There are several potential reasons why your Monstera plant not be producing new leaves, some of which are more concerning than others.
In this article, we’ll delve into the most common causes of Monstera leaf growth issues and provide guidance on how to correct them.
So, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a newbie navigate the world of Monsteras, our guidance will prove valuable in helping your plant to grow new leaves and reach its full potential.
10 Things That Could Stop Your Monstera From Growing New Leaves
Let’s get straight to the point. Below are the top 10 most common reasons your Monstera might not be growing new leaves.
Inadequate Light
One of the most important factors for Monstera leaf growth is light. So, if your Monstera isn’t getting enough light, it won’t be able to photosynthesize properly and produce new leaves.
You might even notice that it becomes leggy, with long and thin stems and small, sparse leaves. Adjusting your Monstera’s light might be just what it needs!
So, what’s the ideal light for Monsteras?
Aim for bright but indirect light, such as near a south-facing or east-facing window. Don’t worry if the light is too strong – a sheer curtain or a blind can help diffuse the light and prevent sunburn.
Overwatering Or Underwatering
Another common cause of Monstera leaf growth problems is watering.
Overwatering
If you’re giving your Monstera too much water, you might notice yellow or brown leaves that are soft and mushy. Does your plant also droop, wilt, and have a foul smell?
These are signs of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Root rot is a serious and often fatal condition that affects the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Underwatering
On the other hand, if your Monstera isn’t getting enough water, it may develop crispy or dry leaves that are brown or yellow at the edges.
Do you see your plant curling, drooping, and experiencing stunted growth? This could signal underwatering.
Underwatering can also cause the soil to become compacted and hard, reducing air circulation and water retention.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Monsteras are not heavy feeders, but they do need some nutrients to grow healthy and produce new leaves. The most important nutrients for Monsteras are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
As a result, if your Monstera is deficient in any of these nutrients, it may show signs of poor growth, such as small, pale, or deformed leaves, slow or no new leaf production, or leaf drop.
The ideal fertilizer for Monsteras is a balanced one, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula, that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can also use a fertilizer that is specially formulated for tropical plants, such as a 15-5-10 or a 20-10-20 formula, that has a higher ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium.
A general rule of thumb is to fertilize your Monstera once a month during the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, and once every two months during the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant or slow-growing.
Pest Infestations
Pest infestations could also be one of the reasons your Monstera isn’t growing new leaves. These little critters feed on your plant’s sap and damage its tissues, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of the leaves.
So, what can you do to prevent these unwelcome guests? Here’s a handy little checklist for you:
- Inspect your Monstera. Be a detective, and look for signs of pests like their eggs, webs, or honeydew. If you find any, it’s time for action!
- Keep it clean. Make sure your plant is dust-free and well-groomed. A clean plant is a happy plant!
- Avoid overwatering or overcrowding. Pests love moist and cramped conditions, so make sure your Monstera has its space and doesn’t sit in overly wet soil.
- Isolate if needed. If you discover pests, promptly put your plant in its own space away from others. You don’t want those pests spreading!
- Fight back! Use a suitable insecticide, neem oil, or a homemade solution of water, soap, and alcohol to combat the invaders. Show them who’s boss!
Pot Size
Pot size plays a crucial role in the growth of your Monstera plant. If the roots are cramped or circling around the pot, they won’t be able to support the growth of the plant, and your plant might become stressed and stunted.
So, what can you do to avoid this problem? Simple, you should consider repotting your Monstera every 1-2 years or when you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes or the soil surface.
Choose a pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the previous one, and use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
After repotting, water your plant thoroughly and find a bright and warm spot for it to thrive.
Temperature Stress
As you know, Monstera plants are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where they grow in warm and humid environments. They’re not very tolerant of extreme temperatures, especially cold and frost.
So, if your Monstera is exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C), it will suffer from temperature stress and stop growing new leaves.
Don’t worry, though! Protecting your Monstera from temperature stress is quite feasible. Just keep it indoors in a room that has a consistent temperature range of 65-85°F (18-29°C).
Be mindful of where you place your plant – avoid drafty windows, doors, air conditioners, heaters, or radiators.
Lack Of Humidity
As a rainforest native, your Monstera thrives in a humid environment, ideally between 60-80% humidity. Unfortunately, average indoor humidity levels range from 30-50%, which can hinder your plant’s growth.
If your Monstera isn’t getting enough humidity, it might struggle to grow new leaves or develop the gorgeous holes and splits that make this plant so popular.
To help your Monstera flourish, try these humidity-boosting tips:
- Use a humidifier
- Create a pebble tray
- Mist your Monstera
- Group your plants together
- Choose the right room
Improper Pruning
While pruning your Monstera is a great way to keep it healthy and manageable, doing it incorrectly can hinder its growth.
Pruning the right way: Using sharp and sterilized scissors or pruners is essential for a clean cut. Make sure to cut just above a node or a leaf axil to minimize damage.
The following are some important guidelines to remember while pruning your Monstera:
- Avoid pruning more than 20-25% of the plant at a time.
- Leave some healthy leaves and stems intact, as they’ll support new growth.
- Don’t forget that you can propagate the cuttings and grow new Monstera plants from them.
Here’s a dedicated article on this topic: When, why, and how to prune Monstera plants?
Disease
Although Monstera plants are generally resistant to most diseases, they can still suffer from some fungal, bacterial, or viral pathogens. These pesky diseases can spread quickly, affecting the overall health and growth of your beloved plant.
Now, to prevent and treat diseases in your Monstera, it’s critical to focus on maintaining good hygiene and sanitation around your plant. Here are some quick tips:
- Avoid overwatering, underwatering, or overfertilizing your plant – these can create favorable conditions for pathogens to thrive
- Inspect your plant regularly for any signs of disease
- Remove any infected or dead parts as soon as possible
- Apply fungicides, bactericides, or antivirals to your plant, depending on the type and severity of the disease
Always stay vigilant and maintain a healthy environment for your plant.
