Monstera Deliciosa Leaves Curling

If you’ve noticed your monstera deliciosa leaves curling, you’re not alone. This is a common sign that your plant is trying to tell you something isn’t quite right in its environment. Don’t worry—curling leaves are a clear signal, and with a little detective work, you can usually figure out the cause and help your plant recover its beautiful, broad leaves.

Monstera deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant, is generally a resilient and easy-going houseplant. Its leaves are supposed to be large, glossy, and mostly flat with those iconic splits and holes. When they start to curl inward, upward, or downward, it’s a direct response to stress. The key is to observe the type of curl and check other clues your plant gives you.

Let’s break down the main reasons why your monstera’s leaves might be curling. We’ll look at each cause, how to identify it, and the exact steps to fix it.

1. Underwatering (The Most Common Culprit)

When a monstera doesn’t get enough water, it will curl its leaves to reduce surface area and minimize water loss. The leaves will typically curl inward at the edges, and the plant will feel light when you lift it. The soil will be dry and may even pull away from the edges of the pot.

How to fix it:

Check the soil moisture with your finger. If the top 2-3 inches are bone dry, it’s time to water.
Give your plant a thorough, deep watering. Water slowly until you see it running freely out the drainage holes.
Let the pot drain completely—never let it sit in a saucer of water.
Going forward, establish a more consistent watering schedule. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.

2. Overwatering and Root Rot

Ironically, too much water can also cause curling, often accompanied by yellowing leaves. Soggy soil suffocates roots, preventing them from absorbing water and nutrients. This leads to a thirsty plant with wet feet—a bad situation. Leaves may curl and feel soft or limp.

How to fix it:

Stop watering immediately.
Gently remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots.
Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotten roots are mushy, dark brown or black, and may smell bad.
Using clean scissors, carefully cut away all the rotten roots.
Repot the plant into fresh, well-draining potting mix and a clean pot with drainage holes.
Water lightly after repotting and then adjust your watering habits.

3. Low Humidity

Monsteras are tropical plants that thrive in humid air. In our dry, air-conditioned or heated homes, the leaves can curl and edges may turn brown as moisture evaporates to quickly from the leaf surface.

How to increase humidity:

Group plants together to create a microclimate.
Use a pebble tray: fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, and place the pot on top (not in the water).
Mist the leaves regularly with room-temperature water, but this is a temporary boost.
The most effective solution is to use a humidifier placed near your plant.

4. Too Much Direct Sunlight

While monsteras need bright light, direct hot sun can scorch and stress them, causing leaves to curl up and away from the light source. You might also see pale, washed-out areas or crispy brown spots.

How to fix it:

Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. A few feet back from a south or west-facing window is ideal.
Sheer curtains are great for filtering harsh direct sunlight.
If moving isn’t an option, consider rotating the plant regularly so no one side gets to much sun.

5. Temperature Stress and Drafts

Monsteras dislike sudden temperature changes. Cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents, as well as hot air from heaters, can cause leaves to curl and droop. They prefer stable temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).

How to fix it:

Identify the source of the draft or heat.
Relocate your plant to a more stable environment, away from vents, leaky windows, and exterior doors.
Avoid placing them near radiators or fireplaces.

6. Pest Infestation

Sap-sucking pests like spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs can cause leaves to curl, discolor, and look generally unhappy. These pests drain the plant’s fluids, stressing it severely.

How to identify and treat pests:

Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems closely. Look for tiny moving dots, webbing, or cottony masses.
Isolate the affected plant immediately to prevent spread.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests.
For heavier infestations, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution, covering all leaf surfaces. Repeat weekly until pests are gone.

7. Nutrient Deficiency

A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can lead to stunted growth and curling leaves. This is more common in plants that haven’t been repotted or fertilized in a long time.

How to fix it:

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your monstera with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, about once a month.
In fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing as growth slows.
If the plant is root-bound, repot it into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, which will provide new nutrients.

Diagnostic Checklist: What to Look For

When you see curling leaves, run through this quick list:

Feel the Soil: Is it soggy, bone dry, or just right?
Check the Roots: If you suspect overwatering, check for root rot.
Look for Pests: Examine the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass if needed.
Assess Light: Is the plant in harsh direct sun or deep shade?
Feel the Leaves: Are they crispy (underwatered/low humidity) or mushy (overwatered)?
Consider the Season: Has the heater or AC been on more lately, affecting humidity and temperature?

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with leaf curl is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here’s how to keep your monstera thriving:

Consistent Watering: Learn your plant’s rhythm and the weight of its watered pot.
Proper Potting: Always use a pot with drainage holes and a chunky, well-aerated potting mix (adding orchid bark or perlite helps).
Ideal Location: Find a bright spot with indirect light and stable temperatures.
Regular Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and help with photosynthesis.
Seasonal Adjustments: Water less in winter, provide more humidity when indoor heating runs, and adjust light exposure as seasons change.

FAQ: Monstera Leaf Problems

Q: Why are my monstera leaves curling and turning yellow?
A: This combination usually points to overwatering and potential root rot. Check your soil moisture and the health of the roots immediately.

Q: Should I cut off curled monstera leaves?
A: Not immediately. If the leaf is mostly green, it’s still helping the plant. Address the underlying cause first. Once the plant recovers and pushes out new growth, you can prune any severely damaged or yellowed leaves for aesthetics.

Q: Can curled leaves go back to normal?
A> It depends. If the curling is due to a temporary issue like thirst, the leaf may flatten out after watering. However, if the curling is severe or caused by prolonged stress, the existing leaf may remain somewhat curled. The important thing is that new growth comes in healthy once you correct the problem.

Q: Is leaf curling different from leaf curling?
A: Yes. Curling usually refers to the edges rolling inward or upward. “Curl” often describes a more dramatic, twisted, or spiral deformation, which can indicate pest damage, chemical exposure, or a severe viral issue, though the latter is rare indoors.

Q: How often should I water my monstera to prevent curling?
A: There’s no universal schedule. It depends on light, temperature, pot size, and the time of year. The best method is the finger test: water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. In winter, this might mean every 2-3 weeks; in summer, it could be weekly.

Remember, your monstera deliciosa is a tough plant. Leaf curling is its way of communicating. By paying close attention and methodically checking the potential causes, you can solve the problem and enjoy those magnificent, healthy leaves for years to come. With consistent care, your monstera will reward you with vigorous growth and its stunning, split-leaf foliage.