Monstera Leaves Curling: 7 Possible Causes You Should Know
Monstera is a famous tropical indoor crop for its remarkable highlights. Monstera leaves curling is often a signal of trouble that can be set by the owner.
You can restore the health of your betel leaves by making the necessary adjustments to their environment.
Let’s check out some small tips to keep your Monstera plant always healthy.
Leaves curling patterns on Monstera plant

Curling its leaves is one of the numerous ways a Monstera plant can communicate the need for change.
Monstera leaf curl can arise for a variety of causes, so you may have to perform some inquiry and utilize an elimination process to find the underlying problem. And you’ll often see Monstera’s two common leaf curls:
- Upward curling or inward curling: When leaves experience this curling condition, you will see the edges of the leaves gradually curving in a bottom-to-top direction, and curling into the inner side of the leaf.
- Downward curling: In contrast to the above type of curling, the leaves of the Monstera plant will bend outward, in a top-to-bottom direction, and then gradually curve toward the outside of the leaf.
Overwatering, pest infestation, nutrient deficiency, or even too much sunlight can all cause plant leaves to curl.
Pesticides, modifying the required maintenance, or entirely repotting your plant are all necessary treatments for distinct issues. We’ll take a closer look below.
What causes Monstera leaf curling – How to fix?
Water stress

Check the soil first if you’re trying to determine why the leaves are curling. Overwatering is the most serious cause of curled leaves.
Overwatered plants will wilt and turn yellow. Root rot is a simple result of careless overwatering of the plant. After removing unhealthy roots, repot the plant right away to ensure its survival.
Water logging is the result of overwatering. Additionally, drooping, brittle leaf tips, extremely dry soil, and brown leaves are signs of water-logging. Deliciosa plants require rapid attention, including full watering.
Watering should continue until the drainage holes are completely clear of the water. Every few days, assess the state of the leaves and the soil’s dryness to prevent future water-logging.
The amount of water that the Monstera plant needs will change with the season, rate of growth, temperature, and illumination.
As a result, you shouldn’t stick to a set watering schedule. Besides, you can use a pebble tray for more stable water regulation.
Dehydration is another factor in the development of curly leaves on Monstera. Your plant will respond by decreasing the leaf surface area and transpiration if you reduce the water it receives, and it becomes dehydrated.
Further reading:
- Why is my Monstera drooping? Can it be reverted?
- Monstera dripping water phenomenon: How To Deal With It?
Too much direct light
Monstera is a rainforest plant that does not require as much sunlight as other rainforest trees and plants since it does not grow as tall as them.
As a result, Monstera dislikes direct sunshine. Chlorophyll in the leaf degrades as a result of intense sunlight and heat. Damage occurs as sections that are light, bleached, or faded.
Over time, these patches start to turn brown and crumble. Strong sunlight combined with dry soil conditions worsens symptoms.
Furthermore, direct sunlight can cause the plant’s leaves to burn and tan, so avoid it if you want your Monstera to be happy.
Pests/diseases attack

If your Monstera Deliciosa has pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or thrips, the leaves may curl.
The required water is lost from the leaves as these pests consume plant juice. Although the plants and soil are likely receiving adequate water, these pests will cause moisture to decrease before reaching the leaves.
To find pests on plants, look at the underside of the leaves and the stem joints. Yellow rings or patches on the foliage are yet another sign that pests are eating.
Neem oil may quickly get rid of small infestations. But first, keep healthy plants away from the diseased Monstera.
High temperature
Extreme heat is uncomfortable for houseplants like Monstera plants. The leaves may curl as a result of warm winds or hot temperatures.
A plant’s response to temperature variations is called leaf rolling. If your plant is near a fireplace or in a hot outdoor location, move it.
Curled leaves are a protective strategy for keeping moisture because flat leaves lose moisture more quickly. As the weather changes, Monstera plants may become temperature-stressed. especially in the sweltering summer heat.
Temperature changes harm Monstera. Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and keep the plant away from heaters, fireplaces, and windows that let in a lot of wind.
Low humidity
Large leaves on Monstera curl if the humidity is too low. If your plant’s leaves have curled and brown tips or edges, it needs more water.
A hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity level. Low air humidity is not the reason for the leaves curling if the average humidity is greater than 40%.
In particular, if there is inadequate air circulation around your Monstera Deliciosa plant, excessive air humidity might be detrimental. It is very likely to cause fungal issues that cause the leaves to curl or become damaged.
Over Fertilization
High amounts of soluble salts in the potting medium are caused by over-fertilizing commercially farmed potted or containerized crops.
These salts harm roots indirectly by making it more likely for some root diseases and damping-off to infect the plants, as well as directly by decreasing the net flow of water into the roots.
Soil problems

Issues with the soil are at the root of so many of Monstera’s health issues, including leaf curl.
As we previously stated, soil issues, rather than providing your plants with too much or too little water, are frequently the cause of watering issues.
It is important to pay attention to the pH and nutrient levels of your soil because they can also have a significant impact on the health of your plants.
Compacted soil
Long-term storage of soil in the same container can cause it to become dense and hard. This frequently happens when a plant hasn’t been replanted in a year or more.
When this happens, water may appear to sit on top of the soil rather than permeate it quickly. On the other hand, if the soil does manage to absorb the water, it could do so improperly by holding onto it for an excessive amount of time.
This could result in over- and under-watering problems! Having said that, it’s critical to keep your plant’s soil aerated by repotting every year or loosening the soil with a chopstick or dowel regularly.
Small pot
Root growth may be hampered by inadequate pots. From that point, the plant lacks the nutrients it needs to grow, and there will be no room for air that roots can breathe.
Nutrient Deficiency
When a plant lacks an important nutrient needed for growth, it is said to be nutrient deficient.
Plants that are lacking in vital nutrients will not grow properly and exhibit a variety of symptoms.
Some tips to dealing with Monstera leaves curling
The following factors will ultimately determine if Monstera leaf curl occurs:
- Maintaining aerated soil and repotting it each year will ensure that it drains properly.
- If your Monstera’s moisture meter reads 3 to 4 or if the first few inches of soil feel dry to the touch, water it thoroughly.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer regularly.
- Avert direct sunlight and drafty, hot, or cold areas.
- Be cautious of insects. Neem oil should be used to treat your plants if you see them.
In other words, the best approach to prevent leaf problems on your Monstera is with adequate, regular maintenance.
We understand it, though! Giving your plant all it needs can be challenging at times. With a little practice and information, you’ll be an expert!
Conclusion
On betel leaves, Monstera leaves curling frequently indicates an issue that is simple to remedy. You can restore the health of your betel leaves by altering the environment so that it can adequately care for them.
For more details, watch this video below:
FAQs
Monstera leaf curl can also be a result of heat stress, in other words, high temperatures from a heater, or heating vent. If your plant’s leaves curl up quickly, this could be the problem. Frequently, this is a reaction to a dramatic temperature shift.
You can safely reduce the plant’s size if you’re pruning to manage your Monstera’s size. Just remember that it will eventually need to be done again because it will grow back.
Yes, but you have to find the cause first to fix the problem of Monstera curling leaves. Each different cause will have different treatments, you can refer to the care tips we mentioned above to improve this situation of Monstera leaves curling.