Monstera plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
They are a popular houseplant because they are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Like all plants, Monstera plants need water to survive. However, too much or too little water can be detrimental to their health.
Underwatered Monstera plants are a common problem among gardeners.
If you think your Monstera plant is underwater, you can do a few things to help it recover.
This guide will show you how to identify, treat and prevent an underwatered Monstera.
What Are the Risks of Underwatering a Monstera Plant?
Monstera plants are popular houseplants because they are relatively easy to care for.
However, like all plants, they need the right amount of water to survive.
Too much or too little water can be detrimental to their health.
Underwatering a Monstera plant can cause several problems.
These problems include:
The Plant May Stop Growing
When a plant doesn’t have enough water, it will stop growing.
This is because the plant cannot get the nutrients it needs from the soil.
The Roots May Rot
If the roots of a plant don’t have enough water, they will start to rot.
This is because the roots need water to absorb nutrients from the soil.
When the roots rot, it can cause the plant to become sick and die.
The Plant May Become Susceptible to Pests and Diseases
Underwatered plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases.
This is because the plant cannot fight off pests and diseases when stressed.
Common pests and diseases that can affect an underwatered Monstera plant include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
The Plant May Become Stunted
If a plant doesn’t have enough water, it will become stunted.
Stunted growth is when the plant doesn’t grow to its full potential.
This can happen if the plant’s roots are damaged or if the plant is not getting the nutrients it needs from the soil.
The Plant May Die
If a plant is underwatered for too long, it will eventually die.
This is because the plant will not be able to get the water and nutrients it needs to survive.
How Does Underwatering a Monstera Occur?
There are a few reasons why underwatering may occur.
Some of these reasons include:
Inadequate Watering Schedule
One of the most common reasons for underwatering is an inadequate watering schedule.
Monstera plants need to be watered about once a week.
However, the amount of water they need will vary depending on the size of the plant and the type of potting mix they are in.
For example, Monstera plants in a potting mix that drains well will need to be watered more often than those in a potting mix that doesn’t drain well.
Insufficient Drainage
Another common reason for underwatering is insufficient drainage.
Monstera plants need a potting mix that drains well.
If the potting mix doesn’t drain well, the plant’s roots will sit in water and start to rot.
When the roots rot, the plant will not be able to get the water and nutrients it needs.
Hot Weather
Hot weather can also cause underwatering.
During hot weather, indoor plants will use more water than usual.
This means that they will need to be watered more often.
Poor Root System
A plant may also be underwatered if it has a poor root system.
The roots of a plant are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
If the roots are damaged, the plant will not be able to get the water and nutrients it needs.
This can be caused by several things, including plant pests and diseases.
Wrong Soil Type
The wrong soil type can cause your Monstera to become underwatered.
If the soil is too dense, it will not allow water to penetrate the root system, and the plant will become dehydrated.
The best soil for a Monstera is a light and airy potting mix that drains well.
Too Much Sun
Too much sun can also cause a plant to become underwatered.
Plants need sunlight to grow, but too much sunlight can cause the plant to lose water faster than it can replace it.
This can happen if the plant is in direct sunlight for too long or if the temperature is too hot.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Is Underwatered
The first step in knowing how to treat an underwatered Monstera is understanding how to identify the problem.
There are a few key things to look for when trying to determine if your Monstera is suffering from underwatering:
Signs of an Underwatered Monstera
Below are the most common signs of an underwatered Monstera:
1. Yellow Leaves
Monstera leaves are usually a deep green color.
When you observe Monstera leaves taking on a yellow hue, it indicates that your plant isn’t receiving sufficient water.
When you have yellow Monstera leaves, it is a sign that the plant is stressed and cannot take up enough water to support its growth.
2. Drooping Leaves
Another common sign of an underwatered Monstera is drooping leaves.
When the plant does not have enough water, the Monstera leaves will droop down because they are not getting the support they need.
3. Dry Soil
One of the best ways to tell if your Monstera is underwatered is to check the soil.
If the soil is dry to the touch, likely, your plant is not getting enough water.
The best way to water Monstera plants is to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
This will ensure that your plant gets the water it needs without being overwatered.
4. Brown Spots on Leaves
Brown spots on the leaves of your Monstera are another common sign of an underwatered plant.
These spots are caused by the leaves not getting enough water, which causes them to start to brown and dry out.
When Monstera plants go through a period of drought, they will often develop these brown spots.
5. Slow Growth
If you notice that your Monstera is not growing as quickly as it usually does, this is another sign that it is not getting enough water.
When a plant doesn’t receive enough water, its growth will slow down as the plant conserves its energy.
This is a sure sign that your Monstera is underwatered.
6. Curling Leaves
Another sign of an underwatered Monstera is curling leaves.
When the plant does not have enough water, the Monstera leaves will start to curl up as a way to conserve moisture.
This is a sure sign that your plant is not getting enough water.
7. Dry or Brittle Leaves
If your plant’s leaves are dry or brittle, this is another sign that your Monstera is not getting enough water.
The Monstera leaves will feel papery to the touch and may even be starting to crumble.
This is a sure sign that your plant is suffering from dehydration.
8. Wilting Leaves
Wilting leaves is another common sign of an underwatered Monstera.
When a plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will droop and look limp.
This is because the plant cannot transport water from the roots to the leaves, causing the leaves to wilt.
9. Leaf Drop
If you notice that your Monstera is losing leaves, this is a sure sign that it is not getting enough water.
When a plant is stressed from lack of water, it will often shed its leaves as a way to conserve energy.
10. Stems Are Soft or Limp
Another sign of underwatering is when the plant’s stems become soft or limp.
This is because the plant is not getting enough water to support its weight, and the stems cannot hold up the leaves.
When stems are soft or limp, it is a sure sign that your Monstera is not getting enough water.
11. Overall Unhealthy Appearance
If your Monstera looks overall unhealthy, this is a sign that it is not getting the water it needs.
The leaves will be droopy, the stems will be weak, and the plant will generally look sickly.
If you see these signs, it’s time to give your Monstera a good watering.
How To Save an Underwatered Monstera
If you think your Monstera is underwatered, you can do a few things to save it.
1. Water Deeply and Thoroughly
When you water your Monstera, make sure to water it deeply and thoroughly.
Allow the water to reach the plant’s roots so that it can take up the moisture it needs.
Let the water soak into the soil until it is saturated.
2. Give Your Plant a Good Soak
If your plant is dried out, you may need to give it a good soak.
Place your Monstera in a sink or tub and water it until the excess water starts to run out of the bottom of the pot.
Allow the plant to soak for about 30 minutes so that it can take up as much water as possible.
3. Use a Humidity Tray
If your home is dry, you may want to use a humidity tray to help increase the moisture around your plant.
To do this, fill a tray with water and place your plant on top of the water.
The evaporation from the water will help increase the humidity around your plant and help it take up water.
4. Mist Your Plant
Misting your Monstera plant with water is a great way to increase the humidity around it and help it to take up moisture.
Fill a spray bottle with water and mist your plant daily.
Be sure not to mist the leaves too much, as this can cause them to rot.
5. Move Your Plant to a More Humid Location
If your home is dry, you may want to consider moving your Monstera to a more humid location.
This could be a bathroom or kitchen, or even outside if the weather is right.
By moving your plant to a more humid environment, you will help it to take up water and stay healthy.
6. Check Your Soil
Make sure that your soil is well-draining and not compacted.
If the soil is too dense, it won’t allow the roots to take up water properly.
If you suspect that your soil is too dense, you can add some perlite or vermiculite to help improve drainage.
7. Repot Your Plant
If your plant is really stressed from lack of water, you may need to transplant it into a pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
This will give the roots a chance to take up water and help the plant recover.
8. Be Patient
It may take a while for your plant to recover from being underwatered.
Be patient and continue to care for it properly.
With time and care, your plant will eventually recover. It can take weeks or even months for a plant to fully recover from being underwatered, so be patient.
How To Prevent Underwatering a Monstera Plant
Underwatering a Monstera plant is one of the most common problems gardeners face.
While this problem is not as severe as other plant problems, it can still lead to the death of your plant if left untreated.
There are several ways to prevent underwatering a Monstera plant.
1. Water Your Plant Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent underwatering a Monstera plant is to water it regularly.
Ensure to check the soil before watering and only water when the soil is dry.
Depending on the size of your pot and the type of soil mix you use, you may need to water your Monstera plant every few days or once a week.
2. Use a Moisture Meter
A soil moisture meter is a great tool to prevent underwatering a Monstera plant.
A moisture meter will help you determine when the soil is dry and in need of water.
Using a moisture meter, you can make sure that you only water your plant when it needs it.
3. Use a Well-Draining Soil
Using a well-draining soil mix is another great way to prevent underwatering a Monstera plant.
Soils that drain well will help prevent the roots from sitting in water and becoming waterlogged.
Waterlogged roots can lead to the death of your plant.
4. Check the Drainage of Your Pot
Make sure that your pot has good drainage.
If the pot does not drain well, the roots may become waterlogged, and the plant may die.
To check your pot’s drainage, stick your finger into the soil.
If the soil is wet and mushy, the pot does not drain well, and you should find a new pot with drainage
holes.
5. Don’t Overwater Your Plant
While it is important to water your plant regularly, you should not overwater it.
An overwatered Monstera plant is just as susceptible to death as an underwatered one.
When watering Monstera plants, make sure to check the potting soil first.
Only water when the soil is dry.
By following these simple tips, you can prevent underwatering a Monstera plant and keep your indoor plant healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
Monstera care isn’t difficult, but it is essential to be mindful of the signs of underwatered Monstera.
By knowing what to look for, you can take steps to prevent underwatering and keep your plant healthy and thriving.
If you believe your plant is suffering from underwatering, check the potting soil first.
If it’s dry several inches down, it’s time to give your Monstera a good drink.
Water deeply and wait for the water to drain out the bottom of the pot before watering again.
Be sure to monitor your plant closely over the next few days and weeks, as it may take some time to recover from being underwatered.
With proper care, your Monstera should be back to its healthy self in no time!
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