Root Rot in Monsteras: How to Identify and Save Your Plant

The Monstera is the king of the indoor jungle, known for its dramatic size and iconic split leaves.¹ But like any plant, it is vulnerable to a silent killer: root rot. This common issue, usually caused by overwatering, can quickly jeopardize your plant's health.²

Knowing how to spot root rot early and treat it effectively is key to keeping your Monstera thriving.

🧐 Part 1: How to Identify Root Rot

Root rot is often hard to detect because the damage begins below the soil line.³ You must learn to read the signals your plant is sending.

🌿 Above-Ground Symptoms (The Leaf Clues)

Symptom	Description	Why This Happens
Yellowing Leaves	Older, lower leaves turn yellow, often starting near the edges.	The damaged roots can no longer absorb water and nutrients, causing dehydration.
Drooping/Wilting	Leaves look sad, limp, and generally unhappy, even shortly after watering.	Paradoxically, the plant is drowning. The dead roots can't transport water, so the plant shows signs of thirst.
Black/Brown Patches	Dark, mushy, or water-soaked spots appear on the stems or leaves.	This is the result of fungal or bacterial infection spreading from the diseased roots.
Stunted or Slow Growth	New leaves are small, fail to unfurl properly, or growth stops entirely.	The plant is spending all its energy fighting the infection instead of growing.

🟤 Below-Ground Symptoms (The Definitive Test)

If you see the above symptoms, it's time to pull the plant from its pot for a root check:

1. Healthy Roots: Will be firm, white, or light tan and smell clean and earthy.

2. Rotted Roots: Will be dark brown or black, mushy, and soft to the touch.⁴ They will often slough off easily when gently squeezed. The pot may also emit a distinct foul, rotten smell.

   
   

🩹 Part 2: The Rescue Mission (Saving Your Monstera)

If you confirm root rot, you must act immediately. Time is of the essence!

Step 1: Unpot and Assess

• Carefully remove the Monstera from its pot.

• Gently brush off as much old, contaminated soil as possible. You may need to use a stream of water to fully expose the roots.

Step 2: Prune the Rot

• Using sterilized shears or scissors (wipe them with rubbing alcohol), cut away all the dark, mushy, and smelly roots.

• Continue cutting until you reach healthy, white tissue. If you cut into a root and see a brown center, keep cutting until it's completely white.

Step 3: Sterilize (Optional, but Recommended)

• Dip the remaining healthy roots into a mild solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%) to 4 parts water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps kill residual fungal spores.

• Allow the roots to air dry on paper towels for a few hours until the cut ends are fully calloused (dried over).

Step 4: Repotting

• Discard the old soil and sterilize the old pot (wash it thoroughly with soapy water and a mild bleach solution) or use a new pot.

• Repot the Monstera into a fresh, well-draining potting mix.⁵ A great mixture is standard indoor potting soil mixed with perlite and orchid bark to ensure excellent drainage.⁶

  
  

• Do not water immediately. Wait 3-5 days to allow the roots to heal before giving a small, shallow watering.

✅ Part 3: Preventing Future Root Rot

Prevention is always easier than a cure! Root rot occurs when the roots sit in waterlogged soil and suffocate.⁷

• Rule of Thumb Watering: Only water your Monstera when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. Stick your finger deep into the soil to check.

• Improve Drainage: Ensure your pot has a large drainage hole. Never let the plant sit in the runoff water in the saucer. Empty the saucer 15 minutes after watering.

• Use the Right Soil: Monsteras need a light, airy soil mix. Avoid dense, heavy soil that compacts easily.

• Seasonal Adjustment: Monsteras need far less water in the dark, cool winter months when their growth naturally slows down. Adjust your schedule accordingly.

  
  

By paying attention to your Monstera's signals and following a strict watering schedule, you can enjoy this stunning tropical beauty for years to come!