How To Tell If Monstera Has Root Rot

You can tell your monstera has root rot by checking for yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell coming from the soil.
 
Root rot in monstera is a serious issue that sneaks up when the roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long.
 
If you’ve been asking how to tell if monstera has root rot, the signs are usually visible if you know exactly what to look for.
 
Catching root rot early can save your plant, so let’s break down the symptoms, the causes, and the fix.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to tell if monstera has root rot, why it happens, and the steps to rescue your beloved plant.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can act fast.
 

How to Tell if Monstera Has Root Rot: The Early Warning Signs

The first step in learning how to tell if monstera has root rot is recognizing that the symptoms often start below the soil line.
 
However, your monstera will also show clear above-ground signals that something is wrong.
 
Here are the most common ways to know if your monstera has root rot:
 

1. Yellowing Leaves That Spread Quickly

If you’re wondering how to tell if monstera has root rot, yellow leaves are usually the first clue.
 
When roots rot, they can’t absorb water or nutrients properly.
 
This stress causes the oldest leaves to turn yellow first, and the yellowing will spread upward fast.
 
Unlike natural leaf aging (which affects one leaf at a time), root rot yellowing hits multiple leaves at once.
 
So if you see a sudden wave of yellow, it’s time to inspect the roots.
 

2. Soft, Mushy Stems at the Base

Another clear way to tell if monstera has root rot is by gently squeezing the base of the stems.
 
Healthy monstera stems are firm and sturdy to the touch.
 
But with root rot, the stems become soft, squishy, and may even collapse under light pressure.
 
This mushiness happens because the rotting roots allow bacteria and fungi to travel upward into the stem tissue.
 
If you feel that wet, spongy texture, your monstera likely has root rot.
 

3. A Foul, Musty Smell From the Soil

Trust your nose when learning how to tell if monstera has root rot.
 
Healthy soil smells earthy and fresh, like a forest floor after rain.
 
But rotting roots produce a pungent, swampy odor that’s hard to miss.
 
If your monstera’s pot smells like rotten eggs or decay, that’s a massive red flag.
 
This smell comes from anaerobic bacteria that thrive in waterlogged, oxygen-free soil.
 

4. Dark, Soggy Roots When You Remove the Plant

The most definitive way to tell if monstera has root rot is to gently slide the plant out of its pot.
 
Healthy monstera roots are white or light tan, firm, and slightly plump.
 
With root rot, you’ll see roots that are dark brown or black, mushy, and they may fall apart when touched.
 
The outer layer of the root will slip off easily, leaving a thin, stringy core.
 
This visual check is the ultimate answer to how to tell if monstera has root rot.
 

5. Leaves Drooping Even With Wet Soil

A confusing sign of root rot is drooping leaves despite the soil being soggy.
 
You might think the plant is thirsty, but the opposite is true.
 
Rotting roots can’t take up water, so the monstera shows signs of dehydration even with plenty of moisture in the pot.
 
If the leaves feel limp and the soil is wet for days, root rot is likely the culprit.
 

Why Does Monstera Get Root Rot in the First Place?

Once you know how to tell if monstera has root rot, it helps to understand why it happens so you can prevent it.
 
Root rot is almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
 
When the soil stays saturated, oxygen can’t reach the roots, and they begin to suffocate.
 
This creates the perfect environment for fungal pathogens like Pythium and Phytophthora to attack.
 
Here’s what typically leads to this situation:
 

1. Watering on a Fixed Schedule

Monstera plants don’t like a rigid watering routine.
 
They need water only when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch.
 
If you water every week without checking, you’re risking root rot in monstera.
 

2. Lack of Drainage Holes

A pot without drainage holes traps excess water at the bottom.
 
This pooled water slowly drowns the roots, making root rot almost inevitable.
 

3. Heavy, Compacted Soil

Using dense potting mix that holds too much moisture is a recipe for disaster.
 
Monstera needs a chunky, well-aerated mix with bark and perlite for proper drainage.
 

4. Low Light and Cold Drafts

In dim conditions, monstera uses water much slower, so the soil stays wet longer.
 
Cold drafty spots also slow down moisture evaporation, keeping the roots damp for extended periods.
 

How to Fix Monstera Root Rot Once You Spot It

Now that you know how to tell if monstera has root rot, it’s time to take action.
 
The good news is that monstera can recover if you catch the root rot early and act quickly.
 

1. Remove the Plant and Rinse the Roots

Gently take the monstera out of its pot and shake off as much old soil as you can.
 
Rinse the roots under lukewarm water to see which ones are healthy and which have root rot.
 

2. Trim Away All Rotten Roots

Using clean, sterilized scissors, cut away every mushy, black, or foul-smelling root.
 
Be aggressive here because any remaining rot will spread to the healthy roots.
 
Leave only firm, white or light-colored roots behind.
 

3. Treat the Remaining Roots

Soak the healthy roots in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% peroxide to 3 parts water).
 
This kills lingering fungi and helps prevent the root rot from returning.
 
Let the roots air dry for a few hours before repotting.
 

4. Repot in Fresh, Well-Draining Soil

Choose a clean pot with drainage holes and fill it with a chunky aroid mix.
 
Water lightly and place the monstera in bright, indirect light to encourage recovery.
 

5. Adjust Your Watering Habits

Going forward, always check the soil moisture before watering.
 
Stick your finger two inches into the soil—if it’s dry, water; if it’s damp, wait.
 
This simple habit will prevent monstera root rot from ever becoming an issue again.
 

So, How to Tell if Monstera Has Root Rot? Final Thoughts

You can tell if your monstera has root rot by checking for yellow leaves, mushy stems, a foul soil smell, and dark, soggy roots.
 
Monstera root rot is a common but fixable problem when you catch it early.
 
Trust the signs we covered, act fast, and your plant can bounce back stronger.
 
Now that you know how to tell if monstera has root rot, you’re equipped to save your plant before it’s too late.
 
Keep your monstera happy by watering smart and giving it the drainage it deserves.