.
How to Fix Monstera Root Rot
If you confirm rot:
- Remove the Monstera from its pot.
- Gently remove enough soil to inspect the roots.
- Cut away clearly rotten roots using clean, sharp tools.
- Remove severely damaged plant material when necessary.
- Clean or replace the container.
- Repot into fresh, well-draining soil.
- Make sure the container has drainage holes.
- Adjust your watering habits and growing conditions.
Don’t automatically move a damaged plant into a dramatically larger pot.
Choose a container appropriate for the remaining root system.
Can a Monstera Recover From Root Rot?
It depends on how much healthy tissue remains.
A plant with a substantial amount of healthy root and stem tissue has a better chance than one where rot has spread throughout the plant.
If necessary, healthy stem sections containing viable nodes may sometimes be propagated to save part of the plant.
Monstera Pests and How to Spot Them
Monsteras can attract several common houseplant pests.
The most frequent include:
- Thrips
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Scale
Early detection makes treatment much easier.
Thrips on Monstera
Thrips can be particularly frustrating because they’re small and may cause noticeable damage before you clearly see the insects.
Possible signs include:
- Silvery or scarred areas
- Distorted new growth
- Tiny dark specks
- Discolored patches
- Small slender insects on foliage
Check new leaves and both sides of mature leaves carefully.
Spider Mites on Monstera
Spider mites thrive in certain warm, dry indoor conditions.
Signs may include:
- Fine webbing
- Tiny pale speckles
- Dull-looking leaves
- Gradual yellowing
- Very small moving pests
Inspect leaf undersides closely.
Mealybugs on Monstera
Mealybugs often look like small pieces of white cotton.
They tend to hide around:
- Leaf joints
- Stems
- Petioles
- New growth
- Protected crevices
Sticky residue may also be present.
Scale on Monstera
Scale insects can resemble small brown, tan, or pale bumps attached to the plant.
Because they don’t always look like insects, they can be overlooked.
Inspect stems and leaf surfaces carefully if you notice unexplained sticky residue or declining foliage.
What to Do if Your Monstera Has Pests
If you discover pests:
- Separate the plant from other houseplants when practical.
- Identify the pest as accurately as possible.
- Inspect the entire plant.
- Remove heavily damaged material when appropriate.
- Physically remove or rinse off pests where practical.
- Use a treatment specifically labeled for the pest and plant.
- Follow the product instructions carefully.
- Continue checking the plant over the following weeks.
One treatment may not eliminate every life stage.
Also inspect nearby plants because pests can spread before symptoms become obvious.
Why Are There Tiny Flies Around My Monstera?
Small flies hovering around the soil are often fungus gnats.
Adult fungus gnats are mostly a nuisance, while their larvae live in moist organic material in the potting mix.
Persistent fungus gnat populations can be a clue that the soil is staying moist for long periods.
How to Reduce Fungus Gnat Problems
Start by improving the conditions encouraging them.
Consider:
- Allowing the upper soil to dry appropriately
- Improving drainage
- Avoiding constantly wet potting mix
- Removing decaying plant debris
- Using appropriate fungus gnat controls when necessary
Don’t intentionally dehydrate a Monstera just to eliminate gnats. The goal is proper moisture management, not extreme dryness.
Why Is My Monstera Soil Staying Wet?
Soil that remains wet for an unusually long time can create several problems.
Possible reasons include:
- Insufficient light
- Oversized pot
- Dense potting mix
- Poor drainage
- Cool temperatures
- Frequent watering
- A small root system relative to the container
Rather than simply waiting longer between waterings forever, consider whether the growing setup itself needs improvement.
A chunky, well-aerated mix can make moisture management easier.
Why Is Water Running Straight Through the Pot?
The opposite problem can happen too.
Water may rush immediately through the container because:
- The soil has become extremely dry
- Potting mix has pulled away from the sides
- Roots occupy most of the container
- The mixture has degraded
- Water is finding channels through compacted soil
Apply water slowly and observe whether the soil actually absorbs it.
If the plant is severely root-bound or the soil has deteriorated, repotting may be necessary.
Why Are Monstera Leaves Dripping Water?
You may occasionally notice droplets forming at the edges or tips of Monstera leaves.
This can occur through a natural process called guttation, where the plant releases excess water through specialized structures along the leaf margins.
It can be more noticeable after watering or when soil moisture is high.
Occasional guttation isn’t necessarily a problem.
However, if the soil is constantly saturated, review your watering routine.
Why Is My Monstera Losing Leaves?
Leaf loss can result from several forms of stress.
Potential causes include:
- Severe overwatering
- Prolonged underwatering
- Root rot
- Low light
- Temperature stress
- Pest infestations
- Natural aging
- Major environmental changes
One old leaf dropping occasionally isn’t the same as several healthy leaves declining within a few days.
Look at the pattern.
Why Does My Monstera Look Worse After Repotting?
Repotting disturbs the root system, and temporary stress isn’t unusual.
After repotting, avoid making multiple dramatic changes at once.
Keep the plant:
- In appropriate light
- Away from extreme temperatures
- Properly watered
- Protected from intense direct sunlight
Don’t immediately apply large amounts of fertilizer to “help” it recover.
Healthy roots need time to reestablish themselves.
Can Damaged Monstera Leaves Heal?
Damaged leaf tissue generally doesn’t repair itself in the way human skin does.
A brown spot won’t become green again, and a torn leaf won’t reconnect.
However, the plant can continue producing healthy new foliage once the underlying problem is corrected.
Should You Remove Damaged Leaves?
Not automatically.
A partially damaged leaf can still photosynthesize.
Remove a leaf when:
- It’s completely dead
- It’s severely damaged
- It’s affected by spreading disease
- Removing it is necessary for pest management
- You need to improve the plant’s appearance
Avoid stripping a stressed plant of most of its remaining healthy foliage.
How to Prevent Monstera Problems
Prevention is easier than trying to rescue a severely stressed plant.
A simple routine can prevent many common problems:
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Use a container with drainage holes.
- Grow the plant in an airy, well-draining mix.
- Check soil moisture before watering.
- Water thoroughly rather than giving frequent small amounts.
- Empty standing water from decorative pots.
- Inspect leaves regularly for pests.
- Provide climbing support as the plant matures.
- Fertilize moderately during active growth.
- Adjust care when seasons and indoor conditions change.
Most importantly, avoid reacting to every imperfect leaf.
Plants aren’t static decorations. Older leaves age, minor damage happens, and growth naturally changes through the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Problems
What Is the Most Common Problem With Monstera Plants?
Overwatering and poor moisture management are among the most common issues.
Keeping the root zone wet for extended periods can contribute to yellowing, drooping, and eventually root rot.
How Do I Know if My Monstera Is Overwatered or Underwatered?
Check the soil rather than relying on the appearance of the leaves alone.
Drooping combined with very dry soil suggests a different problem from drooping combined with saturated soil.
Should I Remove Yellow Monstera Leaves?
Completely yellow leaves won’t become green again and can be removed.
If several leaves are turning yellow, identify the underlying cause rather than simply cutting them all off.
How Do I Know if My Monstera Has Root Rot?
Common warning signs include persistently wet soil, yellowing, drooping, an unpleasant smell, and roots that are dark, soft, or mushy.
The most reliable way to confirm root rot is to inspect the roots.
Why Is My Monstera Healthy but Not Producing Fenestrations?
The plant may simply be young.
Insufficient light, lack of climbing support, and overall growing conditions can also influence leaf maturity.
Why Are My Monstera’s New Leaves Smaller?
Smaller new leaves may be associated with insufficient light, lack of support, root problems, nutrient availability, or plant maturity.
Review the plant’s overall growing conditions before increasing fertilizer.
Can I Save a Monstera With No Healthy Roots?
Sometimes healthy stem sections containing viable nodes can be propagated even when much of the original root system has been lost.
Success depends on how much healthy tissue remains.
Should I Mist a Struggling Monstera?
Misting usually isn’t the solution to an unidentified Monstera problem.
First determine whether the issue involves watering, roots, light, temperature, or pests.
A Quick Monstera Troubleshooting Checklist
When something looks wrong, work through the problem in this order:
- Check whether the soil is wet or dry.
- Make sure excess water can drain.
- Evaluate the amount of light the plant receives.
- Look carefully for pests.
- Inspect the roots if symptoms suggest root trouble.
- Think about recent changes in location, temperature, watering, or repotting.
- Correct the most likely underlying problem.
- Give the plant time to respond before making additional major changes.
Changing five things at once makes it difficult to know what actually helped.
Final Thoughts
The hardest part of diagnosing Monstera problems is that the same symptom can have several different causes.
Yellow leaves don’t always mean overwatering. Drooping doesn’t always mean underwatering. Brown spots don’t automatically mean disease.
Start with evidence.
Feel the soil. Check the drainage. Look at the roots when necessary. Examine both sides of the leaves for pests, and think about what has changed recently.
Once you’ve identified the likely cause, make targeted adjustments rather than throwing every possible treatment at the plant.
Monsteras are resilient. Even plants that have lost leaves or suffered root damage can sometimes recover when enough healthy tissue remains and the underlying problem is corrected.
And remember, an imperfect leaf isn’t automatically a sign of an unhealthy plant. What matters most is the overall pattern: healthy roots, stable growth, and new foliage that develops normally over time.
