Monstera Deliciosa is a native of Central America, and this plant is known for its unique fruit that has a mixture of tastes.
Monstera Deliciosa is mainly kept as an ornamental plant. This is because of its stunning large leaves that are dark green and have unique holes once they have matured. It produces an edible fruit called the Monstera deliciosa fruit.
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Why Are the Leaves on My Monstera Deliciosa Dying?
The leaves of your Monstera Deliciosa may be dying due to several reasons, such as watering, fertilization, humidity, pests, and soil issues.
Reasons Behind Why Your Monstera Deliciosa Leaves are Dying
Watering Issues
Over-watering is a common issue amongst plant owners as they sometimes become cautious, but because of this, the plant often suffers.
The roots of your Monstera Deliciosa can rot due to over-watering, and this causes the leaves to develop black spots, eventually leading to the death of your plant.
However, over-watering may not always be the issue, as under-watering can also cause the same side effects. To ensure your plant is suffering from over-watering, you will have to observe the roots; if they have become brown, the roots have started to rot.
Fertilization Issues
Often Monstera Deliciosa owners end up not providing enough nutrients to their plants. This causes the leaves of your plant to become weak and eventually kills them.
But over-fertilization can also cause the leaves of your Monstera Deliciosa to die. To provide your Monstera Deliciosa with proper fertilization only once a month from March to October.
Humidity Issues
Monstera Deliciosa comes from rainforests, and thus, they enjoy higher humidity levels than other plants. If your plant does not receive a proper humid environment, then its leaves will suffer due to moisture loss.
Soil Issues
Monstera Deliciosa is a hardy plant, but it needs good drainage soil. The roots of your Monstera Deliciosa will rot if too much moisture is present in the soil, which causes the leaves to suffer as well.
Pest Issues
Pests are a common issue in many gardens and can often cause a lot of damage if they are not removed. The most common pests that invade Monstera Deliciosa are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Pests start eating your plant slowly, and once you spot them, they have damaged many parts of your plant, especially the leaves. Since they are difficult to spot because of the small size, it is important to regularly inspect the leaves of your plants.
Lighting Issues
Monstera Deliciosa requires bright indirect sunlight and not direct sunlight. If you keep your plant under direct sunlight, then it will cause the leaves to burn and die.
How to Save the Leaves of Your Monstera Deliciosa
Watering
If you see any black spots on any of your Monstera Deliciosa leaf, the reason behind it is usually over-watering, and this causes your plant’s root to rot.
To fix over-watering issues, simply repot your plant and cut off all of the rotted roots. This will help your plant survive, but it can be risky if most of your roots are rotted.
If the edges of the leaves have turned light brown or crisp, this issue is caused due to under-watering, and you can easily save your plant.
First, you will have to fill up a bucket with room-temperature water. Then place your Monstera Deliciosa into the bucket of water for twenty to thirty minutes, and after that, put it back into its pot.
Water your plant under a fixed schedule, and water it thoroughly for the next two weeks. To make sure enough water is being provided to your plant, check if one inch of the top layer is still moist.
If the soil is not moist, water your Monstera Deliciosa. Soaking your Monstera Deliciosa in water allows it to revive and works better than giving it water.
Increase Humidity Levels
Monstera Deliciosa thrives in high humidity levels of up to sixty percent. You could increase the humidity levels by placing a pebble tray with freshwater near your plant.
Once the water evaporates, the humidity levels around your plant will also increase. Another simple way to increase the humidity levels around your plant is by placing your Monstera Deliciosa in the bathroom, only if it can be properly lit.
There are humidifiers in markets, and this equipment is the most efficient way of increasing humidity levels around your plant.
Keep Your Plant Under Proper Sunlight
Keeping your Monstera Deliciosa under indirect sunlight is the best way to ensure that sunlight does not damage the leaves. You can provide your Monstera Deliciosa with proper sunlight by keeping it near a south window that has sheer curtains on it.
If you are placing your Monstera Deliciosa outdoors, then it is important to keep it under shade. You can provide this shade by placing your plant under a tree or any other place where it is still close to sunlight but not directly under it.
Check for Pests
It is important to continuously observe the leaves of your plant as pests always target them. Never neglect the underside of your leaves since most pests tend to make their homes in hidden areas of your plant.
If you find some form of pests on the leaves of your Monstera Deliciosa, then first spray it with warm soapy water. Monstera Deliciosa leaves are strong so spraying them with high-pressure water is also helpful.
Once the pests have been taken care of, you should replace the soil because pests can survive in it. In addition to all of this, you should also use an organic insecticide to fight off any pests remaining on your plant.
Change the Soil
The soil of your plant can be the cause of many issues. Often these issues did not start from the soil but due to some other issues such as over-watering or pests.
Replacing the soil ensures your plant will not be infected with any diseases and will also help keep pests away from it.
Provide Proper Fertilization
Monstera Deliciosa needs to be provided with a good liquid fertilizer throughout its growing months. If your plant is lacking nutrients, then it is important to provide it with a 20-20-20 fertilizer.
However, if over-fertilization has caused the leaves of your plant to turn yellow, then it is best to stop fertilizing your plant. You should also change the soil of your plant as it has excess amounts of fertilizer present in it, and make sure to not fertilize it for a month.
After a month’s break, you should fertilize your plant with a fertilizer diluted in water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dying Monstera Leaves
Can the dying leaves on my Monstera Deliciosa recover?
The recovery of your leaves will be dependent on how much damage has been done to them. You should try changing the soil and improving the water and nutrient content of your plant.
Do I need to cut off the dead leaves on my Monstera Deliciosa?
It is always best to snip off any dead or infected leaves or parts on your plant to ensure that the rest of it can survive and to make sure the plant does not waste further energy.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.