What To Do If My Monstera Is Dying

If your monstera is dying, the first step is to figure out what’s causing its decline.
 
A dying monstera is often a cry for help that stems from a few common care mistakes, and the good news is that most of them are fixable.
 
When you notice your monstera dying, it’s crucial to act quickly and assess the environment you’ve placed it in.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your monstera is dying and exactly how to bring it back to life.
 
Let’s dig in and save your beloved plant together.
 

Why Is My Monstera Dying?

Your monstera is dying for a reason, and identifying the root cause is the only way to reverse the damage.
 
The most frequent culprits behind a dying monstera are overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, and pest infestations.
 
It’s also possible your monstera is dying because of sudden temperature changes or a lack of humidity.
 
Let’s break down each potential issue so you can diagnose your plant’s specific problem.
 

1. Overwatering Is the #1 Killer

If your monstera is dying, overwatering is likely the first suspect on your list.
 
When you water your monstera too often, the roots sit in soggy soil and begin to suffocate.
 
This leads to root rot, which is a fungal infection that literally rots the roots away.
 
A monstera dying from overwatering will show yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell coming from the soil.
 
To save a monstera dying from overwatering, you need to stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out completely.
 
If root rot has set in, you may need to unpot the plant, trim away black and mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
 
Always check the moisture level before watering again to prevent your monstera from dying the same way twice.
 

2. Underwatering Causes Dehydration Stress

On the flip side, your monstera is dying because it’s simply not getting enough water.
 
A monstera dying from underwatering will have crispy, brown edges on its leaves and drooping stems that look lifeless.
 
The soil will pull away from the sides of the pot, and the plant will feel light when you lift it.
 
To revive a monstera dying from thirst, give it a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes.
 
You should also consider bottom watering, which allows the roots to drink up moisture from below.
 
Going forward, water your monstera consistently, about once a week, and adjust based on the season and humidity in your home.
 

3. Inadequate Light Causes Weak Growth

Your monstera could be dying because it’s not getting the bright, indirect light it craves.
 
A monstera dying in low light will show signs like small new leaves, leggy stems, and a general loss of that lush, vibrant green color.
 
Conversely, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, resulting in brown, bleached patches that also make your monstera dying.
 
The best spot for your monstera is near a north or east-facing window where it gets filtered light.
 
If you don’t have enough natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement.
 
Once your monstera gets the right light, it will stop dying and start pushing out those iconic fenestrated leaves.
 

How to Fix a Dying Monstera Step-by-Step

Now that you know why your monstera is dying, it’s time to take action and nurse it back to health.
 
Here’s a straightforward recovery plan that works for most dying monstera situations.
 

1. Check the Roots First

Before you do anything else, gently slide your monstera out of its pot and inspect the root system.
 
Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan, not brown and mushy.
 
If your monstera is dying due to root rot, you’ll need to cut away all the affected roots with sterilized scissors.
 
Rinse the remaining roots under lukewarm water and treat them with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to kill any lingering fungus.
 
Then repot your monstera in a pot with drainage holes and a chunky aroid mix that includes perlite and orchid bark.
 

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

To keep your monstera from dying again, you must stop watering on a fixed calendar date.
 
Instead, stick your finger into the soil; if it’s dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water.
 
Your monstera is dying less from the amount of water and more from the frequency at which you give it.
 
A good rule of thumb is to water your monstera thoroughly, then let the top 50% of the soil dry out before the next watering.
 
In the winter, your monstera needs even less water, so cut back on frequency to avoid a dying monstera.
 

3. Repot If the Soil Is Compacted

Sometimes your monstera is dying because the soil has become too compacted and dense.
 
Compacted soil traps water and prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, which slowly chokes your plant.
 
If your monstera is dying and the water pools on top of the soil instead of soaking in, it’s time to repot.
 
Choose a pot that’s only one or two inches larger in diameter than the current one.
 
Fresh soil will give your dying monstera a new lease on life by improving drainage and aeration.
 

Common Pests That Make a Monstera Dying

A monstera dying can also be the result of a silent pest invasion underneath the leaves.
 
Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are the most common pests that attack monstera plants.
 
These tiny bugs suck the sap from the leaves, leaving behind stippling, yellow spots, and sticky residue.
 
If you suspect pests are making your monstera dying, isolate the plant immediately to prevent spreading.
 
Wipe down every leaf with a cloth dipped in neem oil solution or insecticidal soap.
 
Repeat this treatment every 5 to 7 days for about a month to break the pest life cycle.
 
With consistent treatment, your monstera will recover from the pest attack and stop dying.
 

So, What Should You Do if Your Monstera Is Dying?

If your monstera is dying, remember that you caught it in time and it’s not a lost cause.
 
Your monstera is dying because of an environmental stressor, and by correcting that stressor, you can revive it.
 
Start by diagnosing the symptoms, whether that’s overwatering, underwatering, light issues, or pests.
 
Then take immediate action to fix the root cause, repot if needed, and adjust your care routine.
 
A monstera dying from neglect can bounce back within a few weeks if you give it consistent, proper care.
 
So, what to do if my monstera is dying?
 
You check the roots, you fix the watering, you adjust the light, and you treat for pests.
 
Your monstera will reward you with new growth and that gorgeous tropical vibe you fell in love with.
 
Just be patient and don’t give up on your leafy friend.
 
With a little TLC, your monstera will thrive again in no time.