4 Reasons Why Your Monstera Leaves Are Drooping!

If you’ve noticed your monstera’s leaves drooping, don’t panic! This is a common issue with a few simple solutions. 

But, why does my monstera leave drooping off? The most likely reason your monstera leaves are drooping is underwatering. They like moist soil, not soggy, but dry soil makes them wilt. Check the top inch of soil – if it’s dry, water your plant thoroughly! Beyond underwatering, your monstera droops from lack of humidity, too much/little light, or even being overwatered.

Let’s delve into the reasons behind this leafy dilemma and discover how to get your monstera back to its perky self.

4 Reasons for Drooping Monstera Leaves (Including What to Do)

I’ll try to raise some questions that are popular beliefs, and answer those questions in this segment. You’ll apparently know what causes drooping leaves in Monstera.

1. Is Your Monstera Plant Thirsty?

One of the most common reasons for drooping monstera leaves is a lack of water. These tropical plants prefer their soil to remain consistently moist, but not saturated. When the soil dries out too much, the plant conserves water by allowing its leaves to droop.

What to Do?

To check if your monstera needs a drink, stick your finger into the top 2 inches of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to give your plant a thorough watering. Slowly pour water over the entire surface until it begins draining from the bottom of the pot.

Once your monstera has had its fill, the leaves should perk up within a few hours as the plant rehydrates. 

How to prevent it? To prevent future drooping from underwatering, develop a consistent watering schedule and check the soil moisture regularly.

An inexpensive moisture meter can also take the guesswork out of watering. Simply insert the probe into the soil – when the reading is low, add water.

Also, please make sure you aren’t overwatering Monstera, as it’s harmful to the plants as well.

2. Is the Air Too Dry?

Like their humid tropical homeland, monsteras thrive in moist air. When the air becomes too dry, such as from indoor heating or air conditioning, the plant loses moisture through its leaves faster than its roots can absorb it. Drooping leaves are the unfortunate result.

What to Do?

There are a few easy ways to increase humidity for your thirsty monstera.

• Use a pebble tray: Fill a shallow tray or saucer with pebbles and water, then set the potted plant on top. As the water evaporates, it raises humidity around the plant.
• Group plants together: Each plant releases moisture through its leaves, creating a pocket of humidity when grouped with other plants.
• Use a humidifier: A small humidifier placed near your monstera will emit a steady supply of moisture into the air.

Misting the plant’s leaves can provide temporary humidity relief, but it is not a long-lasting solution. 

How to prevent it? By maintaining proper humidity levels, you’ll prevent that sad, droopy monstera look.

3. Too Much or Too Little Light?

Monsteras do best with bright, indirect light – think of the filtered sunlight reaching the jungle floor. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, while too little light causes plants to become leggy and floppy as they stretch toward any available rays.

What to Do?

If your droopy monstera is sitting in a dim corner, gradually move it to a brighter spot out of direct sun. Conversely, pull back any sheer curtains near a sunny window to diffuse harsh rays.

How to prevent it? Make a habit of slowly rotating the plant’s pot every few weeks to ensure even growth, as monsteras will naturally lean towards their light source.

4. Is Soggy Soil the Culprit?

While monsteras don’t like to dry out completely, they also can’t tolerate sitting in waterlogged soil. When the roots remain soaked for too long, they are unable to absorb oxygen and suffocate, leading to root rot in monstera. An overwatered monstera may initially show drooping, yellowing leaves.

How to Check?

To check for this issue, remove the plant from its pot and inspect the root ball. Healthy roots are firm and white or light brown in color. If the roots appear brown and mushy, with a foul odor, it’s likely your monstera is suffering from root rot due to excessive moisture.

What to Do?

For minor cases with some healthy root material remaining, you may be able to save the plant by repotting it into fresh, well-draining soil in a clean container with ample drainage holes. Be sure to discard any rotted roots.

Severe root rot will require starting over with a new plant, as the damage is too extensive to recover. 

How to prevent it? To prevent overwatering issues, only provide moisture when the top few inches of soil are dry, and ensure excess water can drain freely from the pot.

Watch this video and gain a clear grasp of Drooping Leave in Monstera. 

FAQs

Have a look at the following Q&A. I hope this might help you to some extent.

Q: Why are the new leaves on my monstera smaller?

New leaves can appear smaller on a monstera when the plant is under stress from lack of nutrients, insufficient light, low humidity, or other environmental factors. Providing ideal care conditions should allow the new leaves to regain their normal large size.

Q: My monstera has brown crispy edges on the leaves. What’s causing this?

Brown or crispy edges are often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity around the plant and ensure the soil is kept evenly moist. Direct heat or sun exposure can also lead to leaf scorching.

Conclusion

Monstera leaves drooping? While concerning, it’s often a simple fix. Common culprits include underwatering, low humidity, improper light, or even overwatering. A quick diagnosis and appropriate care adjustments can revive your plant. 

Fortunately, these solutions are easy to implement, ensuring your monstera thrives with beautiful, upright foliage for years to come.