Monsteras bring shade and immense beauty to a garden. Unlike colorful and vibrant plants, they are much simpler and hold beauty in their simplicity.
It’s like that plant that doesn’t draw much attention but makes you miss its presence when it’s not there.
An unfortunate reality of monsteras is that they’re quite susceptible to rot, especially if they’re not given the attention they need when they’re young.
In this article, we’ll go over the topic of rotting monstera roots and discuss some possible solutions for the issue.
But, Wait, Why Are Your Monstera Roots Rotting In The First Place?
Well, there can be a plethora of reasons why monstera roots would rot. Overwatering, poor drainage, and excessive exposure to chilly temperatures can all attract root rot.
Not only will it damage the root system, but the structural integrity of the monstera will weaken as well. Sooner or later, root rot will cause your plant to fall over and decay badly.
Here are 3 of the most common causes behind rotting monstera roots and a homemade solution for each of those problems:
1 – Overwatering
Excessive watering and flooding your monstera too often can result in root rot, especially if drainage is poor.
Although the plant does prefer some moisture, it doesn’t tolerate a waterlogged state very well. A constant puddle of water around the plant means roots won’t have access to oxygen, which will likely trigger decay.
Solution
Set up a watering routine you can follow consistently and make sure you only provide enough water to keep the soil slightly moist. Light watering every 2-3 days is ideal.
2 – Exposure To Cold & Frost
Monsteras typically don’t tolerate cold and frosty conditions that well. They are tropical plants that prefer warmer temperatures for efficient growth and function.
Long exposure to cold can put unnecessary stress on your monstera, which commonly halts root function and slows down nutrient takeup/absorption.
Solution
First and foremost, reduce watering frequency when the outside temperature gets very cold. Allow the soil to dry in between watering sessions and make sure to only use enough water to rehydrate the plant.
If there is frost, fully cover your monstera with thin breathable sheets and blankets to minimize cold damage and trap heat.
3 – Pest Damage
A pest infestation can also be detrimental to your monstera roots.
Root aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are usually culprits behind this kind of rotting.
They can weaken the roots and damage the plant to the point where nutrient absorption from the soil is greatly hindered. However, the most common way pests damage plants is through secondary infections that transfer fungus and bacteria.
Solution
A good homemade solution to minimize pest activity in your monstera plant is using neem oil. It is a natural pesticide that not only repels pests and insects but also inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Simply add 1 tablespoon of neem oil to a gallon of water and spray the mixture onto your monstera plant once every 1-2 weeks.
Final Words
Rotting monstera roots can be a concerning visual. But, there’s no need to panic!
Constant mistakes compounded over weeks and months lead to rot, so don’t expect revival of the plant to take any less time.
Adjusting the watering routine and keeping an eye out for pests can take some getting used to but these are habits that will decrease the likelihood of you having to deal with root rot ever again.
