Stunted growth and lack of new leaves in the Philodendron Monstera are worrisome conditions for philodendron collectors. As Monstera is a finicky plant, its growth may slow down.
There are several reasons behind the slow growth rate of the plant. To find out why your beloved plant is not growing new leaves, go through this article thoroughly.
What Are the Common Monstera Growth Issues?
Identifying the root cause that is affecting your Monstera and treating them carefully is crucial to keeping the plant healthy. Here are some of them.
Identifying the Main Problems Behind Slow Growth
Droopy Leaves
Drooping leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or root rot, which can stop plants from producing new leaves.
Yellowing of Leaves
Nutrient deficiencies and underwatering or overwatering may lead to yellowing of the leaves and thus slow down the growth rate of the plant.
Pests
The stunted growth of a Monstera can be caused by spider mites, mealy bugs, or scales that infest the plant.
Leaf Tips Turning Brown
Brown leaf tips are another sign of underwatering or low humidity.
The Necessity of Knowing the Main Causes
Identifying the root cause of a Monstera growth problem and treating it on time can only save your plant and prevent any further damage.
Carefully identify the symptoms and take the necessary steps to help your Philodendron stay healthy and produce new leaves.
How to Understand the Growth Cycle of a Monstera?
Your Monstera grows just like a kid and has its own growth patterns. Understanding its growth cycle can always make this stunning plant flourish. Don’t worry too much if your plant seems slow.
Seasonal Changes
Summer and spring are the growing season of Philodendrons when new leaves are produced regularly.
The growth rate of the plant slows down during winter and fall when the temperature drops and the days get shorter. Sometimes its growth gets completely paused during this season.
Age is an Important Factor
As our own kid, a young Monstera is more energetic and eager to grow faster. You will often notice new leaves on your Monstera when they are young.
However, as a Monstera starts getting mature, its growth rate slows down. While they still grow, they may take time to produce new leaves.
Causes Behind Monstera Not Growing New Leaves
As discussed above, there are several reasons why a Monstera is not growing new leaves. Let’s find out.
Temperature and Light
Unlike all varieties of Philodendron Monsteras love bright, indirect light. Therefore, always try to place them near a window with enough natural, light. However, direct sunlight scorching should be avoided as it can damage the delicate leaves.
North-facing windows are considered the best spots. However, you can also place your Monstera near an east or west-facing window.
On the other hand, a suitable temperature is necessary for the plant to grow well. The temperature of the place where a Monstera is kept should always be around 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Try to place them in a warm and humid spot. Avoid frequent changes in temperature and cold drafts.
Humidity and Watering
Although Monsteras prefer humid conditions, too soggy soil can also be harmful for the plant. Make sure the pot where the plant is kept has enough drainage holes to run away extra water. Check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil before watering.
Humid weather conditions are ideal for growing monstera. As these plants are found in tropical rainforests so, they cannot survive well in dry weather condition.
If you are in an area with dry weather conditions then, make sure to mist your plants from time to time. You can also use a humidity tray to increase the humidity level around the plant.
Fertilizer and Soil
Using the best and right soil is important when growing a Monstera as they are picky eaters. Monsteras grow best in well-draining, aerated soil. You can prepare your own potting mix at home by mixing peat moss, potting soil, and perlite.
Ready-to-use potting mix for tropical plants is also available in the market, which can also be used. Always use a balanced liquid fertilizer when feeding the Monstera. Using too much fertilizer can be extremely harmful to the plant as its roots can get burned.
You should fertilize the plant once a month during the summer and spring as it is the growing season of a Monstera. Reduce or stop fertilizing during winter and fall.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are the common culprits that infest your plants and make them unhealthy and weak over time. So, it is important to identify and treat them on time. Here are some pests and diseases and ways to deal with them.
Pests
Pests
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are often spotted in clusters in leaf axils. They are tiny, white fluffy insects and love to suck the sap from your plant. To get rid of them, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and wipe them off.
- Scale Insects: They are flat, hard-shelled insects look like small bumps found on the leaves and stem of the plant. You can use horticulture oil to suffocate them or scrape them off using a soft brush or fingernails.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites spin fine webs on the plant can make the leaves turn yellow and fall off. These tiny mites thrive in dry conditions. To eliminate them, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Also, increase humidity around the plant to prevent them.
Diseases
Pests
- Fungus: The fungus can lead to small black or brown spots on the leaves. To prevent fungal leaf spots avoid too much watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Remove and dispose of infected leaves properly.
- Rotting of Roots: Root rot is the most common side effect of overwatering. So, using well-draining aerated soil is very important. A plant with rotten roots will show symptoms like yellowing and wilting of leaves, and foul odor. Repot your Monstera in fresh soil after removing the rotten roots if it is already affected.
How to Fix Monstera’s Growth Issues?
Yellowing of Leaves
As mentioned above, yellowing of leaves can occur due to over or under-watering. So, always check the moisture level of the soil before watering. If you notice the leaves to be dry and crispy, then increase the frequency of watering as these signs indicate your plant is thirsty.
Leaf Tips Turning Brown
Over-fertilization and low humidity can make the leaf tips of your Monstera brown. Use a pebble tray, or humidifier, and mist the plant to increase the humidity level. There can be salt buildup in the soil due to overfertilization. Apply warm water to remove excess salts.
Slow Growth Rate
A root-bound Monstera without sufficient light will always struggle to grow. To increase its growth rate always place the plant in bright, indirect light. Use fresh, well-draining soil and repot your plant in a new, larger pot if it is root-bound.
Recap
So, the causes shared above are mainly responsible for Monstera not growing new leaves. As every plant is unique and has its own needs; thus, providing the right amount of water, light, and humidity can make it thrive well.
Be patient even if you notice your beloved plant is not growing new leaves. With a little care and attention, you will soon be able to make your Monstera produce lush, new foliage.