It can be quite disheartening to see your monstera leaves curling. You instantly go into panic mode and try to fix the issue by overwatering the plant because everyone said it’s too dry.
Well, believe it or not, dryness may not be the only issue here…
In this article, we’ll go over 4 of the most common reasons why your monstera leaves may be curling and what you can do to get them back to a healthier state.
Let’s dive right into it!
4 Reasons Why Your Monstera Leaves May Be Curling (+ Solution)
1 – Underwatering
Underwatering can seriously affect your monstera plant, or any plant for that matter. Most people will tell you that your plant’s leaves are curling because it’s dry; truthfully, they’re right in most cases.
Long periods of no watering or watering too infrequently can dry out the plant causing its leaves to turn slightly brown or yellow and curl inwards.
Solution
Although there isn’t any “solution” to this, changing up your watering routine to what suits the plant is your best bet. Don’t take long gaps between watering sessions and make them a little more frequent. Ideally, make sure to water once every 1-2 weeks.
2 – Sunburn
Excessive sun exposure can trigger curling in your monstera leaves.
Although the plant thrives in bright, indirect light, if left out in direct light for too long, it can react badly.
The leaves might even develop scorch marks and spots due to the heat that’s blazing upon them throughout the day.
Solution
Now, this doesn’t mean you completely hide the plant away from all light sources as that would just weaken growth and create a hundred other complications. The trick is to manage light exposure and only provide enough to promote growth and function.
If possible, move the plant away from direct light to a more appropriate spot that receives plenty of indirect light.
In case the plant can’t be moved, set up a curtain/cloth on top of the plant to diffuse the harsh sunlight and make it softer.
3 – Lack Of Nutrients
Lack of important nutrients in the soil can cause your monstera leaves to start curling. Nitrogen, specifically, has an effect on plant growth and leaf development. Curling leaves with discoloration might indicate a lack of nitrogen.
If you’re skeptical of your soil, send a sample of it to a lab and have it tested. This will make it easier for you to address deficiencies and deal with them accordingly.
Solution
A good way to deal with nutrient-deficient soil is to prepare some nutritious organic matter of your own. Collect food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and garden leaves in a compost bin and let them decompose for a while. Then, use this compost to add a much-needed nutrient boost to the soil around your monstera plant.
4 – Insufficient Humidity
As I mentioned, monsteras are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures and humidity.
When humidity is low and the air around the plant is very dry, its leaves will eventually curl and suffer damage. The overall health of the plant may take a hit as well.
Solution
The simplest and most efficient solution for low humidity is to spray your monstera plant with water once or twice a day to help maintain moisture. You might also want to consider putting wet pebbles around your plant so that humidity can be maintained as the water slowly evaporates from underneath.
Final Words
As helpless as you might feel seeing your monstera leaves curling, keep in mind that the damage is NOT irreversible.
Yes, certain changes will need to be made and deficiencies must be addressed, but, at the end of the day, it’s nothing but your hope that’s saving the plant.
