Got an unhappy and leggy monstera? Restore its health by inspecting the root cause and providing the apt solution with this informative guide!
Monsteras can beautifully takeover any space with its lush vines, but often comes with a downside—leggy growth! So if you have been facing the same problem and failing at keeping its beauty intact, we have the best tips in store for you!
What Does A Leggy Growth Look Like?
- You might notice that the stems are long and thin, sporting far fewer leaves than usual, giving the plant a lanky rather than lush, bushy appearance.
- The leaves may be sparsely distributed and droop, sitting far apart on the stems rather than clustering densely.
- Due to the thinness of their stems, leggy plants often can’t support their own weight, causing them to lean dramatically or even collapse. Smaller-than-normal new leaves on leggy stems are a common sign.
- In their natural environment, vining plants use aerial roots to climb. When starved of light, they might produce more of these roots along bare stems in a desperate attempt to find support.
- When light comes only from one direction, leggy plants may grow unevenly towards the light source, creating an unbalanced appearance.
Reasons & Solutions Of A Leggy Monstera
1. Lack of Enough Sunlight
If your Monstera develops long, thin stems with fewer leaves than normal, looking more like a sparse vine than a lush, bushy plant, it is most probably seeking sunlight. In most cases, the vines tend to lean towards any nearby window or opening that welcomes some light. You may also notice that new leaves are smaller than expected.
Reasons:
Despite their jungle origins, Monsteras don’t appreciate constant shade. They’re natural climbers, thriving in bright, indirect light—think dappled sunlight filtering through a rainforest canopy. In lower light conditions, they’ll stretch dramatically towards the perceived light source, resulting in leggy growth with sparse leaves.
Solution:
Give your Monstera a light upgrade. Move it closer to a west-facing window or any bright patch avoiding the overhead sunlight in the afternoon hours. You can also supplement with a grow light during shorter days to maintain optimal light levels.
2. Going Overboard With Nutrients
If your Monstera’s stems grow quickly but remain thin and the leaves are small and pale, it might be getting too much fertilizer. A buildup of a white, salty crust on the soil surface is another clue.
Reasons:
Monsteras are moderate feeders, and too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, often disrupts their growth patterns. The plant gets busy producing excessive foliage at the expense of strong stem development.
Solution:
For a mature plant, it’s best to feed it with a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the warmer months. Remember to dilute the blend to its quarter strength to avoid over-fertilization. Hold off on fertilizing during the dormant months of fall and winter. Every now and then, it’s also a good idea to flush the soil with plain water to clear out any buildup of excess fertilizer.
3. Overwatering
Droopy, limp leaves, along with leggy growth, can be a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture; it should be slightly damp but not soggy. If you’re unsure whether the soil is well hydrated or not, then stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it’s dry to the touch, then it’s time to water. If not, then hold off.
Reasons:
Normally, roots need air and water to stay healthy, but without enough oxygen, they struggle to absorb water and nutrients efficiently. This hindrance in nutrient uptake disrupts the plant’s normal growth patterns, often resulting in elongated, weak stems. Plus, persistently wet conditions can be a breeding ground for fungal infections, worsening the conditions even more.
Solution:
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Follow a deep watering routine, i.e., saturating the medium completely and allowing excess water to drain freely from the pot’s drainage holes. Wait until the medium seems to dry out or at least the tow layer is not moist to touch.
4. Fluctuations in Temperature & Humidity
Observe if your Monstera’s growth pace has slowed down significantly, with the stems appearing unusually thin and sparsely leafed. Another telltale sign is the appearance of crispy edges on the leaves, which typically signifies a lack of ambient humidity that these tropical plants crave.
Reasons:
Monstera prefer warm, humid environments that mimic their tropical origins. When exposed to temperatures below 60°F or environments with low humidity, their metabolic processes slow down, impeding growth and causing the plant to become leggy as it stretches weakly towards any available light.
Solution:
Do not alter its temperature or humidity condition much. Try to maintain a range of 65-80 F or 18-30 C for that warmenvironment your plant would love to have. Also keep the air humid by 50-60% by grouping some plants together, using a pebble tray, or investing in a humidifier.
Avoid placing it near cold drafts or air conditioning vents, too.
5. Insufficient Air Flow
Is there a musty smell lingering near your plant? That, along with brown or yellow spots appearing on the leaves, could indicate that your Monstera isn’t getting enough fresh air. Also, if you notice that the plant seems to be reaching out or wilting, it might be struggling in stagnant air.
Reasons:
Monstera, despite their love for humidity, also appreciate good air circulation. Stagnant air around the plant can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for fungal diseases. This can weaken the stem, hindering its ability to support healthy growth, leading to a leggy appearance.
Solution:
Improve air circulation by gently airing the room with a cracked window or a fan set on low. Avoid direct drafts as these can be too harsh. If your Monstera is among other plants, ensure there is enough space between them to allow air to circulate freely, preventing moisture buildup and promoting growth.
6. Using Overly Small Pots
Take a closer look at the pot. Are the roots peeking out of the drainage holes or lifting the soil at the surface? These are clear signs that it’s cramped and likely feeling a bit claustrophobic in its current pot, which might cause it to look leggy and grow slower than usual.
Reasons:
As the plant matures, its root systems expand. If its stuck in a pot that’s too small, roots become cramped and restricted which apparently hinder the nutrient and water uptake, leading to stunted growth and leggy stems.
Solution:
Select a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger and ensure it has ample drainage holes. When repotting, use a well-draining potting mix and give your plant a chance to settle into its new home in a stable environment; this helps avoid transplant shock. It’s best to tackle this job during the warmer months of spring or summer when your plant is in its active growth phase.
7. Pest Infestation
If you have been taking good care of its light and watering needs, and yet the plant looks sick and leggy, you must inspect it for tiny bugs or fine webbing around the leaves and stems. Yellowing or speckled leaves can also indicate that pests are taking a toll on your plant. In more severe cases, you might find a sticky residue, leading to other issues like sooty mold.
Reasons:
While less common, pests like thrips, spider mites, or mealybugs suck out the sap from monsteras, stressing them out. This weakens the plant, diverting its resources from healthy growth to fighting the infestation.
Solution:
The earlier you catch it, the better! Isolate the affected plant and treat it with neem oil spray or insecticidal soap targeting the infested portions. Mix 4-5 drops of neem oil and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid into a liter of water and shake well before fighting them off.
