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Monstera Signs of Distress (& When Not to Stress)

ALL ABOUT MONSTERA PLANT CARE

Monsteras are some of the most iconic houseplants out there. The lush, Swiss cheese-like leaves instantly elevate any space. But even these hardy beauties can sometimes show signs of distress. 

The good news? With the right care, they’ll bounce right back (even if it’s hard to believe in the moment!) 

Let’s break down some common signs of stress, why they happen, and what you can do to get your Monstera plant thriving again.

“Something looks off with my plant. How do I know my Monstera is stressed?”

SIGNS OF HARD TIMES FOR MONSTERA PLANTS: A CHEAT SHEET

1. Leaf Burn

What to look for: Brown, crispy edges on the leaves, especially on the variegated areas. If you’ve noticed this, your Monstera might be getting a little too much direct sunlight.

The fix: Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. Monsteras love light, but too much direct sun will scorch their delicate leaves. Trim away the burnt edges to encourage new, healthy growth.

2. Yellowing Leaves

What to look for: Leaves turning yellow, especially the older ones at the base.  

The cause: Overwatering. Monsteras don’t like sitting in soggy soil, and too much water can lead to root rot!

The fix: Let the soil dry out before watering again. Make sure your pot has proper drainage, and consider switching to a well-draining soil mix. Remove any yellowing leaves to allow the plant to focus on new, healthy growth.

3. Discoloration (Brown or White Spots)

What to look for: We get asked all the time: “Is my plant sick? I see spots!” Good news: no! Patches or spots on the leaves, commonly brown or white, could be an easy-to-fix fungal issue caused by overwatering or poor air circulation.

The fix: Cut back on watering and make sure your Monstera has plenty of space to breathe. First, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust-free. 

If the problem persists, treat the plant with a natural fungicide.

4. Drooping or Wilting

What to look for: Limp, drooping leaves that are curling over or look sad and lifeless.  

The cause: Underwatering or temperature stress. Monsteras are sensitive to cold drafts and dry conditions! They are a tropical plant, after all.

The fix: Start a watering schedule. Put a recurring calendar reminder in your phone to check the soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure your plant is away from cold drafts or direct blasts of heat. Keeping it in a stable, warm environment will help perk it back up.

“Okay, my Monstera Thai has a few of these. What do I do?”

Before we offer tips to cure your plant, check out these could-be-confusing signs of life (not stress):

New leaves: The Monstera leaves unfurl when they first emerge. They will appear coiled – but it’s not a sign of distress! The new leaves are also a lighter shade of green than the mature leaves. 

Darker roots: The roots on the Monstera are naturally brown. Since the plant is an aroid, the nodes may stick out above the soil from time to time. Rest assured, the roots are not rotted, and they may show from the stem of the plant. It’s due to it being a vining type!

DON’T STRESS: 4 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR MONSTERA BACK TO HEALTH

  • First, check the light!

Monsteras need bright, indirect light. If your plant’s been getting too much sun, move it to a slightly shadier spot. Not enough light? Try placing it near a window with filtered sunlight—Monsteras are all about balance. If you’re noticing any leaf burn or slow growth, your plant might need a new spot. Not too much sun, but not too dark either.

  • When you need to water, do so very mindfully.

Monsteras prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Test it with your finger in the soil about an inch — if it feels dry, it’s time to water! But don’t let your plant sit in water. Good drainage is key. Always let the water drain through the pot to prevent root rot.

  • Try a thing or two to elevate the humidity.

Monsteras are tropical plants, so they thrive in humidity. If your home is on the dry side, consider setting up a humidifier. Monsteras love a bit of moisture. You could even try a pebble tray filled with water to help mimic the tropical environment they crave.

  • It’s trimming time. Prune off the damaged leaves.

We promise, your Monstera is NOT on the verge of death if you see a little yellow. If it shows signs of discoloration, all it needs is a little attention. Yellow or brown leaves won’t return to their original color, so go ahead and prune these parts off. 

This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth! 

Is there anything better than an unexpected sprout of new life on your plant? We think not.

“Ugh. I’ve tried everything. What gives?”

WE GOT YOU! HERE’S WHY YOUR MONSTERA WILL BOUNCE BACK.

Monsteras are tough. With the right care, they’re quick to recover and will reward you with stunning new leaves in no time. Whether it’s yellowing, leaf burn, or a little discoloration, keep in mind: your Monstera has been through worse in the wild. It will thrive again if given proper love with the tips above.

Even the healthiest plants can show signs of stress now and then.

The key is regular care, mindful watering, and finding the perfect balance of light and humidity

If your Monstera is showing a few battle scars, don’t worry. It’s more resilient than you think. 

Give it time, and you’ll be seeing fresh, glossy leaves unfurling before you know it.

For more care tips and other greenery essentials, check out our plant collections or explore articles for more green-living inspiration. Your home (and your plants) will thank you!

Get growing,

The Sun Grove Care Team