If your Monstera is unhappy it shows signs on it’s leaves. Black spots on Monstera can be worrying to any plant parent and can be due to several different reasons.
Black and brown spots on Monstera don’t necessarily mean it is is doomed. Monstera are hardy houseplants and can bounce back from tough conditions. Here are a few reasons why your Monstera leaves have black spots and what you can do to fix it.
Learn more about Monstera adansonii care here
Learn about Monstera deliciosa care here
1. Black Spots on Monstera due to Over Watering
Root rot is one of the most common causes of black spots on Monstera leaves. Well-meaning plant parents can love their plants a bit too much by over watering, which causes root rot. Fortunately, Monstera can be brought back to life even after receiving too much water.
Other signs of over watering include:
- Yellow stems and/or leaves
- Mushy, soft stems
- Very soggy, wet soil
If you suspect your Monstera is over watered, remove the plant from it’s pot and clean off the roots. Using a clean pair of scissors, remove any mushy dark brown or black roots, as these are rotten (healthy roots are light tan).
Wash out the pot with soap and water and fill it with fresh, new potting soil. Add a few handfuls of perlite or gravel to increase drainage. Pots with drainage holes are best to help remove excess water.
Prune the damaged leaves on the Monstera and plant in the new soil. Keep it in an area with bright, indirect sun so that it can dry quickly, and reduce your watering frequency. Move the plant closer to the window for quicker drying.
To prevent over watering, always check that the top layer of soil is dry before watering by sticking your finger in, or using a moisture meter.
Keep in mind: if your Monstera is in a cooler or darker area, it needs less watering than if it were somewhere warmer or brighter.
2. Black Spots on Monstera due to Under Watering
On the other hand, black spots on Monstera can also be caused by under watering. If you notice the leaves are turning light brown and looking “crispy”, your plant probably needs a drink.
Check that the soil feels dry, and water your plant a little more than usual.
If the Monstera is root bound, the soil dries out faster because there is less material to hold water for the plant. If you notice roots popping out of the soil and out of the drainage hole of the container, it is time to repot. Move the plant to a container that is about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current one.
Give the plant a few days to acclimate to it’s new container before watering again.
Unfortunately, the brown edges do not fade away, but you can trim them to improve appearances.
Learn how to properly water your Monstera with this guide
3. Black Spots on Monstera due to Sun Burn
If your Monstera is in direct sunlight, the brown and black spots may be due to sun burn. Monstera enjoy bright, indirect light, similar to what they receive in their native habitat.
Keep your Monstera a few feet away from an east or west facing window, as these provide enough light without being too harsh. Move your Monstera farther away from the window if the leaves are burning. If you do not have space near an east or west facing window, you could keep your houseplant near a south facing one with a sheer curtain.
If your Monstera is outside, place it under a porch so that it is shielded from the very bright mid-afternoon rays, but still receives some sun.
Rotate the plant every few days, so the growth is even and one side is not exposed more than the others.
Make sure your Monstera leaves are not directly touching the windows, as this damages them further.
4. Black Spots on Monstera due to Low Humidity
Low humidity and dry air also cause the leaf edges to brown. Monstera are native to rainforests, so they thrive in humid environments.
If you live somewhere dry, placing a humidifier next to your plants is a great way to increase humidity.
If you do not have a humidifier, increase humidity by placing a tray of water near your plant. As water evaporates into the atmosphere, it provides the houseplant with needed humidity.
5. Black Spots on Monstera due to Improper Fertilization
Nutrient deficiencies can cause spots on Monstera leaves. You may also notice yellowing leaves, or leaves not forming holes due to insufficient nutrients. Fertilize your plant about once a month during the active growing season from spring to late summer.
If you have been fertilizing once a month, nutrient deficiency is an unlikely cause.
6. Black Spots on Monstera due to Disease
Bacterial and fungal diseases can cause leaf spots on Monstera. Often these spots are uniform in size and have a yellow “halo” surrounding them. Snip off the affected leaves and check any neighboring plants for signs of disease, as this can be contagious.
Prevent bacterial and fungal diseases by keeping your Monstera’s leaves dry. While Monstera like humid conditions, do not mist their leaves. Wet leaves lead to bacterial and fungal diseases that can cause black spots. If you spill water on the leaves, wipe it off with a tissue.
7. Discolored Spots on Monstera due to Pests
Insect infestations are the bane of any plant owner’s existence because they wreak havoc on your collection and cause discoloration. These pests can be hard to spot initially and are difficult to get rid of.
Tips to minimize the risk of bringing pests into your home:
- Inspect plants carefully before buying for signs of insects, webbing, sap, or damage. Do not buy plants with signs of infestation
- When bringing plants home, quarantine new plants away from others for a few weeks to prevent spread. This isolates the issue if you do have an infestation
- Use clean pots and soil
- Do not over water because insects are attracted to moist conditions
- Inspect your plants regularly
Unfortunately, pests can slip through even the most careful plant owner’s eye. If you notice them, immediately quarantine your plant to reduce spread. Examine any neighboring plants for signs of damage as well.
Wash the affected plant under a steady stream of water, such as a hose or shower head, to dislodge insects.
Then spray your Monstera with neem oil, rubbing alcohol, or an insecticidal soap. This removes the pests without damaging the plant.
Repeat this process once every few days for a few weeks to completely remove the infestation. Do not get discouraged, because it is possible for Monstera to bounce back!
General Monstera Care
Unfortunately, brown and black leaves do not turn green again. I like to cut off the leaves that are completely damaged and trim brown spots off if they are just on the tips or edge.
If the damage is minimal, keep the leaves on the plant because they are still helping it photosynthesize.
Prevent black and brown spots on your Monstera by providing it with the proper conditions to grow healthy. Monstera’s ideal conditions are summarized below:
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect light. Do not like direct sunlight |
| Water | Once every 1 to 2 weeks. Check that the soil is dry before watering |
| Temperature | 65 – 85 °F (18 – 30 °C). Do not keep in temperatures below 60 °F (15 °C). |
| Humidity | Thrives in humid conditions (however, do not mist the leaves) |
In summary for brown spots on Monstera
7 common causes of black and brown spots on Monstera are:
- Over watering
- Under watering
- Sun burn
- Low humidity
- Disease
- Improper fertilization
- Insect infestation
If you start to notice problems in your plants, check for additional clues about the cause:
- If the soil is wet, and your plant has yellow, mushy stems, it is likely over watered. Reduce your watering frequency and move the plant to new, dry soil.
- If the leaves are dry and crispy, your plant could be receiving too much sunlight or not enough humidity. Move the plant further away from the window, and increase humidity with a humidifier.
- Check that the plant has not outgrown it’s pot, as that could lead to underwatering.
- Inspect your plants regularly for signs of infestation so you can treat it early.
Have any more questions about black spots on Monstera I did not answer? Let me know down below!
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