Monstera plants, with their large, split leaves, are popular houseplants. But sometimes those leaves start drooping, which can be worrying. Here are 3 common reasons why your Monstera’s leaves are drooping and how to fix it.

Overwatering

The most common reason a Monstera’s leaves droop is overwatering. Monsteras are tropical plants that thrive in humid environments but they still don’t like soggy soil. If the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can’t get enough oxygen and the plant suffers.

Signs your Monstera is overwatered:

• Leaves drooping
• Yellowing leaves
• Mushy or dropping leaves
• Wet soil that takes a long time to dry out

How to Fix It

• Check the soil moisture before watering and only water when the top few inches of soil are dry
• Water less frequently
• Improve drainage by amending soil with perlite or orchid bark
• Repot into a container with drainage holes if pot doesn’t drain well

Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings and providing better drainage will help fix droopy leaves from overwatering.

Underwatering

While less common than overwatering, under-watering can also cause Monstera leaves to droop. Monsteras like consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. If the soil dries out too much between waterings, the plant can become stressed.

Signs your Monstera is underwatered:

• Leaves drooping or curling inward
• Leaves turning yellow or brown
• Dry, shriveled stems
• Soil is bone dry

How to Fix It

• Water more frequently, checking soil with your finger to monitor moisture
• Provide higher humidity through pebble trays or a humidifier
• Water thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes
• Repot in a soil mix amended with compost or coir to retain moisture

Getting your watering schedule right and providing adequate moisture will perk up an underwatered Monstera.

Low Light

While they can tolerate lower light conditions, Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light. Without enough light, their growth slows and leaves can start drooping.

Signs your Monstera needs more light:

• Drooping or curling leaves
• Sparse leaf growth
• Leggy growth
• Leaves farther from window droop first

How to Fix It

• Move to a spot with bright, indirect light
• Rotate plant periodically so all sides get light
• Prune leggy growth and propagate in better light conditions
• Provide supplemental lighting with a grow light

Giving your Monstera more light access through its position, rotation, and pruning leggy stems will help fix drooping from insufficient light.

Other Causes

While improper watering and low light are the main reasons behind droopy Monstera leaves, here are a few other possible causes:

• Root rot – drooping leaves and yellowing lower leaves could indicate root rot from overwatering
• Pests – insects like spider mites can damage leaves and cause drooping
• Temperature – cold drafts or excessive heat can stress the plant
• Repotting stress – repotting into too large a container can cause transplant shock

Address any underlying issues like root rot, pests, or temperature extremes. Allow time for the plant to recover after repotting into a new container.

How to Bring a Droopy Monstera Back to Life

If you have a droopy Monstera, don’t give up hope! Here are some tips to nurse it back to health:

Adjust Your Watering

As discussed above, tweak your watering frequency and volume to fix any issues with under or overwatering.

Increase Light Exposure

Give your Monstera more bright, indirect light each day to provide the light energy it needs.

Stake Stems

Add plant stakes or a moss pole to support droopy stems and leaves. This takes the stress off the weakened stems while the plant recovers.

Trim Damaged Growth

Prune off any dead, dying, or damaged growth to allow new leaves to grow. Make cuts just above leaf nodes.

Mist Frequently

Increase humidity around the plant by misting the leaves daily or placing the pot on a pebble tray.

Fertilize Regularly

Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer regularly to provide key nutrients for growth.

Repot Annually

Repot into fresh potting mix each spring to supply fresh nutrients and encourage new root growth.

Be Patient

It takes time for a stressed plant to rebound, so wait a few weeks or months for improvement. Proper care will revive it.

With some time and TLC, a droopy Monstera can bounce back from leaf drooping. Consistent care tailored to your plant’s needs is key!

FAQ About Droopy Monstera Leaves

Why are the older leaves on my Monstera drooping?

Older Monstera leaves that droop while newer growth looks fine is often a sign of natural aging. As leaves get old, they become less efficient at photosynthesis and eventually die. Just prune the droopy older leaves.

Why is my Monstera drooping after repotting?

It’s common for Monsteras to experience transplant shock after repotting. The disturbed roots and change in environment stress the plant temporarily. Give it a few weeks to adjust before worrying about droopiness.

I moved my Monstera to a sunnier spot and now it’s drooping – why?

Too much direct sun can scorch Monstera leaves, causing them to yellow, brown, and droop. Move it back to bright, indirect light. Acclimate a Monstera slowly if increasing its light exposure.

The edges of my Monstera leaves are drooping – what’s wrong?

If leaf edges droop while the center remains flat, it’s likely the plant needs more humidity. Try misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier to provide moisture in the air.

Why is my Monstera drooping even though I water it frequently?

Overwatering can counterintuitively cause drooping, since it damages the roots. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings and ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent too much moisture.

My Monstera looks droopy. Should I prune the damaged leaves?

It’s generally best to leave droopy leaves in place while nursing the plant back to health. Pruning stressed plants can remove resources it needs. Wait to prune until you see new growth.

Conclusion

Drooping Monstera leaves usually indicate the plant is stressed and needs some type of care adjustment. Pay close attention to your watering frequency, drainage, light exposure, and other factors outlined here. With time and proper troubleshooting, you can get your Monstera leaves perky again! Proper identification of the underlying issue along with tailored solutions can help revive a droopy Monstera.