Reasons and Solutions of Brown Tips of Monstera leaves

by Becky Decker and Anita Shan · August 14, 2024

I know how it feels to see healthy-grown monstera leaves starting to turn brown. But what if I tell you I know the reason and ways to fix it? Interesting, right? Stay calm all your problems will be solved.

You must have tried many solutions but didn’t get the best results. I was in the same situation but didn’t give up and found the answer, which I have explained here.

In this informative guide, you will learn all the reasons for brown tips of Monstera leaves and how to fix them, so you can identify the problem and address it accordingly. Let’s not waste time and make the monstera plant stay healthy.

Table of Contents

Understanding Monstera Brown Tips:

Yes, monstera leaves turning brown is problematic but it’s not a death sentence. The formation of brown tips of Monstera leaves is like a plant SOS signal, indicating something is wrong.

Overexposure to Sunlight:

The monstera plant loves to grow in light, but can’t handle the direct sunlight.
The direction of light causes sunburn, resulting in the development of brown tips, which feel like the skin reacting to excessive Sun growth.
Although it is not a good site to watch and not healthy for the plant.

Improper Watering:

Watering the plant is a tricky process because too much will lead to drowning risk and too little will lead to drying and dying.
If you water the plant, it will lead to root rot further resulting in dark brown to black spots on the leaves.
The underwatering will cause the leaves to get dry and result in Monstera Brown Tips.

Nutrient Deficiencies:

The monstera plant is considered a diva based on the nutrient quantity.
The plant needs a balanced diet to stay healthy.
The plants suffering from nitrogen deficiency will cause the leaves to turn yellow and have brown tips.
Avoid over-fertilization, which will lead to chemical burn and result in brown tips of monstera leaves

Pest Infestations:

Pests don’t exist for any plant parent.
The diseases and pests such as bacterial leaf spots and anthracnose will cause brown tips of Monstera leaves.
All this will result in causing a lot of damage when you don’t take action at the right time.

Adjusting Light Conditions:

Here are some points that help in adjusting the light conditions:

The Goldilocks Zone of Light:

The monstera plants are divas when it comes to light as they don’t need too much light or too little, they just want the right balance.
Providing the plant with direct light is like giving a bad tan to the tropical plant, which will result in brown tips of Monstera leaves, leaf scorching, and melancholy.

The Right Amount of Indirect Sunlight:

Indirect sunlight feels like the plant version of a soft Instagram filter.
It will provide the light without the harshness of the direct rays.
They used to grow happily when kept near a bright window where the sun rays didn’t fall directly on the leaves.

Recognizing Light Deficiency:

Growing brown tips of monstera leaves can also be because of shade which results in dark spots or yellowing on the leaves that signify more light.
If the plant is growing slowly, it also indicates the light conditions are not good.

Gradual Acclimation to New Light Conditions:

In case of moving the plant to a brighter spot, don’t just throw them there because gradual acclimation does prevent and leave damage.
The right process is to move the plant closer to the light source slowly, which provides them time to adjust.

When All Else Fails, Use Grow Lights:

In case you’re not finding the right spot to provide them in a flight, don’t just provide them direct and light as you can choose Grow light to save the plant.
Using a grow light is like providing the plant personal sun without any risk of sunburn.

Improving Watering Practices:

Here are some points helping in improving water practices:

The Art of Moisture Balance:

The process of water is just not about dumping water on the plant and claiming you did it.
You need to maintain a consistent water moisture level without turning the plant into a swamp.

The Finger Test:

You need to know the perfect time to water the monstera plant which lies at your fingertips.
Here you need to stick the finger for an inch into the soil and when it feels dry then you need to water the plant and if it feels moist, you need to hold on to watering for a few more days.

Adjusting Watering Frequency:

Adjusting watering frequency is like making changes based on environmental factors and specific needs.
Firstly when you live in a dry climate, might you need to water the monstera plant more often and when it’s humid do less watering.

The Right Soil Mix:

The type of soil mix you are using in the monstera plant will impact watering practices.
Use a soil mix having good drainage properties in which there are perlite, vermiculite, or sand, which prevents overwatering.

Container Considerations:

To thrive monstera plant healthy you need to choose the right container.
Just use a pot having adequate drainage holes because without it the water will get trapped, creating a siggy mess leading to root rot conditions.

Humidity Hacks:

In case of providing the monstera plant with low humidity, you need to follow some tricks.
You can place a tray filled with water near the plant which will increase the local humidity of the plant.
You can also try grouping plants together which will create a microclimate with high humidity.

Overwatering Issues:

Monstera plants when overwatered get benefit from a reduction in humidity.
To balance out the humidifier consider using a dehumidifier.
In case a monstera plant has root rot condition, just use a fungicide or a beneficial fungus like Trichoderma.

Notes:

Just make sure to understand the plant’s needs by observing the responses and adjusting the watering according to it.

Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies:

Talking about monstera plants which are always hungry and when they don’t get it will start acting out. Developing brown tips of monstrea leaves, just don’t worry here I’ve come up with some tips that will help in addressing nutrient deficiencies.

The Telltale Signs:

Nutrient deficiencies can be manifested in various ways.
The nutrient deficiency will lead to turning yellow or brown tips or will form drooping.
Yes, Identifying the specific deficiency because the symptoms overlap.
The nitrogen deficiency will cause yellowing leaves but it’s also possible with lack of potassium.

Testing the Soil:

Whenever you start fertilizer the monstrea plant, make sure to test the soil.
Testing the soil will give you a clear idea of what nutrient is lacking in the plant which feels like checking teenager’s grades before getting them a tutor.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer:

After identifying the deficiency, now is time to select a suitable fertilizer.
All fertilizers are not created equally as there are some high in nitrogen, and others in phosphorus or potassium.

Applying Fertilizer:

In the case of applying fertilizer less is more because too much will burn the roots and result in further leaf damage which feels like giving the teenager too much homework.
Make sure to water the plant before and after fertilizing the plant which helps to distribute the nutrients and will prevent root burn. All this seems like making sure the teenager has a good meal before starting to do homework.

Monitoring Monstera Plant:

When you address the nutrient deficiency, make sure to keep a close eye on the monstera plant.
Finding any brown tips to fade, after which new growth appears means the problem is solved.
In case not having any signs of curing, you need to try a different approach.
Just remember, each plant is unique and will require a different care routine. Here you need to find out the best way to treat the monstera plant which feels like raising a teenager with trial, error, and hope for good conditions.

Managing Pest Infestations:

The Unwanted Guests:

The pest does feel like an annoying neighbor that is uninvited.
It’s like a real party popper in a monstera growth party.
Some common pests cause brown tips of monstera leaves such as thrips, mealybugs, and aphids.

The Battle Plan:

The battle is you show pests exit door that is possible by using a cotton cloth soaked in neem oil for wiping all leaves.
All this feels like giving a spa treatment to the plant.
In case having a severe infestation, you need to use big guns.
To cure you can use a soft bristle brush or a pressure water spray which does feel like a mini car wash.
In extreme cases, you need to uproot the plant and wash completely the roots.

The Prevention Strategy:

Follow the preventing future strategy by regularly inspecting the plant leaves underside which does feel like an annual health check-up.
Make sure to provide the plant with enough space for air circulation not just in case of social distancing they also need personal space too.
You need to keep the plant clean by dusting the leaves often will allow efficient photosynthesis which does feel like cleaning the solar panel which is much easier and less risky.

Note:

Managing pest infestation is about being vigilant and proactive which is like a plant detective so put on the detective hat and keep monstrea leaves away from pests.

Preventative Measures:

The Proactive Approach:

Well, I think prevention is better than cure which is the same considered in keeping the monstera leaves spotless.
Make sure to regularly inspect the leaves, which is the only defense you can follow which does feel like being a plant detective, and find out the slightest hint of brown.

Maintaining Optimal Conditions:

To grow monstera plants healthy you need to provide the right conditions, not too much, not too little, but the right indirect sunlight.
Avoid over-watering the plant.
For healthy growth, the plant prefers soil that is consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Plant Hygiene Matters:

Yes, hygiene does matter not just for humans but for plants too.
Make sure to sterilize the pruning tools when you start snipping away which feels like washing your hands before eating the meal.

Creating a Preventive Care Routine:

You need to follow a routine to take care of the plant. It’s not just for skin care.
Consistency is the key to a healthy plant.
Make sure to regularly monitor the plant environment. Adjust the light and water condition according to the needs of the plant.
Look for the pests and diseases in the plant.

Nutrient Balance:

Read the plant as a living thing, which needs a balanced diet.
A properly balanced fertilizer will prevent nutrient deficiency, which causes brown tips of Monstera leaves.

Pest Control:

Make sure to regularly check the plant for any signs of infestation.
Follow routine checks up for thriving the plant.

Conclusion:

Now all you know is all the basic reasons behind the brown tips of Monstera leaves and when you are reading this, all you know is the solution to cure the Monstera plant as soon as possible because it can cause the plant to die.