When you pour so much love, care and attention into your houseplants, it can be really upsetting to see issues arising. But even the most diligent plant parents come across some ill-health with their Monsteras – so don’t panic if you think you’ve done everything right in your plant care! Read everything you need to know about common Monstera problems and how to solve them!
A lot of common difficulties are due to slight imbalances in watering, sunlight or feed, and are therefore easily remedied. To give you a full guide to rectifying the most common Monstera problems, we’re answering frequently asked Monstera questions, giving you simple ways to bring your plant back to a clean bill of health.
The Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a popular houseplant admired for its large, showy leaves. While Monsteras are generally hardy plants, they can occasionally suffer from diseases, especially when in the baby or juvenile stage. In this guide, we’ll cover how to identify, treat, and prevent common Monstera diseases.
Signs of a Healthy Baby Monstera
- Bright green, stiff leaves
- New growth emerging from the central stem
- No discolored or curling leaves
- No visible pests on leaves or soil
- No foul odors from soil
- Drainage holes free of debris
Common Baby Monstera Diseases
Fungal Diseases
-
Leaf Spot – Small, circular brown spots on leaves caused by fungi. Can lead to defoliation.
-
Anthracnose – Irregular shaped brown/black lesions that spread Also causes stem rot
-
Powdery Mildew – White powdery coating on leaf surfaces blocking photosynthesis.
-
Root & Stem Rot – Dark lesions on roots and lower stem. Caused by overwatering
Bacterial & Viral Diseases
-
Bacterial Leaf Spot – Angular translucent spots that eventually turn brown. Can also cause crown rot.
-
Mosaic Virus – Distinctive mosaic mottling and curling of leaves caused by a plant virus.
Other Issues
-
Root Rot – mushy, discolored roots caused by overwatering.
-
Pests – Mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, & scale can all infest baby Monsteras.
-
Environmental Issues – Leaf scorch, chlorosis from improper lighting or temperatures.
Treating Baby Monstera Diseases
Prevent Spread of Infection
- Isolate diseased plants from healthy ones immediately.
- Sterilize pruning shears between each cut with rubbing alcohol.
- Remove and destroy badly infected leaves/stems.
Improve Air Circulation
- Space plants adequately to allow airflow between leaves.
- Use fans to keep air moving around plants.
- Avoid overcrowding plants on shelves or windowsills.
Maintain Proper Growing Conditions
- Ensure plant has bright indirect sunlight and adequate humidity.
- Water only when soil is partly dry to prevent overwatering diseases.
- Keep foliage dry using drip trays and pruning for airflow.
Treat with Fungicides/Bactericides
- For fungal issues, use bicarbonate or copper-based spray treatments.
- Bacterial diseases can be treated with botanical sprays containing clove oil or rosemary oil extracts.
- Always follow label directions carefully.
Control Pests
- Identify the pest infesting plants and use appropriate organic pesticide.
- Wash leaves with soap and water to control mites and mealybugs.
- Apply horticultural oils or neem oil for moderate infestations.
- Use yellow sticky traps to control flying pests like fungus gnats.
Improve Soil Conditions
- Repot plants in fresh, sterile, well-draining potting mix.
- Add compost or worm castings to improve drainage and nutrients.
- Let plants dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Preventing Baby Monstera Diseases
Purchase Healthy Plants
- Inspect new plants closely for signs of pests and diseases.
- Quarantine new plants away from existing collection for 2-4 weeks.
Provide Proper Care
- Water only when soil is partly dry.
- Keep in warm room with indirect sunlight.
- Maintain indoor humidity around 40-50%.
- Repot when roots outgrow container.
Keep Leaves Dry
- Water plants at soil level instead of from overhead.
- Space for adequate airflow between leaves.
- Prune congested growth to improve air circulation.
Practice Good Hygiene
- Disinfect tools between plants with diluted bleach solution.
- Remove fallen leaves and debris from soil surface.
- Avoid moving plants between different growing areas.
Apply Preventative Sprays
- Use copper fungicide spray weekly during disease-prone seasons.
- Horticultural oils help prevent fungal and bacterial issues from developing.
- Neem oil deters fungal diseases while controlling pests like mealybugs.
Catching Monstera problems early makes them much easier to treat. Inspect plants frequently for any signs of discoloration, wilting, spots, insects, or rot. Promptly isolate affected plants to prevent the spread of disease. With quick action, close monitoring, and proper care your baby Monstera can thrive for years to come!
Shopping Cart Item added to your cart
When you pour so much love, care and attention into your houseplants, it can be really upsetting to see issues arising. But even the most diligent plant parents come across some ill-health with their Monsteras – so don’t panic if you think you’ve done everything right in your plant care! Read everything you need to know about common Monstera problems and how to solve them!
A lot of common difficulties are due to slight imbalances in watering, sunlight or feed, and are therefore easily remedied. To give you a full guide to rectifying the most common Monstera problems, we’re answering frequently asked Monstera questions, giving you simple ways to bring your plant back to a clean bill of health.
Why are my Monstera’s leaves not splitting?
The Monstera plants that we all know and love are filled with fenestrations, which is why they have affectionately been named Swiss Cheese Plants.
If your leaves aren’t splitting, it could be for a number of reasons. Firstly, if you’re dealing with a young plant, it could simply be a case of being patient. Splits in leaves will generally occur in more mature plants, so when you first take on a fledgling, its heart-shaped leaves will likely remain intact for some time.
It could also be a sign, however, that your plant isn’t loving its home. Assess its sunlight and water levels, and adjust accordingly. You should then find that when your plant is happier, new leaves will grow – fenestrations and all.
How to identify and treat rust disease on monstera plants. Easy guide for beginners. #monsteraPlants
FAQ
How to cure diseased Monstera?
What’s wrong with my mini Monstera?
What does a sick Monstera look like?