Monstera plants are popular houseplants because they are relatively easy to care for and look great in any room.
However, even the most experienced plant parent may find themselves with a drooping Monstera.
If your Monstera leaves are drooping, there could be several reasons why.
This article will discuss seven possible causes of drooping Monstera leaves and what you can do to fix the problem.
Why Are My Monstera Leaves Drooping and How Can You Fix It?
Monstera care can be pretty straightforward. However, one issue you may encounter is drooping leaves.
This can happen for various reasons and is usually nothing to worry about.
There are 7 main reasons why your Monstera leaves may be drooping.
1. Not Enough Water
One of the most common problems with Monstera plants is that their leaves droop from lack of water.
This usually happens when the plant is not getting enough water, causing the leaves to lose moisture and become limp.
Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests, so they are accustomed to getting a lot of water.
When they are not getting enough, their leaves will start to droop to conserve water.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Needs Water
There are a few ways to tell if your Monstera needs water.
The first is to check the soil. If it is dry to the touch, then your plant needs water.
Another way to tell if a Monstera is underwatered is by looking at the leaves.
If they are wilting, yellowing, or drooping, this is usually a sign that the plant needs more water.
How To Treat a Monstera That Is Not Getting Enough Water
If you think your Monstera is not getting enough water, the best thing to do is to water it thoroughly.
Ensure to soak the potting soil until it is saturated and allow the excess water to drain away.
Monstera plants need to be watered about once a week, but this will vary depending on the plant’s size, potting mix, and room temperature.
It is important not to overwater your Monstera, so make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering again.
Once you have watered your plant, you should see an improvement in the leaves within a few days.
2. Too Much Water
While not getting enough water can cause Monstera leaves to droop, too much water can also be a problem.
Overwatering can be caused by watering too often, using a potting mix, or a pot that does not drain well.
If a plant’s roots sit in water for too long, they will start to rot, and the plant will begin to droop.
When the roots start to rot, they will not be able to absorb water and nutrients properly, which will cause the plant to suffer.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Is Getting Too Much Water
There are a few signs that your Monstera plant is overwatered.
The first is wilting or yellow leaves. If the Monstera leaves are turning yellow and falling off, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough oxygen.
Another sign of overwatering is root rot. If the roots are black or mushy, this is a sign that they are rotting.
You may also see mold or mildew on the potting soil mix or the plant leaves.
How To Treat a Monstera That Is Getting Too Much Water
If you think your Monstera is getting too much water, the best thing to do is to stop watering it for a while.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
It is also a good idea to repot the plant in fresh potting mix and a pot with better drainage.
If the roots are damaged, you may need to cut them back to healthy tissue.
3. Not Enough Light
Monstera leaves drooping is often a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
The leaves will start to grow smaller, and the stem will stretch out as it tries to reach for more light.
Monstera plants prefer bright indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sun.
However, too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Needs More Light
One way to tell if your Monstera needs more light is to check the leaves for signs of stress.
If the leaves are pale or have yellow spots, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
Another way to tell if your Monstera plant needs more light is to check the growth rate.
If the plant is growing slowly or produces small leaves, this is also a sign that it is not getting enough light.
How To Fix a Monstera That Needs More Light
If your Monstera needs more light, the best solution is to move it to a brighter location.
Make sure to do this gradually so the plant can adjust to the new light level.
A west- or east-facing window is a good option for Monstera plants. This will provide the plant with bright indirect light.
If you cannot provide your Monstera plant with enough light, you can also try using grow lights.
Grow lights are a great way to give your Monstera the extra light it needs to thrive.
4. Low Humidity
Monstera plants come from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, so they prefer high humidity.
If the air in your home is too dry, it can cause the leaves of your Monstera to droop.
A dry environment will cause the leaves to lose water faster than they can take it in, which will cause the plant to suffer.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Needs More Humidity
There are a few signs that your droopy Monstera plant needs more humidity.
One is brown tips on the leaves. This is caused by the leaves losing too much water.
Another sign is wilting leaves. If the Monstera leaves are curling or drooping, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough moisture.
Low humidity can also cause the leaves to grow small and stunted.
How To Fix a Monstera That Needs More Humidity
If your Monstera plant needs more humidity, you can do a few things.
One is to mist the plant regularly. This will help to increase the moisture in the air around the plant.
You can also try placing the plant on a pebble tray. This tray filled with water and pebbles will help increase the humidity around the plant.
Another option is to use a humidifier. This will help to raise the overall humidity in your home.
You can also group your Monstera with other plants. This will create a mini-greenhouse effect and increase the humidity around the plants.
5. Temperature Stress
One of the most common problems with Monstera plants is temperature stress.
This can manifest in various ways, but one of the most noticeable is drooping leaves.
The leaves of a healthy Monstera plant should be firm and upright, but when the plant is stressed, they will begin to droop and sag.
High and low temperatures can cause temperature stress, but sudden changes most commonly cause it.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Is Stressed by Temperature
One way to tell if your Monstera plant is stressed by temperature is to check the leaves.
If the leaves are wilting or drooping, this is a sign that the plant is not happy with the temperature.
Another way to tell if your Monstera is stressed by temperature is to check the growth rate.
If the plant is growing slowly or produces small leaves, this is also a sign that it is not happy with the temperature.
How To Fix a Monstera That Is Stressed by Temperature
If your Monstera plant is stressed by temperature, the best thing you can do is try to stabilize the temperature.
This means avoiding sudden changes in temperature and keeping the plant in an area between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also try using a humidifier to help keep the air around the plant moist.
Keep your Monstera plant away from drafts and heat sources, which can also cause stress.
It will be much happier if you can provide your plant with a consistent temperature.
6. Pests or Diseases
Pests and diseases are other common problems that can cause Monstera leaves to droop.
One of the most common pest that affects Monstera plants is scale. This tiny insect sucks the sap out of the plant, causing it to become weak and stressed.
Mealybugs are another type of pest that can infest Monstera plants. These are small, white insects that feed on the plant’s sap.
Diseases can also cause Monstera droopy leaves.
One of the most common is bacterial leaf spot. This bacteria attacks the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn black and eventually drop off.
Fungal diseases can also cause the leaves of your Monstera to droop. One of the most common is powdery mildew. This is a white, powdery fungus that thrives in dry conditions.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Has Pests or Diseases
One way to tell if your droopy Monstera has pests or diseases is to check the leaves.
If you see any small insects or white powder on the leaves, this is a sign that something is wrong.
Another way to tell if your Monstera has pests or diseases is to check the leaves for signs of damage.
If the Monstera leaves are turning black, yellow, or brown, this is a sign that they are being attacked by something.
How To Fix a Monstera With Pests or Diseases
If your Monstera plant has pests or diseases, the best thing you can do is to treat it with a natural pesticide or fungicide.
Neem oil is an excellent option for treating pests and is safe for humans and animals.
For diseases, you can try using a copper fungicide. This will help to kill the fungus and prevent it from spreading.
You can also try to remove the pests by hand.
If you see any small insects on the leaves, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
7. Transplant Shock
Transplant shock is another common problem that can cause Monstera leaves to droop.
This is when the plant is moved from one pot to another or from one location to another.
The plant will undergo a period of adjustment as it tries to acclimate to its new environment.
During this time, the leaves may droop, or the plant may stop growing.
How To Tell If Your Monstera Is in Shock
One way to tell if your Monstera plant is in shock is to check the leaves.
If the leaves are wilting or drooping, this is a sign that the plant is not happy with its new environment.
The leaves will also turn yellow or brown if the plant is shocked.
Your Monstera will not look as vibrant as it did when you first got it.
How To Fix a Monstera That Is in Shock
If your Monstera is in shock, the best thing you can do is to give it time.
The plant will eventually acclimate to its new environment, and the leaves will return to normal.
In the meantime, you can try to help the plant by giving it a little extra water.
You can also try misting the leaves with water to help keep them from drying.
How To Prevent Your Monstera Leaves From Drooping
To prevent your Monstera leaves from drooping, you must provide the plant with the proper care.
Here are 7 tips on how to do so:
- Make sure that your plant is getting enough light. Monstera plants need bright indirect sunlight to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will start to droop.
- Water your plant regularly and evenly. Monstera plants need to be kept moist but not wet. If the plant is too dry, the leaves will droop.
- Make sure that the soil is well-draining. Monstera plants do not like to sit in wet, soggy soil. The roots will start to rot if the plant sits in water for too long.
- Do not fertilize too often. Monstera plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. Fertilizing once a month during the growing season is sufficient.
- Prune your plant regularly. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and prevents the Monstera plant from becoming leggy.
- Repot your plant every two to three years. Monstera plants need room to grow. Repotting helps refresh the soil and gives the plant more space to grow.
- Monitor the temperature and humidity levels. Monstera plants prefer warm, humid conditions. Keep the plant away from drafts and cold temperatures.
By following these tips, you can prevent your Monstera leaves from drooping.
Give your plant the proper care and attention it needs, and it will thrive.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants are beautiful tropical plants that make a great addition to any home.
These plants are relatively easy to care for, but they do need some special attention.
Ensure your plant has enough light, water, and fertilizer.
Prune the plant regularly and repot it every two to three years.
Monitor the temperature and humidity levels, to ensure that your plant is comfortable.
With the proper care, your Monstera plant will thrive, and the leaves will stay perky.
Thanks for reading!
