5 Common Monstera Care Mistakes and How to Fix Them Quick

October 31, 2025

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Even though Monstera are considered easy-to-care-for plants, it’s easy to make mistakes that can stress them out. Whether your Monstera is showing yellow leaves, stunted growth, or even losing its iconic holes and splits, the cause is often simple, but tricky to spot if you’re new to plant parenting.

Let’s cover the most common Monstera care mistakes and, more importantly, how to fix them so your plant thrives.

#1 Too Much or Too Little Light

Signs Your Monstera Needs Better Light

Monstera deliciosa thrives in bright, indirect light. But sometimes, the light your plant is getting isn’t quite right.

Too much light: Leaves may turn yellow or develop brown, crispy edges. You might notice sunburned patches on your foliage.
Too little light: Growth slows down, leaves lose their fenestrations (the iconic splits and holes), and the plant becomes leggy with long stems and sparse leaves.

How to Fix Light Issues

For too much light: Move your Monstera a few feet away from direct sunlight, or use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh rays.
For too little light: Relocate your plant near a bright window. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement. Even 12–14 hours a day of indirect or artificial light can help restore proper growth.

TIP: Rotate your Monstera every few weeks to ensure all sides get equal light exposure. This prevents uneven growth and keeps the leaves lush and symmetrical.

#2 Overwatering or Underwatering

Watering is one of the most common areas where Monstera owners go wrong. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause serious stress.

Signs of Overwatering

Yellowing leaves that feel soft or mushy.
Soil that smells sour or rotten.
Roots that are brown and slimy (root rot).

Signs of Underwatering

Crispy, brown leaf edges.
Leaves drooping or curling.
Dry, compacted soil that pulls away from the edges of the pot.

How to Fix Watering Mistakes

Check your soil: Monstera prefers slightly moist but well-draining soil. Use a mix with peat, perlite, and orchid bark to retain some moisture without waterlogging roots.
Watering technique: Let the top 2–3 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Stick your finger in the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Repot if needed: If overwatering has caused root rot, remove the plant from its pot, trim the damaged roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

TIP: Always water slowly and evenly, allowing excess to drain from the bottom. Never let your Monstera sit in standing water, as this invites rot and fungal issues.

#3 Poor Soil or Pot Drainage

Even with the right watering schedule, poor soil or pots without drainage can sabotage your Monstera.

Signs of Soil or Drainage Problems

Water pools at the top or bottom of the pot.
Slow growth despite proper light and watering.
Stressed leaves (yellowing or wilting).

How to Improve Soil and Drainage

Use well-draining soil: A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works best for Monsteras. This keeps roots aerated and reduces the risk of rot.
Choose the right pot: Always use a pot with drainage holes. If your decorative pot doesn’t have holes, consider using it as a cachepot. Place the Monstera in a drainage-friendly pot inside the decorative one.
Add a layer of drainage material: Small stones or clay pebbles at the bottom can help excess water escape.

By giving your Monstera the right soil and pot, you’re setting it up for long-term health and growth.

#4 Pests and Diseases

Even hardy plants like Monstera can fall victim to pests and diseases. Spotting these early is key.

Common Pests

Mealybugs: White, cottony clusters on leaves and stems. They suck sap, weakening the plant.
Fix: Wipe affected areas with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: Tiny red or brown specks, often leaving webbing.
Fix: Increase humidity and spray the plant with water regularly. For severe infestations, insecticidal soap works well.
Scale insects: Brown, oval bumps on stems and leaves.
Fix: Scrape them gently off and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases

Root rot: Caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Look for black, mushy roots and foul soil odor.
Fix: Remove affected roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. Avoid overwatering in the future.
Fungal leaf spots: Brown or black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo.
Fix: Remove affected leaves and ensure proper airflow around the plant. Fungicide can help in severe cases.

TIP: Always isolate a sick Monstera from other plants to prevent pests or diseases from spreading.

#5 Common Aesthetic Issues

Sometimes your Monstera isn’t dying, it’s just not looking its best. Here’s why.

Yellow Leaves

Cause: Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or old leaves naturally dying.
Fix: Adjust watering, check soil quality, and consider feeding with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.

No Fenestration (No Holes or Splits)

Cause: Low light, juvenile plant, or stress from improper watering.
Fix: Increase indirect light exposure and maintain consistent care. Some Monstera develop fenestrations only as they mature.

Leggy Growth

Cause: Plant stretching toward a light source or insufficient support.
Fix: Rotate regularly, provide a moss pole or stake for climbing, and trim overly long stems to encourage fuller growth.

Browning Leaf Edges

Cause: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Fix: Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or investing in a humidifier. Keep watering consistently.

Final Thoughts on Monstera Care Mistakes

Monsteras are incredible plants, but even “easy” plants need thoughtful care. Most issues, yellowing leaves, leggy stems, or slow growth, can be traced back to light, water, soil, or pests.

By identifying the problem early and applying the fixes outlined here, your Monstera will thrive and continue to be the lush centrepiece of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you not do with Monstera?

Don’t overwater or place it in direct sunlight. Avoid pots without drainage, dry air, and neglecting leaf cleaning. Keep watering moderately, light indirect, and humidity consistent for a healthy, thriving plant.

What does an unhealthy Monstera look like?

An unhealthy Monstera often shows yellowing or browning leaves, droopy stems, or black spots from overwatering or pests. The leaves may lose their signature splits, growth can slow, and the plant may look pale or leggy. These signs usually mean issues with light, water, or soil drainage.

Should I cut the brown tips off my Monstera?

Yes, you can safely cut the brown tips off your Monstera. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim just the dry or brown areas, following the leaf’s natural shape. This improves appearance and prevents further drying. However, also check the cause, usually low humidity, inconsistent watering, or excess fertilizer, and correct it to stop new brown tips from forming.

Are all parts of Monstera toxic?

Yes, all parts of the Monstera plant are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The leaves, stems, and roots contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, swelling, and stomach upset. Keep your Monstera out of reach of children, cats, and dogs, and wash your hands after pruning or repotting to avoid skin irritation.

Is it safe to have a Monstera in your bedroom?

Yes, it’s generally safe to have a Monstera in your bedroom. Monstera are non-toxic to touch, improve air quality, and can thrive indoors with indirect light. Just make sure pets or small children don’t chew on the leaves, since they are toxic if ingested. Also, avoid overwatering to prevent mold or mildew in your room.

Is Monstera an air purifier?

Yes, Monstera plants can help purify indoor air. Like many houseplants, they absorb certain toxins and release oxygen, which can slightly improve air quality. While they’re not a replacement for air filters, having a Monstera adds greenery and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Can I cut the air roots off my Monstera?

Yes, you can trim the air roots on your Monstera if they’re unruly or getting in the way. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut them close to the stem. However, air roots help the plant climb and absorb moisture, so it’s best to leave some if you plan to use a moss pole or let the plant grow naturally.

About the Author

Blagovesta P.

Hi, I’m Blagovesta! I’m a marketing graduate and a big fan of everything related to home and garden. I created this website to share my love for decorating, gardening, and making spaces feel cozy and beautiful.I share practical advice based on the projects and tasks I’ve personally tackled in my home. My tips come from hands-on experience as someone who works alongside her husband to handle home improvements without outside help. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, I’m here to offer guidance for those who prefer to do things themselves.Writing about these topics is a hobby I truly enjoy, and I hope to help others by offering tips, ideas, and product recommendations. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your home or just need some inspiration, I’m here to help!Thanks for visiting, and I’m excited to share my passion with you!