Are you finding challenges in caring for your Monstera Deliciosa? It’s a common issue faced by many, so rest assured, you’re not alone.
One of the most common pitfalls in plant care is overwatering. This well-intended but misguided act of love can often lead to distressing symptoms in your Monstera.
Some of our articles may include affiliate links which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Perhaps you’ve observed a shift in your plant’s demeanor; leaves changing color, adopting a yellowish hue or browning at the tips, or even displaying a drooping, wilted appearance.
These are classic signs that your Monstera might be overwatered.
Don’t despair! Recognizing these signs is the first step towards recovery.
Regardless of whether you’re a novice or an experienced plant caretaker, this article aims to provide clear guidance on how to navigate through the problem of overwatering.
We’ll explore in-depth the telltale signs of an overwatered Monstera and provide practical steps to restore its health.
It’s not too late to reverse the damage and help your Monstera thrive again. With the right knowledge, even the most challenging situations can be turned around.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, embark on this educational journey, and guide your Monstera back to optimal health.
Signs Your Monstera Is Overwatered
Monstera plants are relatively hardy plants. However, like any other plant, they can suffer from overwatering.
In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the symptoms of an overwatered Monstera and offer strategies to nurse your plant back to health.
Yellowing Leaves
One of the earliest indicators of overwatering is yellowing leaves. This happens because an excess of water can displace the air in the soil, leading to a lack of the oxygen that roots need to absorb nutrients.
As a result, the leaves lose their vibrant green hue and turn yellow. So, if your Monstera’s leaves are starting to resemble fall foliage, it may be time to reassess your watering schedule.
Read here to remedy yellow leaves: 5 Reasons Your Monstera Leaves Are Turning Yellow & How to Fix It
Root Rot
Root rot, a serious consequence of overwatering, is often a silent killer of plants.
When the soil is consistently soggy, it provides an ideal environment for fungi that attack roots, causing them to become mushy and brown, ultimately killing the plant.
To diagnose this, you’ll need to gently remove your Monstera from its pot and inspect the roots.
If they’re not white or light tan and firm to the touch, root rot could be your problem.
If you think your Monstera is showing signs of root rot, you need to treat it immediately.
Learn how here: This Hidden Threat Can Ruin Your Monstera: Tackling Root Rot, Your Plant’s Worst Foe
Wilting Despite Moist Soil
Wilting leaves are usually a cry for water, but if your Monstera’s leaves are drooping and the soil is moist, then it’s likely a sign of overwatering.
This is because overly saturated soil can prevent roots from absorbing the necessary oxygen, causing the leaves to wilt.
To prevent this, allow the soil to partially dry out before the next watering, ensuring the roots can breathe.
If your problem is wilting, read here for more solutions: Why Your Monstera Is Wilting: Quick Solutions to Revive It
Brown Spots and Edema
Another symptom of an overwatered Monstera is the presence of brown spots or edema.
When a plant is overwatered, the cells in its leaves may absorb too much water and eventually burst, leading to brown spots.
Edema, a condition where the plant holds onto too much water, often presents as raised, blister-like areas on the undersides of leaves.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to cut back on watering.
Brown spots? No problem, solution is here: 4 Reasons For Brown Spots On Your Monstera (& How To Treat It)
Mold Growth
Excessive moisture in the soil not only negatively impacts the roots but also provides a conducive environment for mold and fungi.
If you see a fuzzy, often white, growth on the soil surface or the lower part of the plant, it’s a telltale sign of mold, indicating that your Monstera is likely overwatered.
To tackle this, allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before the next watering and consider improving your plant’s ventilation.
How To Restore Its Health
Assess the Damage
First, examine your Monstera plant for signs of overwatering, such as yellowing leaves and black, mushy roots.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to act quickly to minimize further damage.
It’s best to carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the root system for rot.
Improve Drainage
Improving the drainage of your Monstera’s soil can prevent overwatering in the future.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes, and consider using a lighter, well-draining potting mix that allows water to flow through more easily.
Adding perlite or vermiculite to your soil mix can also help improve drainage.
Get this all-natural organic perlite on Amazon.
Repot If Necessary
If your Monstera’s root system is severely damaged or heavily compacted, it’s a good idea to repot the plant.
Choose a pot with proper drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix.
Be gentle with the roots while repotting, and avoid packing the soil too tightly, as this can hinder root growth and water movement.
Here’s your guide to properly repotting a Monstera: 5 Signs It’s Time to Repot Your Monstera: Key Indicators for a Healthy Plant
Prune Damaged Roots and Leaves
Trim away any black, mushy, or damaged roots with a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.
Also, remove any yellow or brown leaves, as these are signs of overwatering and are unlikely to recover.
Pruning will help your Monstera focus its energy on healthy growth and recovery.
Try this professional bypass pruning shears on Amazon.
Water Properly
Water your Monstera properly to avoid overwatering in the future.
Wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering – insert your finger into the soil to check for moisture.
When watering, make sure to pour water evenly around the base of the plant, ensuring the entire root system receive water.
Don’t let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
How Often Should I Water Monstera?
Monstera plants typically require watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on factors like the size of the plant, the pot and soil quality, and your home’s temperature and humidity levels.
Remember to always check the soil moisture before watering, and adjust your watering schedule as needed based on your plant’s specific needs.
Can I Spray Water On Monstera Leaves?
Yes, you can spray water on your Monstera leaves! Misting your Monstera leaves can help maintain their health by increasing humidity around the plant.
This is especially helpful in dry indoor environments. However, it’s important to remember that misting should not be a substitute for proper watering.
When misting your Monstera, use a spray bottle filled with clean water and gently mist the leaves.
Be sure not to drench them, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal and bacterial leaf diseases.
Spray the leaves in the morning or early afternoon, allowing enough time for the water droplets to evaporate before the evening.
In addition to misting, you can also increase humidity around your Monstera by placing a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant pot.
As the water evaporates, humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant will increase. You can also group your Monstera with other humidity-loving plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Your Monstera Loves Routine Watering
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Keep a close eye on your Monstera’s condition and adjust your watering habits as needed.
Monsteras love routine, so it’s best to follow a watering schedule but also be aware of the soil moisture.
In case your Monstera already shows signs of overwatering, don’t panic.
Address the issue by first removing any standing water and then allowing the soil to dry out.
If needed, you can also repot your plant into fresh, well-draining soil, making its roots less susceptible to root rot.
Growing a healthy and lush Monstera might require some patience, but with attention to detail and adherence to best practices, you’ll be well on your way to nurturing a thriving plant.
We hope you learned something from this article! Want to know if Monsteras can live on water alone just like other plants? Answer is here: Can Monstera Live in Water Forever? Debunking the Myth
