If your Monstera leaves are turning brown, you’re not alone.
Many plant lovers go through this and wonder what went wrong.
You thought you were doing everything right—watering it, giving it sunlight, maybe even talking to it a little.
But then, out of nowhere, those beautiful green leaves start to turn brown at the edges or in big blotchy patches.
It’s frustrating, especially if you’ve been caring for your Monstera like it’s a member of the family.
Brown leaves can make your whole plant look tired and sad.
But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to stay that way.
There are real reasons this is happening, and once you understand them, you can turn things around.
Let’s break down the causes and get your Monstera back to looking lush and vibrant.
Too Much Water Can Drown the Roots
Water is life—but too much water can actually hurt your Monstera.
Overwatering is one of the biggest reasons Monstera leaves turn brown.
If the roots are sitting in water all the time, they can’t breathe.
And when roots can’t breathe, they start to rot.
Root rot spreads fast and can seriously damage your plant.
The first sign might be brown edges or spots on the leaves.
Sometimes the whole leaf turns yellow or brown and just gives up.
To check if this is your problem, gently pull your Monstera out of its pot and look at the roots.
Healthy roots should be white or light tan and firm.
If they’re black, mushy, or smell bad, that’s root rot.
To fix it, trim off the rotten roots, repot the plant in fresh soil, and give it a container with drainage holes.
Going forward, only water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Stick your finger into the soil—if it still feels moist, wait a few more days.
Your Monstera will thank you.
Not Enough Water Dries It Out
On the flip side, too little water can also be a problem.
Monsteras come from tropical rainforests where they’re used to moisture.
If you forget to water your plant or let it sit too long in dry soil, the leaves can get crispy.
You might notice brown tips first, and then the damage spreads.
If the whole leaf turns brown and dry, it’s often because the plant is super thirsty.
The solution?
Be consistent.
Make a schedule or set reminders to check your Monstera once a week.
Stick your finger into the soil.
If the top two inches are dry, it’s time to water.
And when you do, water deeply until you see it drain out the bottom of the pot.
Don’t just splash a little on top and call it a day.
Monsteras like a good soak.
Your Home Might Be Too Dry
Monsteras love humidity.
It’s part of their DNA, thanks to their tropical roots.
But in many homes—especially in winter—the air gets super dry.
Dry air can cause the leaves to turn brown and crunchy, especially at the tips.
You might notice it gets worse near heaters, air vents, or in rooms with little airflow.
To fix this, increase the humidity around your Monstera.
One easy way is to group it with other houseplants.
When plants are close together, they create a mini humid zone.
You can also use a humidifier nearby to keep the air moist.
Another trick?
Place your Monstera’s pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles.
As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air.
Just make sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water—that can lead to root rot.
Keep your Monstera away from heat sources, and it’ll breathe easier.
Sunburn Isn’t Just for People
Believe it or not, Monsteras can get sunburned too.
While they love light, too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
If your Monstera sits in a window with intense sunlight all day, it might be getting too much.
Brown or bleached-looking spots on the leaves are often a sign of sunburn.
The damage usually shows up on the parts of the plant that get the most direct sun.
To fix this, move your Monstera to a spot with bright, indirect light.
That means a place where the room is well-lit, but the sun’s rays aren’t hitting the leaves directly.
East-facing windows are great.
You can also use sheer curtains to filter the sunlight.
Once the leaves are burned, they won’t heal, but new growth will be healthy if you protect it from now on.
Think of it like sunscreen—give your Monstera just the right amount of light.
Bad Soil Could Be the Sneaky Problem
The soil you use matters more than you might think.
If it’s too dense or holds too much water, your Monstera’s roots can suffer.
That can lead to—you guessed it—brown leaves.
Monsteras need soil that drains well but still holds a bit of moisture.
The perfect mix should feel light and fluffy, not heavy like clay.
If your soil stays wet for days after watering, it’s time for a change.
Go for a mix designed for houseplants or one made for aroids (that’s the plant family Monstera belongs to).
You can even make your own by mixing potting soil with perlite, bark, or coco coir.
This kind of soil gives your plant roots room to breathe while still holding enough moisture to keep them happy.
Changing your soil might seem like a big job, but it’s one of the best ways to give your Monstera a fresh start.
Fertilizer Burn Is Real—and It Hurts
Feeding your Monstera is a good thing—until it’s too much of a good thing.
Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and cause the leaves to turn brown.
The tips are usually the first to go, turning yellow or brown and curling up.
This happens because too much fertilizer builds up in the soil and throws off the balance.
If you fertilize every week or don’t water enough after feeding, your Monstera might be getting more than it can handle.
To fix this, stop fertilizing for a while.
Then, flush the soil with water.
Let water run through the pot for a few minutes to rinse away the extra salts.
Going forward, feed your Monstera once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer—about half the strength it says on the label.
Less is more when it comes to plant food.
Pests Might Be Sneaking Around
Brown leaves can also be a sign that pests have moved in.
Spider mites, thrips, or scale bugs love to hide on the undersides of Monstera leaves.
They suck the juices out of the plant, causing brown spots or patches to show up.
Sometimes the leaves look speckled or dusty.
If you suspect pests, take a close look.
Use a magnifying glass if you need to.
You might see tiny bugs moving or little webs.
To treat it, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and some insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Do this every few days until the bugs are gone.
And quarantine your Monstera if you have other plants nearby—pests love to travel.
Stopping an infestation early can save your whole collection.
Poor Drainage Traps Water Where It Shouldn’t Be
Even if you water your Monstera perfectly, a pot without good drainage can ruin everything.
If water has nowhere to go, it collects at the bottom and makes the roots soggy.
That leads to root rot and—you guessed it—brown leaves.
Every plant pot should have drainage holes.
If your Monstera is in a pretty decorative pot that doesn’t have holes, take it out.
Either drill some holes or put the plant in a plastic nursery pot that fits inside the decorative one.
That way, you get the look you want without putting your plant’s health at risk.
It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
Time Takes a Toll on Old Leaves
Not every brown leaf means something is wrong.
Sometimes, it’s just nature doing its thing.
Older Monstera leaves naturally turn yellow or brown and die off as the plant grows.
If it’s just one or two older leaves at the bottom of the plant, don’t panic.
That’s completely normal.
You can gently prune off the old leaves with clean scissors to keep the plant looking neat.
Then focus on caring for the healthy new growth.
Plants go through cycles just like we do, and aging leaves are part of the journey.
How to Trim Away the Damage Safely
If your Monstera already has brown leaves, don’t worry.
You can trim away the damage and help the plant focus on growing fresh, healthy foliage.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Cut just above where the brown begins or remove the entire leaf if it’s mostly damaged.
Make sure not to cut into healthy tissue too deeply.
After trimming, give your plant a few weeks to recover.
You’ll start to see new growth soon, especially if you’ve solved the root problem.
Think of pruning as a fresh haircut—it helps your Monstera bounce back better than ever.
Building a Routine Your Monstera Will Love
The best way to avoid brown leaves is to get into a healthy care routine.
That means regular watering (but not too much), good lighting, monthly feeding, and keeping an eye on pests.
Try to check in with your Monstera once a week.
Look at the leaves, feel the soil, and make any needed adjustments.
Your plant will tell you how it’s doing—if you pay attention.
When you catch issues early, you can fix them before they get out of hand.
A little consistency goes a long way.
Before you know it, your Monstera will be lush, green, and thriving.
Final Thoughts: From Crispy to Comeback
Brown leaves on a Monstera might look scary, but they’re really just a message from your plant.
It’s telling you that something’s off—and asking for your help.
Whether it’s too much water, not enough, low humidity, too much light, or even a bug problem, every issue has a solution.
And the best part?
You don’t have to be a plant expert to fix it.
All it takes is a little time, observation, and care.
Once you figure out what’s going wrong, your Monstera can recover beautifully.
The leaves may not heal, but new ones will grow in, bigger and better than before.
Your plant is tougher than you think.
With the right adjustments, it’ll bounce back stronger than ever—and you’ll feel like a true plant pro.
Keep going.
You’ve got this.
And so does your Monstera.