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Monstera leaves curl upwards when the plant is trying to tell you something about its environment.
This upward curling is often a stress response, and it’s your monstera’s way of saying conditions aren’t quite right for it right now.
If you’ve been wondering why are my monstera leaves curling upwards, the good news is that this issue is usually fixable once you identify the root cause.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common reasons your monstera leaves are curling upwards and give you simple, actionable fixes to help your plant bounce back.
Let’s get right into it so you can restore those beautiful, flat leaves as soon as possible.
Why Are My Monstera Leaves Curling Upwards?
The main reason why monstera leaves curl upwards is usually tied to water, light, or temperature stress.
When your monstera leaves curl upwards, the plant is trying to reduce water loss by exposing less surface area to the air.
This is a survival mechanism, and it happens when the plant feels like it’s losing moisture faster than it can take it up.
Let’s look at the specific culprits behind this curling behavior so you can pinpoint what’s happening with your own plant.
1. Underwatering Is the Most Common Cause
Underwatering is the number one reason why monstera leaves curl upwards.
When the soil dries out completely, the roots can’t deliver enough moisture to the leaves, and the leaf tissue starts to wilt and curl.
This curling is a direct response to dehydration, and it often comes with crispy, brown edges on the leaves.
Check the top two inches of your monstera’s soil, and if it feels bone dry, it’s time to give your plant a good, deep watering.
Remember, monstera plants like consistently moist soil, but not soggy soil, so water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes.
2. Overwatering Can Also Cause Curling
It might surprise you, but overwatering can also cause monstera leaves to curl upwards.
When roots sit in waterlogged soil, they can’t absorb oxygen, and root rot starts to set in.
Damaged roots can’t take up water, so the leaves curl upwards even though the soil feels wet.
If you suspect overwatering, let the soil dry out more between waterings and check that your pot has proper drainage.
You might also need to repot your monstera in fresh, well-draining soil if root rot has already started.
3. Low Humidity Makes Leaves Curl Up
Monsteras are tropical plants, and they thrive in humid environments.
If the air in your home is too dry, your monstera leaves will curl upwards to conserve moisture.
This is especially common in winter when heaters dry out the air or in air-conditioned rooms during summer.
To fix this, you can mist your monstera regularly, use a humidifier nearby, or place a pebble tray with water under the pot.
Aim for humidity levels around 60% or higher for the happiest monstera leaves.
4. Temperature Stress from Drafts or Heat
Sudden temperature changes can also make monstera leaves curl upwards.
If your plant is sitting near a drafty window, an air vent, or a heat source, it might react by curling its leaves.
Monsteras prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), and they hate sudden swings.
Move your monstera away from cold drafts and direct heat sources, and keep it in a spot with stable temperatures.
This simple change can often stop the upward curling in its tracks.
5. Too Much Direct Sunlight Causes Curling
While monstera leaves love bright, indirect light, too much direct sun can cause them to curl upwards.
Intense sunlight can scorch the leaves and force the plant to curl up to protect itself from excess light.
If your monstera is in a south-facing window with harsh afternoon sun, that could be the problem.
Move your plant to a spot with bright, filtered light, like near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a sunny window.
This will allow the leaves to relax and lie flat again.
How To Fix Monstera Leaves Curling Upwards
Once you’ve figured out why your monstera leaves are curling upwards, you can take steps to fix the issue.
The key is to address the underlying cause and give your plant some time to recover.
Here are some practical tips to get your monstera back to its beautiful, flat-leafed self.
1. Adjust Your Watering Routine
First, check the soil moisture before you water your monstera.
Stick your finger about two inches into the soil, and water only when the top layer feels dry.
When you do water, do it deeply so the entire root ball gets hydrated, then let excess water drain away.
Consistency is key, so try to water your monstera on a regular schedule based on your home’s conditions.
This will prevent both underwatering and overwatering from causing those curled leaves.
2. Increase Humidity Around Your Plant
If low humidity is behind your monstera leaves curling upwards, boost the moisture in the air.
Grouping your monstera with other plants can create a microclimate with higher humidity.
You can also use a cool-mist humidifier near your monstera, especially during dry months.
Misting the leaves daily can help too, but it’s not as effective as a humidifier in the long run.
With more humidity, your monstera leaves should slowly uncurl and flatten out.
3. Find the Right Spot for Your Monstera
Evaluate where your monstera is placed to make sure it’s not stressed by light or temperature.
Move it away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heating or cooling vents.
Choose a location with bright, indirect light and stable temperatures for the best results.
Your monstera will thank you by keeping its leaves flat and healthy instead of curling upwards.
Once you adjust its location, give it a week or two to show signs of improvement.
4. Check for Pests That Stress the Plant
Pests like spider mites and thrips can also make monstera leaves curl upwards.
These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves, which causes stress and leads to curling.
Inspect the undersides of your monstera leaves for webbing, tiny spots, or small moving bugs.
If you find pests, wipe the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
Treating pests promptly will stop the upward curling and protect your plant’s overall health.
5. Give Your Monstera Time to Recover
After you make the right adjustments, patience is important.
Monstera leaves that have already curled upwards might not fully flatten out right away.
New growth will come in healthy and flat if you’ve fixed the root cause.
Keep providing consistent care, and your monstera will eventually stop curling upwards.
Don’t panic if the older leaves stay slightly curled, as long as new leaves are coming out normal.
So, Why Are My Monstera Leaves Curling Upwards?
Your monstera leaves curl upwards mainly due to water stress, low humidity, temperature swings, or excessive light.
The good news is that all of these causes are easy to correct with a little attention and care.
By adjusting your watering routine, boosting humidity, and finding the perfect spot, you can stop the curling.
Remember, monstera leaves curling upwards is not a death sentence for your plant, it’s just a signal.
Listen to what your monstera is telling you, and you’ll have lush, flat leaves in no time.
We hope this guide helped you understand why monstera leaves curl upwards and how to fix it.