The hectic schedule of our busy life often makes it difficult to take care of our beloved Monstera. Even though Monstera Deliciosa is an easy-to-care houseplant, we often fail to give it the minimum care it needs to survive. If your plant struggles with minimum care for a long period, it will die consequently.
However, even if you are a responsible plant parent, your Monstera can die due to several reasons. Dehydration, extreme temperature, pests, root rot, etc. are some of the factors that can kill your adorable plant at any time. If you are a plant lover, there is nothing more disturbing than watching your beloved plant die.
Well, your Monstera is not going to die overnight. If the houseplant is not getting proper care, it will show signs. Drooping leaves and stem leaves turning brown or yellow, stunted growth, etc. are some of the major signs of danger you need to be careful about. Saving your Monstera from dying is not rocket science, as a well-thought-out to-do list and a little precaution can save a dying Monstera.
Whatever the reason is, if you want to save and revive your dying Monstera Deliciosa plant, you can do it with a few simple but useful steps. If you decided to not give up, here are the ways to save your dearest plant.
TL; DR
You can save a dying Monstera by identifying the signs of danger at the early stages. To help you Monstera heal and revive quickly, you have to fix issues like improper watering, pest infestation, inadequate light, root rot and temperature stress.
Table of Contents
Signs Your Monstera Is Dying:
A Monstera Deliciosa plant needs adequate water, humidity, light and temperature to live. The key reasons for which a Monstera plant can die are underwatering, pests, insufficient light and temperature stress. However, before the plant reaches a dangerous state, you should identify the symptoms.
Yellowing, brown, curling or drooping leaves are some of the major signs of danger. You must consider the situation alarming and take immediate measures to save your Monstera. Have a look at some symptoms of dying Monstera.
Yellow and Droopy Leaves:
Yellow and droopy monstera leaf is one of the most common signs of a problem. Excessive water and inefficient drainage system are some of the key reasons for the yellow and droopy leaves issue. Insufficient light and lack of nutrients can also invite yellowing and droopy leaf problems.
Leaves with Brown Margins:
If you notice that the margins of your Monstera’s leaves turn brown with time, you can hold dry soil and low humidity responsible for this. Tropical vines like Monstera Deliciosa need adequate humidity to live happily. If the level of humidity in your room is below 30%, your Monstera is going to suffer.
Sweating Plant:
Sweating is the early sign of damage and overwatering is the main cause behind the issue. A Monstera Deliciosa plant sweats when its soil becomes damp. Overwatering blocked drainage holes and poorly draining soils can make your Monstera seating.
Drooping Leaves and Stems:
Drooping leaves and stems are also a major sign of danger. The symptom indicates your Monstera is struggling for water. Low humidity and indoor heating can dehydrate the plant and invite drooping issues. If not dehydration, repotting and transplant shock can kill your dearest plant. Remember, Monstera Deliciosa is a climbing tropical vine, if it does not get the support to climb, it will droop.
Black or Brown Patches on Leaves:
Black or brown spots on the leaves are a clear indication of pest or fungal infestation. Damp soil makes the condition ideal for pest or fungal infestation and if not treated on time, fungal diseases can lead to death.
Stunted Growth:
Inadequate light and temperature and lack of nutrients can halt the growth of a Monstera plant and if the condition remains unchecked, your Monstera can die gradually.
Is it Possible to Save a Monstera Plant from Dying?
Yes, it is possible to save a Monstera plant from dying if you take immediate action after identifying the signs of danger. Remember, before your Monstera reaches the danger stage, it will give your many signs. As a plant parent, you have to read those signs and understand what they really mean.
With the right understanding and knowledge, if you can figure out what your Monstera needs at the moment, you can save your Monstera from dying. Monstera is a strong tropical vine and it can revive from adverse conditions.
However, if you are a new plant parent and do not know how to help your Monstera restore good health, here is a complete guide for you.
Read: How To Tell If Monstera Is Dying? Signs And Symptoms
How to Help a Dying Monstera Plant to Restore Good Health?
Bringing your Monstera back to life is a tricky but not a hard-to-do task. You can do it by making some changes to your care routine. And the best part is that you can do it on your own. Here, we are going to add some details on the most possible problems and what you should do to address them.
If Your Monstera Is Dying Due to Overwatering:
Overwatering is one of the most common issues that can ruin the health of your Monstera. You can consider overwatering the primary reason behind the demise of your beloved houseplant. Such things can happen when we try to show too much care or are unaware of Monstera’s basic needs. When overwatered, your Monstera may develop issues like:
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Root rot
- Pest infestations
- Pale leaves
- Sweating plant
- Shedding leaves, etc.
Fix Overwatering Issue:
If your Monstera is dying due to overwatering issue, you should stop hydrating your plant immediately. Now identify the damaged parts of the plant and cut them off. A poor drainage system can aggravate overwatering issues; hence you need to ensure that drainage holes are in working condition. We will suggest you water your plant again when the soil becomes dry.
To avoid overwatering issues in the future, you have to be careful with your watering routine. When watering the plant, make sure the drainage holes are in the best condition. You can check the moistness of the soil with your finger before watering the plant.
Do not allow the soil to take too much time to absorb the water. If the roots of your Monstera sit in water for an extended period, root rot is inevitable. To prevent overwatering issues, you have to keep the season effects in mind, as your Monstera needs more water in summer than winter.
When Underwatering is the Real Problem:
Underwatering a plant signify uncaring attitudes. Such issues arise when we forget to water our houseplants. Well, it can also happen when you are out on vacation. However, whatever the reasons are, you will encounter the following signs if your beloved plant is suffering from a lack of water.
- Faded leaves
- Droopy leaves
- Brown leaves
- Brown edges
- Stressed leaves
- Stunted growth, etc.
Fix Underwatering Issue:
If your Monstera is hungry for a drop of water, you should water the plant first. Once the water drains out through the holes completely, water your Monstera again so that the soil can retain the much-needed moisture. Whenever you water your Monstera, take a close look at excessive water and make sure the water is drained properly.
Trim the damaged foliage and mist around to help the plant revive quickly. In summer, check the moistness of the soil every 4-5 days; while in winter extend your routine to 5-6 days. Remember, your Monstera’s watering needs differ from one season to another. Other cultural conditions can also influence your plant’s watering needs.
To meet your plant’s watering needs in summer, you can take a tray filled with pebbles. Add some water to the tray and make sure the pebbles are submerged. Place your Monstera pot on the tray but make sure the pot’s bottom touches the pebbles not the water. The soil and roots will absorb water from the tray using capillary action. You can leave the pot on the tray for an hour.
Fix Lighting Issues to Save Your Monstera:
Are you sure you are giving adequate light to your Monstera to thrive? In most cases, plant parents either provide their plant with too little or too much light. You should keep in mind that both low and high light is bad for your Monstera and you must take steps to maintain a balance and let your beloved plant thrive happily. Have a look at some symptoms caused by too much and too little light.
- Brown leaves
- Droopy leaves
- Sunburn
- Think stalks
- Leggy plant, etc.
Fix Lighting Issues:
Your Monstera needs balanced light exposure. A moderate and indirect lighting condition will be perfect for your Monstera to thrive. To allow your Monstera to get indirect sunlight you can place the pot on your balcony or near a window. Moderate direct sunlight in winter can also help your Monstera revive from severe conditions.
To prevent such a condition, avoid placing the plant under the direct sun for more than a couple of hours. Although tropical vine Monstera Deliciosa can thrive in low-light conditions, you may not be happy with its growth rate. It is better to place the pot in a place from where your Monstera can get the light of the early and late sun. If it is not possible for you to allow the plant to access adequate sunlight, arrange glow light and see the plant growing happily.
Read: How Much Light Does A Monstera Plant Need? A Complete Guide To Monstera Light Requirement
If Pests are the Real Culprit:
Pests are some of the major enemies for houseplants like Monstera Deliciosa and as a plant parent, you have to deal with them strictly. Your Monstera can be infested by various types of pests and fungi. Scale insects, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, etc. are some of the major pests you need to look for to save your plant from deadly pest infestation. The following signs are indications of pest infestation.
- Drooping leaves
- Leaf blight
- Holes across the leaves
- White spots across the foliage
- Stunted growth, etc.
Fix the Pest Issue:
If you are sure that your Monstera has pest infestations, isolate the plant and remove the infected and damaged leaves. Apply warm and soapy water to remove pests from the leaves and stems. While cleaning the leaves, you may face some reluctant pests. Use your hand to remove them from the leaves or any other parts of the plant.
You can use some homemade pest-removal solutions to make your Monstera pest-free. You can add dish soap and neem oil to the water and spray the solution all over your Monstera once a week to save the plant from dying.
To prevent pest infestation, inspect the plant carefully at least twice a week. Neem oil is an organic and side-effect-free solution and it can help you keep pests away from your beloved plant. Overwatering is one of the primary reasons behind pest infestation and fungal diseases. So, if you find overwatering is causing the issue, reconsider your watering routine.
Help Your Monstera to Revive from Root Rot:
If you leave the roots of your Monstera plant to suffocate inside the pot, root rot is expected. In such a condition, the roots start decaying and fail to absorb water from the soil. Overwatering is considered the key reason behind root rot but you can also hold poor drainage and compact soil responsible for the issue. The following are some of the most common signs of root rot.
- Yellow leaves
- Fade or discolored leaves
- Wilting leaves
- Damaged roots
- Brown and soft roots
- Back spot on the leaves
- Slow or stunted growth, etc.
Fix Root Rot Problem:
If you believe that your Monstera is dying due to root rot, we will suggest you pull the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots carefully. If you find that the roots of your Monstera have become soft, mushy, brown, and weak, the condition is alarming for you.
However, if you find some white and strong roots, you can still save your Monstera from dying. Clean the roots using running water and wrap them up with a wet towel. Let the root breathe fresh air for a couple of hours.
For a better result, pour 10 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide into a bucket filled with 200 milliliters of water and allow the roots to soak in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes. Here, one important thing you need to keep in mind is that if you are going to use the same old pot, we will suggest you sterilize it precisely.
You can prepare a sterilized potting mix at home or purchase it from the market. Before you plant your Monstera in the soil, lay some pebbles on the bed of the container. Now add well-drained soil to the pot and plant your ailing three. Do not fertilize the plant immediately once you plant your Monstera. You can wait a few days and add some organic fertilizer to boost growth.
To prevent root rot, be careful with your watering routine. Check the condition of the drainage system frequently. The excess water should drain out of the pot within 5 minutes. A good soil mix can help your dying Monstera revive quickly. Make sure the mix is porous and features all essential nutrients.
If Your Monstera Is Dying Due to Extreme Temperature:
Temperature-related issues can also cause severe consequences. Even though temperature is not among the primary factors that can cause death, ignoring temperature-related issues can be a big mistake.
Sudden drops and rises in room temperature can disturb your Monstera a lot. Temperature shock can turn out to be a danger for your beloved houseplant. If your Monstera is suffering from temperature-related issues, you may encounter the following signs.
- Distressed plant
- Brown blotches across the leaves
- Shrunken leaves
- Discolored leaves, etc.
Fix Temperature Related Issue:
Tropical vine Monstera Deliciosa enjoys room temperature between 68 and 86 °F. (20-30C). A humid atmosphere can make your Monstera feel right at habitat. So, you have to maintain the atmosphere by regulating the room temperature.
To avoid temperature shock, keep your Monstera away from direct sunlight, especially in summer. Conversely, we will suggest you move your plant to a warmer place during the winter. Never place the plant near radiators or vents. Prefer refined light to keep your Monstera safe from temperature stress.
Conclusion
If you want to save your Monstera from dying, you have to identify and understand the significance of some symptoms. If the condition is not severe, you can still help your beloved plant to heal and revive quickly. Overwatering, underwatering, pests, inadequate lighting, root rot, extreme temperature, etc. are some of the major causes that can lead to the demise of your Monstera. We hope our simple but effective tips will help to give your much-loved plant a new lease of life. We enjoy learning new things. So, we request readers to share their experiences with us and suggest new ideas and tricks for the same.
Reference List
Leaf morphogenesis in Monstera by Research Gate
Monstera overview by Science Direct
Common insect pests and diseases by Research Library
Gardening is my greatest passion, and I love indoor and outdoor plants so much. Plants make me happy, and I enjoy taking care of them. I know keeping plants happy and healthy is a challenging task. But as a plant enthusiast, I do my best to help my little friends thrive. I am here to help people who nurture similar points of view about plants with my little knowledge and experience.