What to Do When Monstera Leaves Become Soft and Droopy? Causes and Solutions
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is a climbing shrub plant in the Araceae family, and in China it is cultivated mainly for ornamental purposes. The leaf shape of Monstera is quite peculiar and highly ornamental, making it very popular with many people. However, when growing Monstera, whether it is home care or commercial cultivation by flower growers, the phenomenon of soft and drooping leaves is prone to occur. So what should be done when Monstera leaves become soft and droopy? Let's take a look below!
1. Water reasonably
Monstera is a plant that likes to grow in a moist environment. During cultivation, if Monstera is kept in a water-deficient environment for a long time, the leaves will become dull and soft due to the lack of water. At this time, we should water promptly to prevent the stems and leaves from turning yellow and drying out due to prolonged water shortage. However, overwatering can also cause root rot in Monstera, likewise resulting in soft and drooping leaves. Therefore, we should pay attention to reasonable watering, ensuring soil moisture content while avoiding water accumulation. If water accumulates, be sure to drain it promptly.
2. Fertilize scientifically
Although Monstera has a high demand for fertilizer, its tolerance to concentrated fertilizer is very poor. Over-fertilizing is also a main cause of soft and drooping Monstera leaves. If the Monstera leaves show yellowing caused by fertilizer, it means the plant has been suffering from fertilizer damage for some time. If the leaves are soft, it means the fertilizer damage has only just begun. At this point, we should promptly apply a large amount of clean water to dilute the fertilizer, or replace the soil to alleviate the fertilizer damage. After watering, ensure good ventilation to avoid the soil being too moist, which would cause the opposite effect.
3. Prune the roots
Whether the soft and drooping Monstera leaves are caused by overwatering or over-fertilizing, the roots of the Monstera have basically already rotted. Because of the root rot, the roots cannot absorb nutrients and water. Therefore, at this time we should promptly dig out the plant, then sterilize the scissors and cut off the rotted parts of the roots. Then soak the roots in a solution such as potassium permanganate to disinfect them. Usually after soaking for about 30 minutes, they can be replanted into the soil.
4. Control light exposure
Monstera is a plant with very strong shade tolerance and also likes to grow in shaded environments. Therefore, its tolerance to strong light is very poor. So during cultivation, if Monstera is placed in an environment with strong light exposure, the leaves will gradually become soft and droop due to direct sunlight. If it is caused by light, then shade it promptly, and it will recover to normal in about 3-4 hours. Although the remedy is simple, be careful not to let strong light shine directly on it. Over the long term, Monstera growth will be severely inhibited, so everyone should pay close attention.
The above is a brief introduction on what to do when Monstera leaves become soft and droopy. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!