Seeing your monstera with yellow leaves and wilting stems can be worrying. If you suspect the issue is below the soil, you need to know about monstera root rot. This common problem is often caused by overwatering, but the good news is it can be fixed if you act quickly.
Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots when they sit in soggy soil for too long. The roots suffocate and decay, which prevents them from delivering water and nutrients to your beautiful plant. Let’s look at how to stop it before it starts and how to treat it effectively.
Monstera Root Rot
Understanding what root rot is and why it happens is your first line of defense. It’s not just about watering less; it’s about creating an environment where rot can’t take hold.
What Causes Root Rot in Monsteras?
The main culprit is almost always overwatering. However, it’s rarely just the amount of water you give. It’s about how long the roots stay wet.
- Overwatering & Poor Drainage: Watering too often or using a pot without a drainage hole traps water at the bottom. The roots drown in this stagnant environment.
- Heavy, Compacted Soil: Regular potting soil can hold too much moisture for monsteras. They need a chunky, airy mix that allows water to flow through quickly.
- Pot Size: A pot that’s way too large for the root system holds excess soil that stays wet long after watering, creating a perfect zone for rot to develop.
- Cold Temperatures: Monsteras slow their growth in cooler temps and use less water. Watering on a summer schedule in winter can easily lead to soggy soil.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Catching root rot early makes all the difference. Look for these warning signs:
- Yellowing Leaves: Often starting with the older, lower leaves. The yellowing may be widespread or follow the veins of the leaf.
- Wilting and Drooping: The plant looks thirsty, but the soil is still damp. This is a classic sign the roots are damaged and can’t take up water.
- Brown, Mushy Stems: At the base of the plant, stems may become soft and dark.
- Stunted Growth: Your monstera stops putting out new leaves, or new leaves are small and stunted.
- Foul Odor: A musty, unpleasant smell coming from the soil is a strong indicator of decay below the surface.
How to Confirm Root Rot
You’ll need to check the roots directly. Gently remove your monstera from its pot. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotten roots are dark brown or black, mushy, and will often fall apart when touched. They might also have a slimy film and a bad smell.
Step-by-Step Treatment Guide
If you’ve found rot, don’t panic. Follow these steps carefully to give your monstera its best chance at recovery.
Step 1: Remove the Plant and Inspect
Take the plant out of its pot. Gently shake and rinse away the old soil under lukewarm running water. This lets you see the full extent of the damage clearly.
Step 2: Sterilize Your Tools
Use a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution. This prevents spreading any disease to healthy parts of the root.
Step 3: Prune the Damaged Roots
Cut away every single soft, mushy, or dark root. Be ruthless here—any rot left behind will spread. Cut back until you only see firm, healthy root tissue. If the stems are also mushy at the base, cut those away too.
Step 4: Treat the Remaining Roots
After pruning, you have a couple options to disinfect. You can soak the root system in a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%) to 2 parts water for about 30 minutes. This helps kill any lingering fungus and adds oxygen. Alternatively, you can dust the roots with a powdered fungicide like cinnamon or sulfur.
Step 5: Repot in Fresh Soil
Do not reuse the old soil! Choose a clean pot with excellent drainage holes. If reusing the same pot, scrub it thoroughly with soap and bleach. Use a fresh, well-draining aroid mix. A great DIY recipe is equal parts potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite.
Step 6: Adjust Aftercare
Water the plant lightly after repotting to settle the soil. Then, place it in bright, indirect light and resist watering again until the top few inches of soil are completely dry. The plant is in recovery and needs time to grow new roots.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Once you’ve dealt with root rot, you’ll want to never face it again. These simple habits will keep your monstera’s roots healthy and strong.
Perfect Your Watering Technique
Water deeply, but only when needed. Always check the soil first—insert your finger about 2-3 inches down. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait. In winter, you may only need to water every 3-4 weeks.
Use the Right Soil Mix
This is the most important prevention step. Monsteras are epiphytes in nature, meaning their roots need air. A chunky, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. The commercial “aroid mix” or the DIY recipe mentioned above works perfectly.
Choose the Correct Pot
Always use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and allow soil to dry more evenly. When repotting for growth, only size up 1-2 inches in diameter at a time.
Provide Optimal Environment
Ensure your monstera gets plenty of bright, indirect light. This helps it use water efficiently. Keep it away from cold drafts and maintain comfortable room temperatures. Good air circulation around the plant also helps soil dry appropriately.
FAQ: Your Monstera Root Rot Questions Answered
Can a monstera recover from severe root rot?
It depends on how much healthy root is left. If you can prune back to some firm, white roots, there is a good chance. If all roots are gone, you may need to attempt propagating any remaining healthy stem cuttings in water or moss.
How often should I water my monstera to prevent rot?
There’s no set schedule. Always water based on soil dryness, not the day of the week. Factors like light, temperature, and pot size all affect how quickly soil dries.
Should I use hydrogen peroxide every time I water?
No, this is not recommended for routine watering. Hydrogen peroxide is a treatment for an active problem. Overuse can disrupt the beneficial microbes in your soil over time. It’s best used as a one-time treatment during root rot recovery.
What’s the difference between root rot and underwatering?
Both can cause wilting and yellow leaves. The key difference is the soil moisture. Underwatered plants have bone-dry soil and their roots are typically dry and brittle, not mushy. An underwatered plant will perk up quickly after a drink; a plant with root rot will not.
Can I save a monstera with root rot in water?
Yes, this is a good option for severely damaged plants. After pruning all rot, you can place the remaining stem with nodes in clean water. Change the water weekly and wait for new water roots to grow before repotting in soil. This method gives you a clear view of root development.
Dealing with monstera root rot can feel daunting, but with careful action and adjusted care, your plant can often make a full comeback. The key is to act fast at the first signs, prune the damaged roots thoroughly, and repot in a fast-draining mix. By mastering your watering habits and providing the right environment, you’ll create a home where your monstera can thrive without the threat of rot. Remember, healthy roots are the foundation of a lush, vibrant monstera.