Monstera is a very popular houseplant. Its beautiful shape and easy-growing nature make it popular among gardeners. Although their maintenance is quite easy, like other houseplants, Monstera plants have some health issues, among which the New Monstera plant turning brown and floppy is one of them. Monstera plants can have this problem for a number of reasons such as improper watering, low humidity, excess fertilizer, sunlight, and diseases.
But the good news is that with a bit of awareness, you can quickly fix these problems. In this article, I will discuss those simple ways. So without delay let’s get started.
Quick care tips
| Problem | Solution |
| Improper Watering | Apply regular water as required by the plant. |
| Low Humidity | 70-80% humidity is recommended. |
| Excess Fertilizer | Use balanced fertilizers only during growing seasons. |
| Overexposure to Sun | 6-7 hours of sunlight is enough. |
| Diseases | Take care regularly to protect plants from disease. |
How To Fix Brown And Floppy Monstera Leaves?
1. Improper Watering
Improper watering is the most common cause of New Monstera plants turning brown and floppy. Because most of your plant’s biological functions depend on water. When your plant doesn’t get enough water, its internal chemical processes shut down.
You must know that the food production process of plants is completed in the leaves of the plant. If the water is in a vacuum for a long time, the cells of your plant’s leaves become inactive. As a result, the production of chlorophyll in the leaves stops and the leaves start to become discolored and turn yellow and eventually turn brown.
Again, because food production stops, the tree cannot properly supply nutrients to all its branches. As a result, the tree gradually becomes floppy.
Control Measure
Newly planted monstera plants need regular watering. If you water the plant irregularly and your plant shows brown or floppy symptoms, immediately apply additional water to the plant.
Newly planted monstera plants need regular watering. If you water the plant irregularly and your plant shows brown or floppy symptoms, immediately apply additional water to the plant. Take the plant out of direct sunlight for a few days and place it in a shaded area. However, care must be taken so that excess water does not accumulate in the root zone of the tree.
Basically, newly planted monstera trees prefer regular watering for root system establishment and healthy growth. So you must water the new plant once or twice a week. However, this amount may be less or more depending on the weather.
2. Low Humidity
Low humidity has many negative effects on newly planted monstera plants, one of which is brown and floppy leaves. When the weather in your garden location is very dry, the leaves of your plants will gradually dry out. Meanwhile, Monstera plants struggle for moisture. As a result, the leaves of the plant look floppy.
Besides, if it is in dry weather for a long time, the tree gets dehydrated from the inside. As a result, brown spots appear on the leaves. Leaves may also become shriveled, drooping, and may even die.
Control Measure
If low humidity is the cause of your plant’s brown and floppy leaves, you need to move the plant out of that location as soon as possible. Try to place the plant in an open place where the plant will get sunlight and fresh air at the same time.
Also, you should keep the garden soil continuously moist to protect the newly planted monstera tree from the negative effects of low humidity. However, there should be no waterlogging. Regular misting of plants can be a unique way. This will keep your plant moist and cool at all times.
The most ideal environment for Monstera plants is a temperature of 60°-90°F and a humidity level of 70-80%. You can also use a humidifier to create an ideal environment.
3. Excess Fertilizer
The habit of over-fertilizing monstera plants can be dangerous for your plants. When you over-fertilize a newly planted monstera plant, the plant may not fully absorb the fertilizer. Excess of this fertilizer builds up in the soil and damages the plant’s root system. During this time the plant cannot absorb water and other nutrients from the soil. As a result, the fertilizer burns, the leaves turn brown and the plant dies.
Plus, Access Fertilizer makes your plants grow much faster. As a result, not all the branches of the tree can mature properly. As a result, problems like weak branches and floppy leaves occur. In addition, trees are attacked by various types of insects including fungi.
Control Measure
Generally, newly planted monstera plants need very little fertilizer. You can apply fertilizer to plants mainly during the growing season i.e. summer and spring. In this case, it cannot be applied more than twice a week. Fertilizer application should be stopped during the dormant season i.e. fall and winter.
Monstera plants prefer a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In this case, you can use a 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer. Apart from this, other micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and calcium should also be applied according to the health condition of the plant.
The method I would suggest you apply fertilizer is to first mix it with water and then apply it to the soil. Or you can also use slow-release fertilizer pellets in the soil. But never apply fertilizer directly on the leaves. And the most important thing is to read the manufacturer’s information carefully before applying.
4. Overexposure to Sunlight
If your newly planted monstera plant is in a location with constant sunlight, that could be one of the reasons why your plant is brown and floppy. Excess sunlight damages the leaves and branches of the monstera plant.
Especially the leaves of new plants are burnt and scratched by excess sunlight. which later causes brown spots on the leaves. Also sometimes the leaves turn yellow and wilt.
Control Measure
Monstera plants generally prefer bright indirect sunlight. So if your plant is exposed to too much sunlight, quickly shift it to a shady spot. In this case, you can observe the plant completely in the shade for a few days.
Six to seven hours of direct sun a day and shade the rest of the time is critical for new monstera plants. So always be careful about the location. If your tree is in the landscape, a separate shade cloth should be used to protect the tree.
5. Diseases
There are several diseases that can cause your new monstera leaves turning brown and floppy. But the common disease is root rot. Overwatering can cause root rot if your plant’s root zone is constantly waterlogged. This causes the leaves to lack water and nutrients and eventually the leaves turn brown and drop.
Another possible cause is a leaf spot. which is a fungal disease. This disease can cause brown spots on your plant’s leaves and cause them to dry out. Mainly due to overwatering and poor air circulation, your tree easily becomes an ideal breeding ground for fungus and leaf spots.
Also, a bacterial disease called Xanthomonas campestris can cause brown spots on the leaves of your newly planted monstera, which can eventually lead to leaf brown and plant floppy.
Control Measure
To protect monstera plants from root rot, you must ensure well-drained soil before planting. In any case, excess water should not accumulate on the ground. While watering the tree, water should be given directly to the base of the tree instead of from above. If your plant is planted in a pot, make sure to leave three to four holes in it for drainage.
If the monstera plant is affected by a leaf spot, remove the affected leaves first. The pruning tools must be cleaned with disinfectant. Next, a good-quality fungicide should be applied to the plant. In this case, I would suggest you use a copper-based fungicide.
Chemical treatment should be applied to the plant initially for bacterial diseases. A good quality antibacterial spray is very effective in this regard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Cut Off Monstera Leaves With Brown Spots?
If the browning of monstera leaves is caused by leaf spot disease, the affected leaves must be pruned. Because this fungal disease spreads very quickly. Also, tools for removing leaves should be cleaned with disinfectant after work.
How Does An Overwatered Monstera Look Like?
A few signs can tell if a monstera plant has been overwatered. First of all, check the root zone of the plant if there is excess water. In addition, the plant will look wet, the leaves will change color, the branches will droop and the leaves may drop.
What light does Monstera need?
Monstera plants mainly require bright indirect sunlight. That’s why monstera plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than six to seven hours a day.
Final Words
Mature Monstera plants can survive in harsh environments, but new plants require a little care. Because health issues like brown and floppy leaves can easily damage your new Monstera plant.
But there is nothing to despair about even if the tree is affected by the problem. If you follow the tips I discussed above, you can easily fix your tree. But the smartest thing to do is give the plant some regular time and care. Then it will be very easy to keep your tree away from any problems.
Happy Gardening.
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