Monsteras are strong and beginner-friendly, but small mistakes can slowly damage them. Here are the 10 most common mistakes new plant owners make and how to fix each one quickly.

❌ 1. Not Enough Light

Monsteras survive in low light, but they will not grow well.

Signs:

• Small leaves

• No holes/splits

• Long, stretched stems (leggy)

✔ Fix:

Put your Monstera near a bright window with lots of indirect light.

❌ 2. Overwatering

This is the most common cause of dying Monsteras.

Signs:

• Yellow leaves

• Wet, cold soil

• Mushy stems or roots

✔ Fix:

Water only when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry.Use a pot with good drainage.

❌ 3. Using Compact, Heavy Soil

Dense soil suffocates the roots.

Problems:

• Slow growth

• Higher risk of root rot

✔ Fix – Use a chunky mix:

• Potting soil

• Orchid bark

• Perlite

• Coco chips (optional)

The soil should look chunky and airy, not muddy.

❌ 4. No Support Pole

Monsteras are climbing plants. Without support, they grow messy and weak.

✔ Fix:

Use a moss pole, stake, or trellis.Tie the plant gently so it grows upward and produces bigger leaves.

❌ 5. Waiting Too Long to Repot

A root-bound Monstera cannot grow well.

Signs:

• Roots circling inside the pot

• Soil dries quickly

• Very slow growth

✔ Fix:

Repot every 1–2 years (best in spring).

❌ 6. Not Rotating the Plant

Monsteras grow toward the light. If you don’t rotate it:

• One side becomes full

• The other side becomes empty

• The plant leans

✔ Fix:

Rotate the pot every 1–2 weeks.

❌ 7. No Fertilizer During Growing Season

From spring to early fall, Monsteras need extra nutrients.

✔ Fix:

Use a liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks from March to September. Stop in winter.

❌ 8. Low Humidity

Dry air causes leaf damage.

Signs:

• Brown leaf tips

• Crispy edges

✔ Fix:

Increase humidity by:

• Using a humidifier

• Grouping plants

• Using a pebble tray

Aim for 60% humidity.

❌ 9. Cutting Aerial Roots

Aerial roots help Monsteras climb and support themselves.

✔ Fix:

Do not cut them.Instead, guide them into:

• The moss pole, or

• The soil

Only cut them if they are completely dead or dry.

❌ 10. Expecting Fast Growth in Winter

Monsteras grow slowly in cold months. This is normal.

✔ Fix:

• Don’t fertilize

• Water less often

• Wait for spring growth to return

🌿 Simple Monstera Care Checklist

✔ Bright, indirect light✔ Chunky, well-draining soil✔ Water when the top part of soil is dry✔ Use a moss pole✔ Rotate regularly✔ Fertilize in growing season✔ Keep humidity up✔ Repot every 1–2 years