Monstera Leaves Turning Black/Dark Spots (Causes and How to Fix!)
Have you observed your Monstera Leaves Turning Black/Dark Spots? If yes, then you are at the right place. The Monstera deliciosa is perfect for that elegance plus the aestheticism they bring to the spot in the house but get confused between. The plants are so easy to grow and are the favorites of many.
Quick takeaways:
- The plants are least affected by pests. But here’s a nightmare that the gardeners sometimes get to see black spots start to appear on the monstera leaves.
- Some of the reasons behind the black turning of Monstera are root rot, pests, fungal infections, supply of less water, excessive water supply, humidity stress, fertilization issues, and many more explained below.
- Monstera plants when stressed due to some conditions like environmental factors or other issues then plants show some weird characteristics that can make the gardeners concerned about plants’ health.
Don’t worry the plants are not dying and still can be saved. Let’s look at all the causes of dark spots on monstera leaves and the remedies to save the monstera leaves.
Why is Monstera Leaves Turning Black/Dark Spots?
The leaves turning black is due to the dark spots that appeared in the beginning stage of root sickness and were ignored. The leaves ultimately turn black. The dark spots on the monstera leaves are the result of the root rot mainly that might be suffocated due to overwatered soil.
Not just this many times the soil staying dry for long can make the roots dry and roots find it difficult to absorb the nutrients as they should be well diluted. The temperatures if too low or too high can lead to dark spots on the monstera leaves.
Other than this, fertilization issues, waterlogged soil, pest infestations, fungal growth, and infections can be making the monstera leaves black or have dark spots.
“Always do your best. What you Plant now, you will harvest later”
– By Og Mandino
Reasons why monstera leaves turning black or have dark spots
1. Excess water in the soil
The soggy soil is an indication that there is excess water in the soil, which can contribute to mold growth as well. The soil if overwatered roots will stay choked with water all around and the quality of the roots will deteriorate.
The roots don’t get ample oxygen and will become soft with the inability of absorbing nutrients. The leaves as a result will become droopy and develop dark spots on the margins and center of the leaves.
2. Pests
The monstera plants are sensitive to pest attacks like aphids, spider mites, thrips, etc. The pests suck the juice of the plants and make them weak.
The leaves also start to develop dull color due to a lack of nutrients in the body.
3. Fungal infections
The moldy soil that is wet and soggy can also lead to fungal infection in the roots, around the stem that moved to the Montera leaves as well.
Fungal diseases and other waterborne bacterial infections cause dark spots or rings on the leaves.
4. Due to less water
The dry soil that is not properly watered makes the roots really dry and they don’t get dilute forms of nutrients that can be absorbed. The soil needs to be moist for root absorption.
5. Temperature fluctuations
The temperature that is considered appropriate for the growth of monstera plants is in the range of 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of too low or too high can affect the leaves of monstera plants.
Monstera plants cannot withstand the low temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature also should not go above 60 degrees Fahrenheit which can lead to the blackening of leaves.
6. Low humidity
The low amount of moisture in the air can cause the leaves to show dark spots. These spots later spread and make the whole surface of the leaves go black. The humidity below 40% is considered to be low for the monstera plants.
7. Fertilization error
The monstera needs the proper concentration of nutrients in the soil. The leaves that are large and the cuts on the leaves are the results of sufficient nutrients in the soil that they need.
Due to a lack of nutrients in the soil, the leaves will turn brown and the color will become darker with time.
8. Root rot
Roots, if they have been affected then surely the leaves, will get affected and the color will change. The leaves will not perform prior photosynthesis and the color will become black and spotting on the leaves will occur.
9. Poor water drainage
The waterlogged soil is just like overwatering. Without watering the soil too much the soil still stays soggy and mushy because the drainage is poor.
Due to poor drainage, the water will stay standing in the soil and the roots will rot and the stem will become soft.
How to fix the dark spots on Monstera leaves?
- The monstera plant should get enough light in a day, make sure the light is indirect and bright. Place the potted monstera near the window about 2-3 feet away from the window.
- There should be a proper amount of water in the soil, the gardeners should avoid overwatering the monstera plants. Check the soil before it is dry then water the plant.
- Use a balanced fertilizer for the monstera plant. It is important that you fertilize the soil one time every month as the plant needs nutrients to create the cuts on the leaves and stay lush green.
- Follow a proper watering routine, if the soil is too poor then repot the plant in new clean soil. Using a humidifier will help you to increase the humidity or place the plant in a humid room like a bathroom, kitchen, etc.
- Use organic pesticides on the leaves and stems after cleaning the leaves with alcohol.
Wrapping up the Context
In this guide, you come to know that
The Monstera deliciosa is perfect for that elegance plus the aestheticism they bring to the spot in the house. The plants are so easy to grow and are the favorites of many. The plants are least affected by pests. But here’s a nightmare that the gardeners sometimes get to see black spots start to appear on the monstera leaves. Some of the reasons behind the black turning of Monstera are root rot, pests, fungal infections, supply of less water, excessive water supply, humidity stress, fertilization issues, and many more explained below. Read the whole guide for its proper understanding.
FAQs
1. Why are my new Monstera leaves turning black?
The new leaves in this case are turning brown or black, then it is high time to look at the soil if the soil is too moist or too dry the soil is getting ignored. The waterlogged or cracked soil can make the new leaves lifeless and make them black-colored.
2. Should I cut black leaves off Monstera?
The monstera leaves that are turning black are an indication that the plant is sick or under stress and if stayed on the plant won’t affect the plant. The monstera leaves can still be removed from the monstera plant if you want a clean appearance of the plants. Cut the leaves above the stem or you can remove the leaves with your hands too.
3. How do you rehab a Monstera?
A monstera can be rehabbed by normalizing the environment that might be irritating the monstera plant. That can be dry soil or too much-wet soil. Check if the monstera leaves are getting too much sunlight or the humidity level is too low which is affecting the functioning of the roots and the monstera gets affected.