Is your Swiss cheese plant turning yellow? Insufficient light or a sudden change in its growing conditions could cause your Monstera’s leaves to turn yellow. In addition, you might be watering your plant too much or too little.
To keep this beautiful tropical plant in prime health, learn what it needs to grow and how to care for it. Read our thorough guide on all the common problems and how to prevent them.
How to Fix Brown Tips on Your Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera adansonii, is loved for its large, heart-shaped leaves with signature holes that resemble Swiss cheese. However, brown tips on the leaves can be unsightly and concerning. What causes this issue and how can you fix it?
What Causes Brown Tips on Swiss Cheese Plants?
Overwatering is the most common culprit for brown tips on Swiss cheese plants These tropical plants prefer drier soil and can easily suffer from root rot if overwatered Water only when the top few inches of soil are dry,
Underwatering can also cause issues. While Swiss cheese plants don’t need constant moisture, leaving them too dry for too long can lead to brown crispy tips. Aim to water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry.
Too much or too little light are other factors. These plants need bright indirect light. Low light leads to brown tips while direct sun scorches the leaves.
Low humidity is problematic since Swiss cheese plants come from tropical climates. Use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase humidity around the plant.
Finally, buildup of salts, fluoride, or chlorine from tap water or overuse of chemical fertilizers can damage the tips over time Use distilled or filtered water if possible
How to Fix and Prevent Brown Tips
If brown tips do occur, remove damaged leaves. Then take action to prevent more issues.
Always check soil moisture before watering and adjust your schedule accordingly. Water less frequently if the plant is overwatered. Water more often if underwatering is the problem. Aim for moist but not soggy soil.
Move the Swiss cheese plant to a spot with proper lighting. Add a grow light if needed. Rotate the plant regularly so all sides get light exposure.
Use a humidifier and pebble tray to provide the high humidity these tropical plants prefer. Mist leaves occasionally for extra moisture.
Water with distilled, filtered, or rain water if possible to prevent buildup of chemicals. Use organic fertilizer at half strength a few times per year.
Repotting into fresh, well-draining soil annually will flush out any accumulated salts. Prune off any remaining brown tips to improve appearance.
With proper care, your Swiss cheese plant will thrive with lush green leaves. Monitor closely and adjust conditions at the first sign of any brown tips. Consistent care will keep this beauty healthy and prevent future issues.
About Swiss Cheese Plants
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) is a variety of Monstera, which also includes the trendy Monstera deliciosa and the rare Thai Constellation. Monsteras are jungle plants with large leaves, native to Central America. Because they originally come from areas with a tropical rainforest climate, these plants do best in warm temperatures and high humidity.
The leaves of Monstera adansonii are fenestrated, giving them the distinctive hole-filled look, reminiscent of cheese, which gave them their name. The Swiss cheese plant is amazingly decorative and looks great in hanging pots because of its trailing stems and remarkable leaves. You can also grow it upright and support it with a moss pole.
Why Does Monstera Adansonii Plant Have Holes in the Leaves?
The holes in the Swiss cheese plant’s leaves developed as an adaptive response to its tropical environment. They help rain and wind pass easily through its foliage without damaging the plant’s leaves. A recent study shows that the holes may also help the plant absorb more water since they act as a sieve that lets rainwater filter down to the forest floor instead of evaporating.
While holes or splits in the leaves, in the case of Monstera deliciosa, are natural for the Swiss cheese plants, they can suffer from various leaf issues if not taken care of properly. Some of these issues result in yellow, brown, black, or curled leaves.
HOUSEPLANT CARE TIPS | HOW TO CARE FOR MONSTERA ADANSONII SWISS CHEESE
FAQ
Why are the tips of my Swiss Cheese Plant leaves turning brown?
Brown edges on your plant’s leaves indicate that it’s not receiving enough water or is getting sunburned by direct sunlight. In both cases, you might want to change the location. If it’s too warm, water will evaporate quickly, while direct sun rays can burn the leaves.
What does an overwatered Swiss Cheese Plant look like?
Signs of Overwatering
Here are some signs that your Monstera might be sitting in more water than it likes: Leaves are wilting: Instead of perky and strong, the leaves might look sad and limp. Mushy stems: When you give the stems a gentle poke, they feel soft instead of firm.
Is my Swiss Cheese Plant getting too much sun?
Give your Monstera indirect, filtered light and avoid harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If the leaves become yellow, it’s usually a sign that the plant is getting too much sun.
How do you fix brown leaf tips?
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Improper Watering:Both overwatering and underwatering can cause brown tips.
- Overwatering: Leads to soggy soil and root rot, preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients and water.
- Underwatering: Causes leaves to dry out and brown.
- Overwatering: Leads to soggy soil and root rot, preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients and water.
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Low Humidity:Many houseplants thrive in humid environments, and dry air can lead to brown tips.
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Environmental Factors:
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can stress plants and cause browning.
- Light: Too much or too little light can also contribute to leaf tip browning.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients can weaken plants and make them susceptible to browning.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can stress plants and cause browning.
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Tap Water:Chlorine and fluoride in tap water can damage leaves and cause brown tips.