Monstera leaves curling? Don’t panic! Anna Scott from USAGardenHub.com reveals why it happens and shares foolproof fixes—from watering hacks to pest control—based on her own “RIP Swiss Cheese Plant” fails.
Hey plant parents, Anna Scott here! Let’s talk about that heart-stopping moment when your Monstera’s iconic split leaves start curling like potato chips. Been there, cried over that. (RIP, my first Swiss Cheese Plant, 2019–2020.) But after reviving dozens of Monsteras, I’ve cracked the code. Here’s exactly how to diagnose and fix curling leaves—no jargon, just actionable steps!
First: Why Are My Monstera Leaves Curling?
Curling is your plant’s SOS signal. The top culprits:
- Underwatering (Crispy, inward-curling edges)
- Overwatering (Yellowing + soft, droopy curls)
- Low Humidity (Leaves curl like tacos)
- Temperature Stress (Cold drafts or heat waves)
- Pests (Spider mites, thrips—check undersides!)
- Root Bound (Roots circling the pot’s bottom)
Step 1: Diagnose the Problem
🚰 Underwatering Fix
Symptoms: Dry soil, crispy brown edges, leaves curling upward.
Do This:
- Soak the pot in a tray of water for 20 minutes (bottom watering).
- Trim dead edges with clean scissors.
- Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry (UK: dry).
My Hack: Stick a chopstick in the soil—if it comes out clean, it’s thirsty!
💧 Overwatering Fix
Symptoms: Soggy soil, yellowing leaves, mushy stems.
Do This:
- Stop watering immediately.
- Gently remove the plant and check roots—snip black, slimy ones.
- Repot in fresh, chunky soil (mix in orchid bark or perlite).
- Water only when the top 50% of soil is dry.
Confession: I killed my first Monstera by loving it too much with daily water. Less is more!
🌴 Low Humidity Fix
Symptoms: Curling leaves, brown tips, slow growth.
Do This:
- Mist leaves daily (use filtered water to avoid spots).
- Place a humidifier nearby (I use this $30 Amazon one).
- Group plants together for a “mini jungle” effect.
🌡️ Temperature Stress Fix
Symptoms: Sudden curling after moving the plant near AC, heaters, or windows.
Do This:
- Keep Monstera in a stable spot (65–85°F / 18–29°C).
- Avoid drafts—no direct blasts from vents!
- Insulate windows in winter with thermal curtains.
🐜 Pest Control Fix
Symptoms: Webbing (spider mites), silvery streaks (thrips), sticky residue.
Do This:
- Isolate the plant.
- Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- For severe cases, use systemic granules (UK: granules).
- Repeat weekly for a month.
Pro Tip: Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks—trust me, pests are sneaky!
🌱 Root Bound Fix
Symptoms: Roots growing out drainage holes, slow growth, frequent curling.
Do This:
- Repot in a container 2 inches wider with fresh, well-draining soil.
- Loosen roots gently—don’t tear!
- Water thoroughly and skip fertilizer for 4 weeks.
Step 2: Prevent Future Curling
- Light: Bright, indirect light (east-facing windows rule).
- Soil: Chunky, airy mix (1:1:1 potting soil, orchid bark, perlite).
- Fertilizer: Half-strength liquid fertilizer monthly in growing season.
FAQs: Quick Monstera 911
Q: How long until my Monstera recovers?
A: New growth should uncurl in 2–4 weeks. Older leaves might stay curled—prune them to redirect energy.
Q: Can curled leaves uncurl?
A: If caught early, yes! Mature leaves may not fully recover, but new growth will be healthy.
Q: Should I cut off curled leaves?
A: Only if they’re yellow/brown. Green curled leaves can still photosynthesize!
Final Tip: Patience is key! My current Monstera, “Cheesus,” took 6 weeks to bounce back after a spider mite attack. Now he’s thriving—yours will too!
Tag @USAGardenHub in your Monstera glow-ups. Need more help? Check my Monstera Aurea Constellation Care Guide for pro tips!
—Anna Scott, USAGardenHub.com
