Monstera Leaves Turning Black

Seeing your monstera leaves turning black can be a real shock. It’s a clear sign your plant is stressed, but don’t panic—this common problem is often fixable. This guide will help you figure out why it’s happening and show you the simple steps to bring your plant back to health.

Black leaves on a monstera usually point to an issue with water, light, or roots. The key is to act quickly, as the blackened parts won’t recover. Your goal is to stop the spread and create an environment where new, healthy leaves can thrive.

Before you can fix the problem, you need to diagnose the cause. Black leaves are a symptom, and the exact look and location of the blackening gives you the first clue. Here are the main culprits to investigate.

Overwatering and Root Rot

This is the most common cause. Monsteras like their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Constantly wet soil suffocates the roots, causing them to rot. This rot then travels up the plant, turning stems and leaves black, often starting at the base or on new growth.

Signs: Leaves turn black and soft, sometimes yellowing first. The soil smells musty. Stems may feel mushy.
Check the Roots: Gently remove your plant from its pot. Healthy roots are firm and white. Rotten roots are dark brown/black, slimy, and fall apart easily.

Underwatering and Extreme Dryness

While less common than overwatering, severe neglect can also cause black, crispy leaves. The plant dries out so completely that leaf tissue dies, starting at the edges and tips before spreading.

Signs: Leaves turn dry, brittle, and black, often with crispy brown edges first. The soil is completely dry and may be pulling away from the pot’s edges.

Cold Damage or Drafts

Monsteras are tropical plants. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), or even a cold draft from a window or AC vent, can damage leaf cells. This causes black, soggy patches to appear, usually on the areas most exposed to the cold.

Signs: Black, water-soaked patches on leaves, often occuring after a cold night near a window. New growth is especially vulnerable.

Sunburn from Direct Light

Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light. Strong, direct sunlight—especially through a hot window—scorches the leaves. This burn shows up as bleached, then brown or black, crispy spots directly where the sun hit.

Signs: Crispy black or brown spots with a yellow halo, centered on the top leaves facing the light source. The rest of the leaf may look fine.

Fungal or Bacterial Infections

These often follow physical damage or overly wet conditions. Spores land on a wounded leaf or sit on constantly damp foliage, leading to black spots that can grow and spread.

Signs: Black spots with a yellow ring that spread rapidly. They may appear anywhere on the leaf and have a wet or lesion-like look.

How to Treat and Save Your Monstera

Once you’ve identified the likely cause, follow these steps to rescue your plant. Always start by trimming away the damaged parts.

Step 1: Prune the Damaged Leaves

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut off the entirely black leaves at the base of their stem. For leaves with partial black spots, you can trim away just the damaged portion, following the natural shape of the leaf. This helps the plant focus it’s energy on healthy growth.

Step 2: Address the Root Cause

For Overwatering/Root Rot: Remove all wet soil and cut away every rotten root (slimy, dark, mushy). Repot into fresh, well-draining aroid mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water lightly only after repotting.
For Underwatering: Give the plant a thorough, deep soak. Place the pot in a sink filled with a few inches of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to wick up moisture from the bottom. Then let it drain completely.
For Cold Damage/Drafts: Move the plant to a warmer spot away from drafty windows, doors, or vents. Trim damaged leaves and wait for new growth.
For Sunburn: Immediately relocate the plant to a spot with bright but indirect light. Filter direct sun with a sheer curtain.
For Infection: Isolate the plant. Remove affected leaves and avoid getting water on the foliage. Improve air circulation. For severe cases, a copper fungicide can be applied according to label instructions.

Step 3: Adjust Your Care Routine

Prevention is about perfecting your daily care. Here’s how to get it right:

Water Correctly: Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Stick your finger in to check. Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. Never let the plant sit in water.
Provide the Right Light: A spot near an east-facing window is ideal. A north or west window with sheer coverage works too. South windows need strong filtration.
Ensure Proper Temperature & Humidity: Keep your monstera in a room between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid cold blasts. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, especially in winter.
Use a Suitable Pot and Soil: Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Choose a chunky, airy potting mix. A standard houseplant soil amended with perlite and orchid bark is perfect for drainage.
Keep it Clean: Wipe leaves dust regularly with a damp cloth. This helps with photosynthesis and pest prevention. Inspect your plant weekly when you water.

FAQ: Monstera Leaf Problems

Can a black monstera leaf turn green again?

No. Once leaf tissue turns black, it is dead and cannot recover. You should prune it away to help the plant.

Should I cut off black leaves on my monstera?

Yes. Removing completely black leaves and trimming partialy black spots is recommended. It improves appearance and redirects the plant’s energy.

Why are the tips of my monstera leaves turning black?

Black tips are often a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering (either too much or too little). It can also indicate a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water.

How often should I water my monstera to prevent problems?

There’s no set schedule. Watering frequency depends on light, temperature, and pot size. Always check the soil moisture first—this is the most reliable method.

What’s the difference between black from overwatering and black from sunburn?

Overwatering causes soft, often mushy blackness, starting lower on the plant. Sunburn creates dry, crispy, and scorched black or brown spots specifically on the areas most exposed to light.

Catching the issue early gives your monstera the best chance. Remember, these plants are resilient. By correcting the environment and providing consistent care, you’ll soon see new, healthy leaves unfurling. Paying attention to your plant’s signals is the best tool any gardener has.