Monstera Leaves Curling: 15 Potential Reasons and How to Fix Them

Curling Monstera leaves got you scratching your head and furrowing your brow? Welcome to the club of Monstera maniacs dealing with this all-too-common drama.

We’ve identified 15 potential causes, ranging from underwatering and overwatering (a tricky balance to maintain) to light issues and unwelcome pests, along with some less obvious factors.

Understanding the root causes is crucial to addressing the problem. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tips needed to smooth out those leaves, restoring the plant’s iconic look

Underwatering

Underwatering is a real drama for these tropical stars, leading to some serious leaf-curling action. When your Monstera doesn’t get enough to drink, it conserves moisture by curling up its leaves. It’s a clever little survival trick, but not great for leaf health.

Dry Spell Signs

• Soil looks as dry as a desert? That’s a big red flag.
• Brown, crispy leaf tips? Your Monstera is screaming “I’m too thirsty!”
• Limp stems? It’s definitely not doing the limbo for fun.

Thirst-Quenching Fixes

• Poke your finger in the soil. If it’s dry past your first knuckle, it’s watering time!
• Don’t just sprinkle water like you’re seasoning a salad—give it a good soak.
• Could self-watering pots be your new BFF? They might just prevent over- and underwatering mishaps.

Overwatering

In contrast, your Monstera might be signaling, ‘Hey, ease up on the H2O!’ Yes, you guessed it—I’m referring to overwatering, a common faux pas in the plant parenting world.

When you love your plants a tad too much and drench them in water, their leaves may start curling and turning yellow. Think of it as their way of throwing a tiny green tantrum. Curling leaves are a sign that they’re not getting enough oxygen, while yellowing could be them saying, “I can’t breathe!”

Wondering if you’ve turned your Monstera’s home into a swamp? Look for:

• Soggy soil: It shouldn’t feel like a wet sponge for days on end.
• Root rot: A silent plant killer, check for brown, mushy roots.
• Fungal gnats: These little critters love a moist environment.

Now, to prevent your green buddy from going belly-up in a pool of water, here’s what you can do:

• Water less frequently. Let the soil dry out a bit between watering.
• Ensure there’s good drainage. Make friends with perlite or sand to help excess water escape.
• Is the damage done? Sometimes a little repotting might be in order.

Repotting Tutorial:

1. Gently take your plant out of its pot.
2. Wash away some of the soil to get a good look at the roots.
3. Trim off the brown, mushy parts.
4. Choose a new pot with drainage holes and fresh, well-draining soil.
5. Repot and water sparingly to start a new, less soggy chapter.

Light Issue

Excessive light makes them throw a fit, with leaves curling as if they’re trying to hide from the spotlight. On the flip side, dim lighting has them stretching out, getting all lanky and forlorn, as if in search of a stray ray of sunshine.

Let’s figure this out.

Seeing the Signs:

• Sunburn: Have you spotted any crispy, brown patches? That’s sunburn, buddy.
• Bleaching: A Monstera looking paler than a ghost? It might be bleaching caused by too much direct sun.
• Legginess: Your plant’s doing an awkward pole-vault impression? It’s reaching for more light!

Fixing the Flux: Monsteras are like Goldilocks, they don’t want too much or too little light; they want it just right. If your pad can’t offer natural goods, consider artificial lighting.

Let There Be Light (Artificially):

Type of Light	Description	Monstera Suitability
LED Lights	Energy-efficient, low heat, long-lasting.	A solid choice; like a cool, consistent breeze on a hot day.
Fluorescent	Bright, evenly distributed light.	The classic grow light; reliable like an old friend.
Incandescents	Not energy-efficient, more heat.	Think of them as the acquaintances you see rarely; not great for close company.

Changes In Temperature

When your Monstera’s leaves start to curl, it might just be throwing a tantrum over the room temperature. Sudden drops or spikes in temperature can really ruffle its leaves.

Signs of temperature stress:

• Curling Leaves: Leaning in towards the heat? Your plant might be trying to say, “I’m freezing!”
• Dropping Leaves: A bit like dropping hints, except more direct and, well, leafy.
• Brown Spots: Not the latest trend in leaf decor, but a sign your Monstera is cooking… and not in a good way.

How to make peace with your fussy Monstera and avoid the cold shoulder or a heat wave?

• Keep it away from drafts, heaters, or AC vents; think of it like avoiding a bad seat at a restaurant.
• Strive for a steady temperature between 18-30°C (64-86°F); because nobody likes highs and lows, especially your Monstera.

Since not all Monsteras are made the same, check out this handy table for the ideal temperatures for different types:

Monstera Type	Ideal Temperature Range (°C)	Ideal Temperature Range (°F)
Monstera Deliciosa	20 – 30	68 – 86
Monstera Adansonii	18 – 27	65 – 81
Monstera Dubia	18 – 27	65 – 80
Monstera Siltepecana	18 – 24	64 – 75

Low Humidity

Low humidity is another common reason. Let’s unwrap this crunchy conundrum.

• First, those leaves curling tighter than a yoga pose? A classic SOS for moisture in the air.
• Then, brown spots? Yep, those are like the unwanted freckles saying, “Hey, hydrate me!”
• And, the real kicker—dry air, as cozy as it is for us, it’s a desert storm for your leafy friend.

Banish those crispy edges with a few simple tweaks:

1. Misting Magic: Channel your inner rainforest by giving your Monstera a gentle spritz. Get into a routine! Like brushing teeth, but for plants (once every couple of days should do).
2. Humidifier Heroes: Invest in a gadget that puffs out moisture like a steamy kettle. Bonus—it’s good for your skin too!
3. Plant Parties: Place your plants closer; they love company and share humidity like juicy gossip.

Wondering which humidifier is the best +1 for your Monstera? Look for one with:

• Variable settings (because variety is the spice of life)
• A large enough water tank (so you’re not refilling it more than you check your phone)
• The ability to double as a diffuser (who doesn’t love a multi-tasker?)

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is like the protein shake for your Monstera; without it, leaves may start to curl and yellow, especially the older ones. It’s like the plant world’s version of going gray early!

Signs of Nitrogen Deficiency:

• Yellowing older leaves: Leaves at the bottom yellower than a rubber ducky? Check.
• Reduced growth: Is your plant growing slower than a snail’s pace? Uh-oh.
• Weak stems: Feels like your Monstera’s been skipping leg day? Might be low on nitrogen.

You’re in luck, though, because this is fixable! Here’s what you can do:

1. Beef it up with fertilizer: A nitrogen-rich fertilizer is like a buffet for your Monstera; the plant equivalent of an all-you-can-eat.
2. Organic matter is your friend: Compost or manure? It’s like giving your plant a home-cooked meal versus fast food – way better in the long run.
3. Foliar spray to the rescue: Imagine giving your plant a spa day with a nutrient mist. Pure bliss!

Phosphorus Deficiency

If your Monstera’s leaves start to look more like a crinkle-cut chip, it might be whispering (okay, plants don’t talk, but you get it), “I need phosphorus!”

Phosphorus is like the plant version of a power-up. Without it, your Monstera might show some funky signs, like:

• Purple veins on leaves, because who doesn’t like a splash of color? Except when it’s a cry for help.
• Dark spots that no amount of beauty sleep can fix.
• Leaf drop, and not the fun autumn kind.

To keep your Monstera from going all dramatic, here’s a fix-it guide:

1. Test the Soil: Your Monstera loves a good pH balance, just like a fancy pool. Dip your toes (I mean, a testing probe) into the soil and check if the pH is between 5.5 and 7.0. Too high or too low, and it’s time for an intervention.
2. Adjust the pH: If the soil’s pH is off, get your hands dirty! Literally. Add peat moss to lower the pH or limestone to raise it. The goal? A comfy spot where phosphorus can kick back and be absorbed.
3. Phosphorus-Rich Fertilizer: Treat your Monstera to a spa day with a fertilizer high in phosphorus. It’ll thank you with less drama.
4. Bone Meal to the Rescue: If organic is your jam, sprinkle some bone meal into the soil mix. It’s like a booster shot, but for dirt.

Potassium Deficiency

Potassium is an unsung hero in your Monstera’s diet. When this nutrient goes missing, leaves may start throwing a tantrum—and by that, I mean curling like a witch’s shoes. You might spot those once-luscious leaves browning at the edges.

Signs Your Plant is Craving Potassium:

• Leaf edges turning brown? Check.
• Tips curling up? Yup.
• Necrotic, or dead, spots? Oh no!

Wanna keep your Monstera in top form? Think of potassium as its gym membership. Here’s the workout plan:

• Flex with Fertilizer: Grab a potassium-packed fertilizer; this will have your green buddy feeling mighty again.
• Wood Ash Whizz: Mix a sprinkle of wood ash into the soil—voilà, a natural potassium kick.
• Banana Peel Brew: Speaking of natural, let’s do a quick DIY on that banana peel tea.

Banana Peel Tea Recipe:

1. Chop up that banana peel—don’t slip on it!
2. Drop the pieces in a jar and fill it with water.
3. Let it steep. We’re talking 24 to 48 hours of patience.
4. Remove the peels and pour this potassium potion at the base of your plant.

Overfed With Fertilizers

Another thing that your Monstera might be trying to tell yo is that you’ve been a little too generous with the fertilizer.

Signs Your Monstera Is Overdosing on Nutrients:

• Brown tips on leaves: They aren’t trying to start a new trend; they’re stressed!
• A crusty salt buildup: Looks like winter salt on your sidewalk, but it’s on your soil.
• Leaves dropping faster than beats at a dance party: Too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

Preventing the Fertilizer Fiasco:

• Less is more: Literally. Cut down on the amount; follow the less-is-more mantra.
• Water first, fertilize second: Like having a snack before a meal, it’ll thank you later.
• Flush out the excess: Imagine giving your soil a spa day, rinsing away all its worries.

So You Overdid It, Now What?

1. Stop the fertilizer feed: Give it a break.
2. Flush the soil: Run water through for a few minutes.
3. Give it some TLC: Monitor and love it back to health, sing to it if you must (just maybe not opera).

Poor Drainage

Another potential reason for the curly party is poor drainage. Imagine wearing wet socks all day. Your feet would be pretty upset, right? That’s how your Monstera feels with soggy roots.

Signs of Poor Drainage:

• Waterlogged Soil: It’s like a swamp down there! After watering, if the water sits on the surface and throws a pool party without disappearing, that’s a bad sign.
• Root Rot: When roots get too soggy, they start to decay. It’s like zombie roots, and nobody wants that!
• Fungal Gnats: These little buggers love a moist environment. If you see them flying around your plant, it’s likely the soil is too wet.

Solutions to Dance Away from Poor Drainage:

• Well-Draining Potting Mix: Swap out that heavy, water-retaining soil for something light and airy. This mix should be like a good dance floor, letting water pass through smoothly.
• Percussive Perlite or Vivacious Vermiculite: Add these to your potting mix for extra drainage. They’re like the VIP guests that make the party better.
• Pot with Drainage Holes: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. It’s like opening the exit doors after the party is over—important for clearing out!

Top Picks for Monstera Mix & Pots:

• Potting Mixes: Aim for mixes marketed for aroids or those containing peat, pine bark, and charcoal.
• Pots: Ceramic or terracotta with holes at the bottom are your best bet for plant health, much like how a comfortable pair of shoes can save your evening.

Compacted Soil

Compacted soil might also be playing the sneaky villain here. It’s like a tight hug for roots – too tight, actually, cutting off the essential air and water they crave.

Signs of Compacted Soil:

• Your soil feels as hard as yesterday’s baguette.
• Water takes forever to drain, like a slow elevator.
• Roots looking more beaten up than a boxer’s punching bag.

So, what can you do?

• Loosen up: Use a chopstick or a fork to gently loosen the soil’s top layer.
• Get some air in there: Like fluffing a pillow, aerating helps the roots get their groove back.
• Consider a new home: If it’s real bad, then a fresh pot with airy soil might be your Monstera’s next apartment.

Aeration Tutorial:

1. Gently insert a chopstick or similar tool into the soil.
2. Wiggle it around to create space without going full-on cake mixer.
3. Repeat around the pot, like you’re making an invisible dotted line.
4. Give your plant a good water and whisper sweet nothings about growth and prosperity.

Pests

Ever had uninvited guests at a party? Well, pests are the Monstera’s crashers, and boy, do they know how to throw a leaf curling shindig.

To keep your Monstera pest-free, consider yourself the bouncer. Check your plant regularly — especially the underside of leaves — for gatecrashers. A good spray down with neem oil should send most pests packing. Alternatively, turning to nature’s pest control by inviting beneficial insects, like ladybugs, could be your eco-friendly strike force.

Here’s a quick-hit list of usual suspects and how to show them the door:

• Spider Mites: Rinse leaves with water or use insecticidal soap.
• Aphids: A blast of water or application of neem oil does the trick.
• Mealybugs: Dab with alcohol using a cotton swab.
• Scale: Pry them off and follow up with horticultural oil.

Prevent the pest party from ever starting — quarantine new plants and be vigilant. Your Monstera will thank you by flourishing pest-free. Keep it leafy, keep it cheeky, and remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Curling leaves might signal they’re under attack, thanks to uninvited guests: fungal and bacterial infections.

Signs to Spot:

• Black spots: A classic telltale of trouble.
• Yellow halos: Like unwanted auras around the black spots.
• Mushy stems: Giving you the ‘ew’ feeling when you touch them?

Cookie-Cutter Prevention Tips:

• Keep it clean: Make sure your Monstera’s leaves are free of any debris.
• Airflow’s your pal: Improving air circulation works wonders.
• Sunlight: Ensure your green buddy gets the right amount of sunshine.

Caught an infection red-handed? Here’s your game plan:

1. Remove the sickly bits: Yes, get those scissors out!
2. Fungicide/Bactericide: A dash of these potions can save the day.

Common Culprits and Shield Spells:

• Root rot: Keep that watering can in check; overwatering is a no-no.
• Powdery mildew: Humidity’s the culprit. Set those fans on it!
• Leaf spot disease: You guessed it; cleanliness is next to Monstera healthiness.

New Leaves

New leaves often take a little time to get comfortable in their new home—your plant, that is. They can start off with a more rolled shape, sort of like they’re just waking up from a cozy nap. Their color? A tad lighter than their older siblings—they’re the fresh faces in the foliage family.

You might even see a protective sheath hugging them, which is basically nature’s version of bubble wrap. It’s their personal bodyguard against the world until they’re ready to take it on full-sized!

To make sure they’re living their best leaf life, here are some roommate rules to abide by:

• Adequate Light
• Just Right Humidity
• Nutrient Necessities
• Hands Off the Goods
• Stable Surroundings

Those newbie leaves are trying to find their place in the plant world. With a smidge of TLC from you and a dash of patience, they’ll unfurl into the stunning greenery we all love.