Reasons Your Monstera Is Drooping (& How To Revive It)

Uh oh! It looks like your Monstera plant is drooping, and you’re probably wondering why this is happening and what you can do to revive it.

Don’t worry—drooping Monteras can be quite common, and with a little bit of attention and care, you’ll likely be able to bring your plant back to its usual vibrant self.

To help identify the main reason for your Monstera’s sad state, it might be helpful to examine the conditions it’s been exposed to recently.

Once you’ve identified the possible culprit, you can take action to correct the issue and help your Monstera regain its strength and beauty.

In the next sections, we’ll guide you through the different causes of drooping Monstera plants and offer helpful advice on how to revitalize your cherished plant.

With the right solutions and a hopeful attitude, your Monstera will be back to its stunning, robust state in no time!

Reasons Your Monstera Is Drooping

If you’re a plant parent, you know how distressing it can be to see your beloved Monstera plant drooping.

In this section, we’ll explore the most common causes of Monstera drooping and provide tips on how to revive your plant and prevent this from happening in the future.

Overwatering

Overwatering is a common reason for Monstera drooping.

When you give your Monstera too much water, the excess water can cause root rot, leading to drooping leaves.

To avoid this issue:

• Water your Monstera only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged roots.
• Empty the saucer underneath your plant after watering so that excess water isn’t absorbed back into the pot.

Underwatering

Underwatering can also lead to drooping leaves. Monstera plants prefer consistently moist soil, so make sure you’re providing enough water.

If your plant’s leaves are drooping due to underwatering:

• Water your Monstera more frequently.
• Monitor the soil moisture by feeling the top inch of the soil.
• Consider using a self-watering pot or moisture meter to help maintain consistent moisture levels.

Low Humidity

Monsteras thrive in humid environments, so low humidity can lead to drooping leaves.

To increase humidity around your plant:

• Place a tray filled with water and pebbles under the pot. As the water evaporates, it will create a more humid microclimate.
• Mist your plant with water regularly.
• Consider using a humidifier in the room where your Monstera is placed.

Insufficient Light

Monsteras need bright, indirect light to keep their leaves firm and healthy.

If your plant is receiving too little light, its leaves may droop. To improve lighting conditions:

• Move your Monstera closer to a bright window, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent burns.
• Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even light exposure.
• Consider supplementing with a grow light if you don’t have access to adequate natural light.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Like any other plant, Monsteras require proper nutrients to grow and maintain healthy leaves.

Nutrient deficiencies can cause drooping leaves. To address this issue:

• Make sure you’re using a well-balanced fertilizer and that you’re applying it according to the package instructions.
• Inspect the plant for any signs of other nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
• If necessary, consult with a local plant expert or extension office for a soil nutrient test and recommendations.

Pests

Finally, pests may cause drooping leaves on your Monstera. Common pests that affect Monsteras include scale, spider mites, and mealybugs.

To treat a pest infestation:

• Check your plant regularly for signs of pests, such as small insects or sticky residue.
• Treat your Monstera with an insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution.
• Make sure you take care of the pests soon because they can damage your plant further and spread to other plants in your home.

By addressing these issues promptly, you can help your Monstera regain its strength and prevent drooping leaves in the future.

How To Revive Your Drooping Monstera

Taking the time to care for your Monstera and addressing its specific needs will help it thrive and maintain a lush, vibrant appearance. Here’s how to revive your Monstera’s health.

Adjust Your Watering Schedule

A common reason why Monstera plants droop is due to over or under-watering.

To determine if your Monstera needs water, check the soil’s moisture level. Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil.

If it feels dry, it’s time to water your plant. If it feels moist, hold off on watering for a few more days.

If you’ve been over-watering your Monstera, reduce the watering frequency. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, a common problem for Monstera plants.

Read more about root rot here: This Hidden Threat Can Ruin Your Monstera: Tackling Root Rot, Your Plant’s Worst Foe

You can also check the drainage holes at the bottom of your plant’s pot to ensure excess water is draining properly.

On the other hand, if you’ve been under-watering your Monstera, increase the watering amount or frequency.

Your plant will appreciate a consistent watering schedule, so aim to water it at the same time and amount each week.

Increase Humidity

Monsteras thrive in humid environments. If your Monstera’s leaves are drooping, it could be due to a lack of humidity. To increase humidity, you can:

• Place your Monstera near a humidifier
• Group it with other plants that release moisture into the air
• Or, create a DIY pebble tray filled with water, placing the plant pot on top of the pebbles. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the pot’s base

Feed Your Plant Properly

Providing your Monstera with the right nutrients is essential for healthy growth and preventing drooping leaves.

Fertilizing your plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) can help keep your Monstera thriving.

When choosing a fertilizer, look for one with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K).

You can also use a specialized fertilizer for tropical plants or a slow-release fertilizer for convenience.

During the fall and winter, when your Monstera’s growth has slowed down, you can decrease the frequency of fertilizing to every 8-10 weeks.

This will give your plant a chance to rest and conserve energy during the cooler months.

When applying fertilizer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Over-fertilizing can lead to burned leaves and other problems.

A good rule of thumb is to dilute the fertilizer to about half the strength the label recommends.

This will reduce the risk of over-fertilizing while still providing your Monstera with the nutrients it needs.

Try this NPK 5-2-3 liquid Monstera plant food on Amazon.

Improve Lighting

Monsteras are known for their large and lush leaves, but if your plant is drooping, it might be a sign that it’s not getting enough light.

Monstera plants thrive in bright, indirect light, so it’s important to assess your plant’s current lighting situation and make adjustments as needed.

First, take a look at where your Monstera is currently located. Is it in a dimly lit corner or directly under a harsh light source?

If so, it’s time to move your plant to a more suitable spot. Look for a location that gets bright, indirect light throughout the day, such as near a north or east-facing window.

If your Monstera is already in a bright location but still drooping, it might be getting too much direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to droop. To filter the sunlight, you can use sheer curtains or a light-filtering shade.

This will help protect your Monstera’s leaves while still providing the bright, indirect light it needs to thrive.

Remember, Monstera plants are native to the rainforest, so they prefer bright, filtered light rather than direct sunlight.

Treat Pest Infestations

Pest infestations can be a common cause of drooping leaves in Monstera plants.

Spider mites and mealybugs are two common pests that can attack your Monstera and cause it to droop.

To check for pests, examine your Monstera’s leaves, stems, and soil. Look for signs of webs, small dots or specks on the leaves, or white, cotton-like clusters on the stems or leaves.

If you find pests on your Monstera, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products are safe and effective at killing pests while being gentle on your Monstera.

Follow the product’s instructions carefully and apply the treatment to the affected areas.

It’s important to note that treating pest infestations can take time and patience. You may need to apply the treatment multiple times to fully eliminate the pests.

Make Drooping Leaves A Thing Of The Past

Reviving a drooping Monstera plant comes down to understanding the root causes and addressing them effectively.

Remember, an essential aspect of plant care is paying attention to your plant’s needs and regularly monitoring its health.

By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure your plant remains healthy and its drooping leaves become a thing of the past.

For more Monstera care tips, check out these other articles:

5 Secrets For Growing The Most Lush and Vibrant Monstera

This Hidden Threat Can Ruin Your Monstera: Tackling Root Rot, Your Plant’s Worst Foe