If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably felt that sinking feeling when you notice your once-lush Monstera plant looking a little worse for wear. Those droopy leaves and brown spots can leave you questioning your green thumb and wondering where it all went wrong. But don’t panic – your Monstera is tougher than you think, and with a little bit of care, you can bring it back to life.
I’ve been through the process myself (more times than I’d like to admit), and I’m here to share what I’ve learned about reviving a struggling Monstera.
From overwatering to light issues, there are a few common culprits that could be causing your plant’s decline. But the good news is that once you identify the problem, there are straightforward steps you can take to nurse your Monstera back to health. It might take a bit of patience, but trust me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing those new leaves unfurl after your plant starts to bounce back.
So today, I’m breaking down exactly what to look for and how to address each issue that might be plaguing your Monstera. Whether it’s root rot, low humidity, or even a pest invasion, I’ve got you covered with practical tips and tricks to help your plant thrive again. Let’s dive into how to give your Monstera the revival it deserves!
How To Revive A Dying Monstera Plant
Steps for taking care of your struggling monstera:
Assessing the Situation: What’s Actually Wrong?
First things first: You need to figure out what’s causing your Monstera to struggle. Common issues include overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, poor soil, or even pests. The best way to start is by carefully inspecting your plant. Very carefully!
Look at the leaves—are they yellowing or browning? Do they look droopy or crispy? Are the stems mushy, or is there an unusual smell coming from the soil? Each of these symptoms points to different problems. For example, yellow leaves often signal overwatering, while browning edges can be a sign of underwatering or low humidity.
Overwatering: The Most Common Culprit
Let’s be honest: Overwatering is probably the number one reason most houseplants, including Monsteras, start to decline. Monsteras like their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. If the roots sit in soggy soil for too long, they can start to rot, leading to yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a generally unhappy plant. If you think overwatering might be the issue, gently remove the plant from its pot and check the roots.
Healthy roots should be white or light tan and firm. If you see dark, slimy roots, you’re dealing with root rot. And we all know that I am terrified of root rot so let’s chat quickly about what to do if you think this scary disease is what is hurting your monstera.
To fix this, trim away the rotted roots with sterilized scissors, repot your Monstera in fresh, well-draining soil, and be sure to use a pot with drainage holes. When you water, let the top inch or two of soil dry out before you water again. Going forward, it’s better to err on the side of caution and underwater a little than to risk overwatering.
Underwatering: The Silent Saboteur
While overwatering gets a lot of attention, underwatering is also a sneaky enemy. If your Monstera’s leaves are crispy, curling, or turning brown at the edges, it might be begging for a drink. Monsteras like to be watered thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, but they don’t want to sit in water for too long. To revive an underwatered Monstera, give it a good soak by watering until the excess drains out, then monitor the soil moisture.
If your environment is particularly dry, you might need to water a little more frequently. Just make sure the soil isn’t drying out completely between waterings.
Light Issues: Finding the Right Balance
Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and pale leaves. If your Monstera looks a bit sad and you’re sure watering isn’t the issue, consider its light situation.
A quick fix could be moving it to a spot where it gets more (or less) light. If you only have low light areas in your home, a grow light can be a lifesaver for your plant. I’ve found that my Monstera is happiest when it’s near a bright window but shielded from harsh midday rays.
Humidity: Is Your Plant Feeling Parched?
Monsteras come from tropical environments, so they’re fans of humidity. If your home is on the drier side, especially during winter when heaters are running, your Monstera might be suffering from low humidity. Signs include browning leaf edges and slow growth.
You can boost humidity by misting the plant regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or grouping plants together to create a more humid microenvironment. I’ve had good luck with setting my Monstera on a tray filled with water and pebbles, which helps add moisture to the air as the water evaporates.
Soil and Nutrients: Don’t Forget About the Basics
Even if you’re doing everything else right, poor soil or a lack of nutrients can still be holding your Monstera back. Make sure you’re using a well-draining potting mix—something that’s light and airy, like a mix made for tropical plants or with added perlite. Over time, the soil can become compacted, making it hard for roots to breathe, so repotting every year or two is a good idea.
Additionally, fertilizing during the growing season (spring and summer) can give your plant the boost it needs. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep your Monstera thriving.
Pests: The Unwelcome Guests
Sometimes, it’s not water, light, or soil—it’s pests! Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale are common pests that can weaken your Monstera. If you notice tiny webs, sticky residue, or unusual bumps on the leaves, you might be dealing with an infestation. The first step is to isolate your plant to prevent the pests from spreading to others. Then, wipe down the leaves with a mixture of water and mild dish soap or use insecticidal soap. Regularly inspecting your plants and wiping down the leaves can help prevent pests from taking hold in the first place.
Pruning and Propagation: Give It a Fresh Start
Sometimes a plant needs a little pruning to focus its energy on new growth. If your Monstera has a lot of damaged or dead leaves, trimming them off can help redirect nutrients to healthier parts of the plant. Plus, if the plant is still struggling after you’ve addressed the main issues, consider taking a healthy cutting and propagating it.
Monsteras are pretty easy to propagate in water or soil, and you might end up with a brand new, thriving plant while the original recovers.
Patience and Consistency: The Key to Revival
Reviving a dying Monstera isn’t an overnight process—it takes time, patience, and consistent care. Once you’ve identified the issue and made the necessary adjustments, give your plant time to bounce back. You might not see instant results, but with proper care, your Monstera will likely start to perk up within a few weeks. Keep monitoring its progress, and don’t be afraid to make small adjustments as needed.
In the end, a little bit of attention and care can go a long way in bringing your Monstera back to life. Plants are resilient, and more often than not, they’ll reward you with new growth once they’re back in a healthy environment. So, don’t give up—your Monstera can make a comeback and return to being that show-stopping houseplant you fell in love with. Happy growing!
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