A blog about an understanding of the Monstera plant issue, along with some tips for fixing it.
Do you have a Monstera leaves leans to one side? If so, you are not alone. It’s a common issue that Monstera owners encounter, often causing worry and confusion. But don’t fret! It’s an easy fix.
We’ve all had those moments when we feel like our plants are going to die.
Maybe it’s been neglected for a while, or maybe you just don’t have the energy to take care of it anymore. Either way, your Monstera is not doing well.
But don’t worry Monstera Leaves Leans is not necessarily a sign of doom! It can be a sign that your Monstera needs an extra bit of care and attention.
So let’s take a look at five solutions that can get your Monstera standing tall again.
Ever wonder what the underlying issue is that causes your problem?
We’ve got you covered! We’ll show you how each solution is connected to a possible cause, helping you understand the underlying issue as you rectify it.
Light Exposure
Monstera, a popular houseplant, is native to tropical rainforests and is accustomed to bright, indirect light filtered through the dense overhead canopy.
This plant naturally exhibits phototropism, a process where it grows towards the light source to maximize photosynthesis.
If your Monstera leaves leans to one side, it might be due to its instinct to get closer to the light source.
As a plant owner, you might have noticed that your Monstera plant is leaning towards one side of the pot. It’s not a bad thing—in fact, it’s an important step in its growth. But it can be frustrating to watch!
Rotate your Monstera every few days to ensure that all parts of the plant receive equal light exposure. This practice will encourage balanced growth and prevent leaning towards one side. If you notice your Monstera constantly leaning towards the light, consider repositioning it to a location with better access to bright, indirect light, such as near a north or east-facing window. However, be wary of direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, consider using a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Water Evenly
Watering is one of the most basic things you can do to help your Monstera grow and thrive. However, it is also important to remember that your plant needs water at different levels to keep its root system healthy and balanced.
When you water your Monstera, try to make sure that you water evenly across all four sides of the root system. This will help prevent an imbalance, which can cause your plant to lean towards one side or another.
Check Root Health
There’s a reason your Monstera might lean.
If you have a Monstera that is leaning despite proper light and watering, it could be suffering from root diseases or fungus.
Root diseases, such as root rot, can affect the plant’s stability and cause it to lean. Unhealthy roots may appear dark, and mushy, and may have a foul odor.
It’s not just the leaves that need to be trimmed.
Your Monstera’s roots also need to be trimmed regularly. If you find unhealthy roots, trim them away using sterilized pruning shears, leaving only healthy roots.
Before repotting, consider treating the remaining root system with a fungicide to prevent further disease spread.
Repot Monstera to the Right Pot Size
When Monstera are grown in the same pot for too long, their extensive root system may outgrow the current pot, leading to a lack of space for root expansion. This lack of space can hinder stability and cause the plant to lean out of its container. To prevent this from happening, repot your Monstera into a larger container. The new pot should be 2-3 inches wider in diameter than the current one, offering enough space for the roots to spread and grow.
Be careful not to choose a pot that’s too large, as it might hold too much water, causing the soil to remain soggy and potentially leading to root rot. Always ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes so that excess water can drain away from your plant’s roots.
In addition to choosing a new pot with adequate drainage holes, consider factors like how much sunlight your Monstera needs and what kind of soil is best suited for it. If you’re unsure about any of these things when choosing a new container for your Monstera, ask us! We’ll be happy to help!
Install a Support System
Monstera are a unique type of plant that requires a different kind of support system from other plants. If not provided with the right kind of support system, they can become top-heavy and start leaning or drooping.
To prevent this, you can provide your Monstera with a support system such as a moss pole, trellis, or even a sturdy wooden stake. By using soft plant ties or strips of fabric, be careful not to damage the stems. This mimics the Monstera’s natural environment and can help it grow upward rather than lean to the side.