One day your Monstera is lush, green, and thriving.
Then you spot it—one weird little dot on a leaf.
Soon, that dot spreads.
Maybe it turns yellow or brown.
More spots appear.
Now you’re worried.
What’s going on?
You’re likely dealing with something called “leaf spot,” and it’s more common than you’d think.
Leaf spot is a general name for a group of plant diseases that cause—yep, you guessed it—spots on leaves.
These spots can be brown, black, yellow, or even a mix of all three.
They might look soft and mushy, or dry and crumbly.
And if you don’t catch it early, it can spread fast.
But don’t worry—you’re not helpless.
Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can fight back.
Let’s break it all down so you can protect your Monstera and keep those big, beautiful leaves healthy.
What Is Leaf Spot, Really?
Leaf spot isn’t just one disease—it’s a whole category.
It can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or even poor conditions like too much moisture or not enough airflow.
Basically, it’s the result of something attacking your Monstera’s leaves.
The most common culprits?
Fungal infections like Cercospora or Alternaria, and bacterial ones like Xanthomonas.
Each one looks a little different, but they all leave behind that telltale damage—spotted leaves that slowly lose their color and health.
These diseases often show up when the environment is just right for them—warm, humid, and a bit crowded.
That’s why even indoor plants like Monsteras can get sick, especially if there’s too much water or not enough airflow.
The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of fixing it.
So keep reading—we’re about to go deep on how to treat it and stop it from coming back.
What Leaf Spot Looks Like on Monstera
If you’re wondering whether those weird marks are really leaf spot, here’s what to look for.
The spots usually start small—maybe just a few millimeters across.
They can be round or irregular in shape.
Some have a yellow halo around the edge, while others are just dark and blotchy.
As the disease progresses, the spots may get bigger and run together, forming patches.
Sometimes the center of the spot dries up and falls out, leaving a hole in the leaf.
The texture of the spot can also tell you something.
If it’s soft and wet, it might be bacterial.
If it’s dry and crusty, it’s probably fungal.
And if the leaf is turning yellow around the spot, that’s the plant’s way of saying, “Help!”
The good news?
Even if the damage looks bad, your Monstera can recover.
But you’ve got to act fast.
Step One: Isolate the Sick Plant
If you think your Monstera has leaf spot, your first move is to give it some space.
Diseases can spread from plant to plant—especially if you’ve got a mini indoor jungle going on.
So move your Monstera away from your other plants while you figure things out.
This will help prevent the disease from jumping to your pothos, philodendron, or any other leafy roommates.
It also gives you room to inspect the plant closely and start treatment without worrying about cross-contamination.
Even though it might seem like a dramatic move, isolation is one of the smartest first steps you can take.
Think of it like a time-out for your plant—just until it feels better.
Cut Away the Problem
Next up?
Grab some scissors.
Clean ones.
You’ll want to trim away any infected leaves or parts of the leaf that are covered in spots.
Yes, even if they’re big and beautiful.
Leaving infected leaves on the plant just gives the disease a chance to spread.
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears, and disinfect them before and after cutting.
You can dip them in rubbing alcohol or a mix of one part bleach to nine parts water.
Make clean cuts just below the damaged area or remove the entire leaf if it’s mostly affected.
Don’t just throw those leaves in the trash can by your plant, though.
Bag them up and toss them outside.
You don’t want any lingering spores or bacteria hanging around.
Once you’re done pruning, your Monstera might look a little bare—but trust me, it’s the right move.
Let the Air Flow
One of the most common causes of leaf spot is a lack of airflow.
Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests, where there’s plenty of natural movement in the air.
In a stuffy living room or crowded shelf, things get stale fast.
Stale, damp air is the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to grow.
That’s why airflow matters so much.
You can boost airflow by moving your Monstera to a spot where it has more room to breathe.
Don’t let it sit pressed up against a wall or window.
If it’s in a plant crowd, give it a bit of personal space.
You can also run a fan in the room to keep the air moving.
Even a small one on low speed can make a big difference.
Good airflow doesn’t just help with leaf spot—it also keeps your Monstera happy and healthy in general.
It’s like giving your plant a fresh breeze every day.
Water the Right Way—Not the Risky Way
Overwatering and poor watering habits are a fast track to leaf spot.
When water sits on the leaves too long, it gives fungal spores the perfect place to grow.
And when soil stays wet for too long, it weakens the roots and makes your plant more likely to get sick.
So what should you do?
First, stop misting the leaves.
While Monsteras love humidity, misting can make things worse when you’re dealing with a leaf spot infection.
Instead, increase humidity in safer ways—like using a humidifier or placing a tray of water nearby.
Second, water at the base of the plant—not from above.
You want the water to soak into the soil, not splash the leaves.
Third, only water when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Stick your finger in to check.
If it feels damp, wait a few more days.
Also make sure your pot has drainage holes.
No plant likes soggy feet.
Getting your watering right is one of the best ways to stop leaf spot and keep it from coming back.
Use Natural Treatments First
Before you break out the heavy-duty chemicals, try a gentler approach.
Many cases of leaf spot can be treated with simple, natural solutions.
One of the most popular options is neem oil.
It’s a plant-based oil that acts as a natural fungicide and insect repellent.
Mix a teaspoon of neem oil with water and a few drops of mild soap, then spray it on the leaves.
Be sure to spray both the tops and undersides of the leaves.
Another option?
Baking soda spray.
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a quart of water and a few drops of soap.
Spray it the same way you would neem oil.
These natural remedies are gentle, safe for indoor use, and often effective if used early and regularly.
Apply them every few days until you stop seeing new spots.
If the infection keeps spreading, you might need to go a step further—but these are a great place to start.
When to Try a Fungicide or Bactericide
If natural methods aren’t working, you might need something stronger.
There are plenty of fungicides and bactericides available at garden centers or online.
Just make sure you pick one that’s safe for indoor houseplants.
Read the label carefully before using it.
Always wear gloves and use the treatment in a well-ventilated area.
And remember—more isn’t better.
Stick to the directions and don’t overdo it.
Some products are specific to fungi, while others work on bacterial infections too.
If you’re not sure what kind of leaf spot you have, go for a broad-spectrum option.
Even if it feels like overkill, treating your Monstera with the right product can stop the disease in its tracks.
Just be patient—it may take a few weeks before your plant starts to bounce back.
Keep a Clean Plant Space
One of the best ways to prevent leaf spot is by keeping your plant’s space clean and tidy.
Dust and dirt on the leaves can trap moisture and bacteria.
So can old leaves and debris in the soil.
Make it a habit to gently wipe down your Monstera’s leaves every week or two.
Use a damp cloth to remove dust and keep the surface clean.
This not only helps prevent disease but also helps your plant photosynthesize better.
Remove any dead leaves that fall into the pot.
Old plant material can become a breeding ground for fungus.
And every few months, give your plant shelf or stand a quick wipe-down too.
A clean plant is a healthy plant—and less likely to end up with leaf spot again.
Monitor Your Monstera Like a Plant Detective
Once you’ve treated your Monstera, you can’t just forget about it.
Keep a close eye on it over the next few weeks.
Check for new spots, and watch for any other signs of stress—like wilting, yellowing, or slowed growth.
Sometimes a disease seems like it’s gone, but it can sneak back if the conditions are still right.
Regular check-ins help you catch problems early.
Use your phone to take photos each week.
That way, you can track the progress of your plant and notice changes before they get worse.
And if something looks off?
You’ll be ready to act fast.
Being a plant parent means staying curious, observant, and always ready to learn.
Keep the Problem From Coming Back
So, your Monstera is finally looking better.
No new spots.
No sick leaves.
Now comes the most important part—keeping it that way.
Go back over your care routine.
Are you watering properly?
Does your plant have enough airflow?
Are you giving it room to grow?
Make sure your Monstera has everything it needs to stay healthy long-term.
That means regular cleaning, the right amount of light, and a little extra love.
If you ever bring home a new plant, quarantine it for a few weeks before placing it near your Monstera.
New plants can carry diseases too.
Taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid another leaf spot outbreak in the future.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with leaf spot on your Monstera can feel overwhelming at first.
It looks bad.
It spreads quickly.
And it makes you question everything you thought you knew about plant care.
But here’s the truth—this isn’t the end of your Monstera.
It’s just a challenge.
And with the right tools, knowledge, and a little bit of patience, you can beat it.
Your Monstera can recover and grow even stronger than before.
The key is to act quickly, adjust your care routine, and stay alert.
Leaf spot may leave a few scars, but those new leaves will shine even brighter once your plant is back in action.
You’ve got this.
And so does your Monstera.