7 Tips to Save Your Monstera Before It’s Too Late
So your Monstera is looking a little… tragic. The leaves are drooping, the color’s off, and those dramatic splits? Nowhere to be found. Don’t panic (yet). These plants are tougher than they look — they just have needs. Big leafy diva needs.
Before you give up and turn it into compost, here are 7 Monstera-saving tips to rescue it and get those iconic jungle vibes back on track. 🌿
1. Check the Soil — It Might Be Drowning
If your Monstera’s leaves are yellowing or the stems are going mushy? You’ve probably been loving it a little too hard with the watering can.
👉 Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s wet below the surface and has been for a while? You’re overwatering.
👉 Smell funky? That’s root rot knocking.
Fix it:
- Let it dry out completely
- Repot into fresh, well-draining soil
- Cut off any black/mushy roots with sterile scissors
💡 Pro tip: Only water when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry.
2. Give It More Light (But Don’t Fry It)
Monsteras love bright, indirect light. If it’s stuck in a dark corner? It’s not happy.
Signs it needs more light:
- Smaller, sad-looking leaves
- No fenestrations (those signature splits)
- Long, leggy stems reaching for the window
Fix it:
Move it near a bright, filtered light source. A few feet from an east- or south-facing window is ideal.
🙅♂️ Direct afternoon sun = crispy leaves. Think spa, not desert.
3. Cut Off the Dead Weight
If your Monstera is pushing out yellow, brown, or completely toasted leaves, they’re not coming back.
Fix it:
- Cut off dead or damaged leaves at the base
- Sterilize your scissors first (alcohol works)
- Let the plant redirect energy to fresh, healthy growth
✂️ Yes, it feels brutal. No, your plant won’t hate you for it.
4. Clean the Leaves — Seriously, They’re Suffocating
Dust blocks sunlight, clogs pores (yes, plants have pores), and makes your Monstera look like it gave up.
Fix it:
- Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every couple of weeks
- You can also use a tiny drop of neem oil diluted in water to clean and shine
✨ Clean leaves = better photosynthesis = happier Monstera.
5. Repot if It’s Root-Bound
If your Monstera’s growth has stalled or it’s wilting despite regular care, check the roots. Are they circling the pot? Coming out the drainage holes?
Fix it:
- Go up one pot size (not three — calm down)
- Use a well-aerated mix: potting soil + perlite + orchid bark
- Repot every 1–2 years max
🪴 Think of it as plant real estate. Give those roots room to breathe.
6. Support That Growth — It’s a Climber, Not a Busher
Monsteras are vining plants, not shrubs. If it’s flopping all over the place, it’s not messy — it’s just unsupported.
Fix it:
- Add a moss pole, trellis, or stake
- Gently tie or tuck stems to guide upward growth
- This mimics how they grow in the wild (climbing trees, like the jungle boss it is)
🌱 Support = stability + better, bigger leaves over time.
7. Boost the Humidity (a Little Goes a Long Way)
Dry indoor air = crispy edges and sad vibes.
Fix it:
- Mist occasionally (but don’t soak)
- Use a humidifier nearby if your air is Sahara-level dry
- Group it with other plants to create a mini humidity bubble
💦 Monsteras love 50–60% humidity. Your skin probably does too.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Dead. It’s Just Being Dramatic.
Monsteras are surprisingly resilient — they’ll bounce back from a lot, but you’ve gotta give them the basics:
☑️ Bright, indirect light
☑️ Proper watering
☑️ Room to grow
☑️ A little support (literally)
You don’t need to be a plant whisperer — just someone who pays attention before the leaves go full meltdown.
