You brought home a Monstera plant thinking it would be easy. Just water it, give it some sun, and boom, jungle vibes in your living room, right?
But then you notice something weird. Those big, beautiful leaves? They’re curling.
Some are rolling inward, others look droopy, and suddenly, your tropical plant doesn’t look so happy anymore.
So what gives? Why are your Monstera leaves curling, and what is your plant trying to tell you?
Don’t worry. You’re not the only one dealing with this.
Curling leaves are one of the most common signs that something is off with your Monstera. It’s your plant’s way of waving a leafy flag and saying, “Hey, I need some help over here!”
The good news is that most of the time, leaf curl is totally fixable.
Once you understand the cause, you can take steps to bring your Monstera back to its healthy, happy self.
In this article, we’ll break down the top reasons your Monstera might be curling its leaves and how to solve each one step by step.
Let’s decode those curling clues and get your Monstera back on track.
Signs Your Monstera Needs Water
When a Monstera doesn’t get enough water, curling leaves are usually the first thing you’ll notice. It’s your plant’s way of signaling distress.
The leaves roll inward to conserve moisture, almost like wrapping themselves in a blanket. If the curling comes with dry or crispy edges, dehydration is likely the issue.
But here’s where it can get confusing. Monsteras don’t like to be soggy either.
Overwatering can cause just as much trouble as not watering at all. So how do you tell the difference?
Start by checking the soil. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the pot.
If the soil feels completely dry, your Monstera is probably thirsty. But if it still feels damp, the problem might lie elsewhere.
When it is time to water, give your plant a slow, thorough soak. Let the water run through the drainage holes and wait until the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Avoid shallow watering. It might make the surface look damp, but the roots could still be bone dry underneath.
During warmer months, watering once a week may be enough. In cooler seasons, your plant will need less.
Factors like sunlight, indoor temperature, humidity, and even the type of pot you use can all influence how fast the soil dries out.
Terracotta pots dry out faster, so plants in them often need more frequent watering. Plastic pots retain moisture longer.
Pay attention to your plant’s signals. If the leaves perk up a day or two after watering, you’ve probably nailed it.
But if the curling continues, there may be something else going on.
Too Much Light Can Be Harmful
Monsteras may be tropical, but that doesn’t mean they want full sun all day. Too much direct sunlight can actually cause stress.
Their large leaves are built to soak up dappled light, not harsh rays. When they get too much, they curl in self-defense.
Think of it like you squinting in bright sunlight.
Other signs of light stress include yellowing, browning, or crispy leaf edges. These often show up alongside the curling.
In their natural environment, Monsteras grow beneath the canopy of taller trees. They’re used to bright but filtered light coming through leaves overhead.
If your plant sits in a south or west-facing window with intense afternoon sun, it could be overwhelmed.
Try moving your Monstera back a few feet from the window or hang a sheer curtain to soften the light.
East-facing windows are often the sweet spot. They offer bright, gentle morning sun. North-facing windows can work too, especially with a grow light during darker months.
Watch for signs of not enough light as well. If your Monstera starts reaching toward the window or puts out smaller, less defined leaves, it may be craving more brightness.
It’s all about balance.
A leaf that has curled due to too much sun might not straighten back out. But new growth should return to normal once you’ve adjusted the light.
Remember to rotate your plant every week or two so all sides receive equal light. This keeps it growing straight instead of leaning in one direction.
Monsteras love light, just not too much of it. A small change in placement can make a big difference.
Dry Air Affects Moisture Levels
If your Monstera’s leaves are curling and the air in your home feels dry, the problem could be a lack of humidity.
These plants are native to tropical rainforests where the air is thick and humid. They are used to an environment that feels more like a misty spa.
So when they are placed in homes with dry air, especially in winter or in air-conditioned spaces, they can struggle to adapt.
Low humidity causes leaves to curl inward as the plant tries to retain moisture. You might also see crispy brown edges even if you’re watering on schedule.
To help, try boosting the humidity around your plant.
Misting the leaves in the morning can provide a quick, refreshing lift, but it doesn’t last long. It’s a short-term fix at best.
A more effective method is to place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant. As the water evaporates, it increases the moisture in the surrounding air.
Just make sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water, or you risk root rot.
The best long-term solution is to use a humidifier.
Placing one near your Monstera can raise the overall humidity in the room, creating a much more tropical feel.
You can also group houseplants together. They release moisture into the air through transpiration, creating a pocket of higher humidity.
Aim to keep the humidity level between 50 and 60 percent. A digital hygrometer can help you monitor conditions.
If your plant lives in a dry environment and you notice curling, it may be craving more moisture in the air.
What Root Problems Can Cause
Sometimes the real issue with your Monstera isn’t visible at all. It is happening below the soil.
Root problems are a common cause of curling leaves. Unfortunately, they are often missed until the damage is done.
When roots aren’t healthy, the plant can’t absorb water or nutrients properly. Even if you’re watering correctly, the plant might still act dehydrated.
One of the biggest culprits is root rot. This happens when soil stays too wet for too long and cuts off the oxygen supply to the roots.
They start to decay, turning brown and mushy. The plant can’t take up water, even though it’s sitting in it.
The leaves curl because they’re drying out. Ironically, they’re surrounded by water the whole time.
You might also notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the soil. That’s another red flag.
Another issue is root binding. This occurs when the plant has outgrown its pot.
The roots wrap tightly around themselves and run out of room to grow. When that happens, water and nutrients can’t move efficiently.
To check for root issues, gently slide the plant out of its pot. Healthy roots should be firm and pale. If you see black, slimy, or tightly coiled roots, it’s time to take action.
Trim away any damaged areas using sterilized scissors. Then repot your Monstera into fresh, chunky, well-draining soil.
If the plant is root-bound, move it into a slightly larger pot and loosen the root ball before replanting.
Always use pots with drainage holes. This prevents excess water from getting trapped and damaging the roots.
If leaf curl continues no matter what you try above the surface, the answer might be hiding in the roots.
Pests and Diseases to Watch For
If you’ve ruled out everything else, water, light, humidity, and roots, it’s time to look closer.
You might be dealing with pests or plant disease.
Even indoor Monsteras aren’t totally safe from tiny invaders.
Some of the most common culprits include spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and scale insects. They’re small, but they cause a lot of damage.
They suck the sap from your plant’s leaves, leaving them dehydrated, damaged, and often curled.
Spider mites are hard to see but may leave behind fine webbing. Thrips look like tiny slivers and often attack new growth, causing it to twist or curl.
Mealybugs resemble tiny cotton balls tucked between stems or leaf joints. Scale insects appear as small brown bumps that cling to the plant’s surface.
Inspect the leaves closely, especially underneath and where they meet the stems.
If you spot pests, isolate your plant right away to prevent spreading.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat the treatment every few days until the pests are gone.
Diseases like fungal infections can also lead to curling leaves, usually along with brown or black spots. These problems often come from poor airflow, wet leaves, or unclean tools.
Keep your Monstera’s space tidy and allow time for the leaves to dry out between waterings.
Pests and disease may not be obvious at first, but they can sneak up fast.
If nothing else has worked, take a closer look. The cause might be smaller than you think.
Final Thoughts
Curling leaves might look like a big problem, but really, they are just a message.
Your Monstera is trying to tell you something is not quite right. And most of the time, the fix is simple once you figure out the cause.
Whether it is thirst, too much sun, dry air, root trouble, or tiny pests, each clue helps you understand your plant a little better.
That is the heart of plant care. It is not just about checking boxes. It is about noticing the little things and making thoughtful changes.
With time and attention, those curled leaves can lead to an even stronger, healthier plant.
Keep at it. You are doing great, and so is your Monstera.