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?
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.
Not Enough Water: Is Your Monstera Thirsty?
When a Monstera plant doesn’t get enough water, one of the first signs is curling leaves.
This is your plant’s version of sending an SOS.
It curls its leaves to hold in moisture, kind of like wrapping up in a blanket when you’re cold.
The leaves roll inward or droop to reduce the amount of water they lose through their surface.
So if you see curling, especially with leaves that feel dry or crispy at the edges, dehydration is a strong possibility.
But here’s where it gets tricky—Monsteras don’t like to be soaked all the time either.
Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering.
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 bone dry, your Monstera is definitely thirsty.
If it’s still moist, the curling might be due to something else.
When watering your Monstera, aim for a slow, deep soak.
Let the water run through the drainage holes, and don’t water again until the top few inches of soil are dry.
Avoid quick surface watering—it might make the soil look wet on top, but the roots could still be dry.
In warmer months, you may need to water once a week.
In cooler seasons, you can go longer between waterings.
Just remember, your plant’s water needs can change based on the temperature, sunlight, and humidity in your home.
Also, don’t forget about the type of pot and soil you’re using.
Terracotta pots and well-draining soil dry out faster, which means more frequent watering might be needed.
Plastic pots hold moisture longer.
The key is to pay attention to your plant, not just the calendar.
If your Monstera’s leaves start perking up a day or two after watering, you’ve likely solved the problem.
But if the curling keeps happening, it’s time to investigate further.
Water is a basic need—but even something that simple can trip us up if we’re not paying attention.
Too Much Sunlight: When Bright Light Becomes Too Bright
Monsteras are tropical plants, but that doesn’t mean they want to bake in the sun all day.
In fact, too much direct sunlight can actually hurt them.
Their large leaves are designed to soak up light, but when they get too much, they can curl to protect themselves—kind of like putting on sunglasses and squinting.
You might also see yellowing, browning, or dry, crispy edges along with the curling.
These are all signs your Monstera might be getting sun-stressed.
Monsteras naturally grow under the canopy of taller trees in the wild.
They’re used to dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above.
So, when they’re placed in a window that gets hours of harsh afternoon sun, they can get overwhelmed.
If your Monstera is near a south- or west-facing window with strong, direct sunlight, that could be the issue.
Try moving it a few feet back, or use a sheer curtain to soften the light.
You’ll still give your plant the brightness it needs without frying its leaves.
East-facing windows are often ideal because they offer bright but gentle morning sun.
North-facing windows work too, though you may need to supplement with a grow light in darker months.
If you notice your Monstera stretching toward the light or developing smaller leaves, that could mean it’s not getting enough light—so it’s all about balance.
You want bright, indirect light—that’s the sweet spot.
A curled leaf caused by too much light may not uncurl, but new growth should appear normal once the problem is fixed.
And don’t forget to rotate your plant every week or two.
This keeps all sides evenly exposed to light and helps your Monstera grow straight instead of leaning dramatically in one direction.
Remember, more light isn’t always better.
Monsteras want light, but not a sunburn.
So if your leaves are curling and you’ve ruled out watering issues, take a good look at the light your plant is getting.
A simple move away from a harsh window could make a huge difference.
Low Humidity: Your Tropical Plant Wants Tropical Air
If your Monstera’s leaves are curling and the air feels dry, your plant could be gasping for some humidity.
Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests, where the air is warm, moist, and packed with humidity.
They’re used to living in an environment where the air wraps around them like a warm misty hug.
So when they end up in a dry indoor space—especially during winter or in air-conditioned homes—the change can be a shock.
Low humidity can cause your Monstera’s leaves to curl inward in an effort to hold onto moisture.
You might also notice brown, crispy edges on the leaves, even if you’re watering regularly.
That’s because dry air pulls moisture right out of the plant’s leaves faster than it can replace it.
So how do you fix it?
One of the easiest ways is to increase the humidity around your plant.
You can start by misting the leaves once or twice a day, especially in the morning.
This gives the plant a quick humidity boost, though it’s not a long-term solution.
Another option is to place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant’s pot.
As the water evaporates, it increases the moisture in the air around the plant.
Just make sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water—this can lead to root rot.
A better long-term fix?
Use a humidifier.
Placing one nearby can raise the humidity in the room and create a much more Monstera-friendly environment.
Grouping your Monstera with other houseplants can also help.
Plants naturally release moisture through a process called transpiration, so being close together creates a little bubble of higher humidity.
Try to keep indoor humidity levels between 50% and 60% for happy Monstera leaves.
You can use a digital hygrometer to check the levels in your room.
If your air feels dry and your plant’s leaves are curling, humidity could be the missing piece.
Monsteras don’t just want water in their soil—they want moisture in the air, too.
Root Problems: When the Trouble Starts Below the Soil
Sometimes, the problem with your Monstera isn’t what you can see—it’s what’s happening underneath.
Root issues are a common reason for leaf curling, and they’re often overlooked until it’s too late.
When roots aren’t healthy, the plant can’t absorb water or nutrients properly.
Even if you’re watering the right amount, those curling leaves might be a sign that something’s going wrong underground.
So what kind of root problems are we talking about?
One major issue is root rot.
This usually happens when your plant is sitting in soggy soil for too long.
Without enough oxygen, the roots begin to decay and turn mushy.
The plant then struggles to take up water, even though it’s surrounded by it.
It’s like trying to breathe underwater.
The leaves curl and droop because they’re drying out—even though you’re watering regularly.
You might also notice a bad smell coming from the soil or blackened roots if you remove the plant from its pot.
Another root problem is root binding.
This happens when your Monstera has outgrown its pot.
The roots wrap tightly around themselves with nowhere left to go.
In this case, the plant may not be able to access enough water or nutrients, even if everything else seems perfect.
To check for root problems, gently remove your Monstera from its pot and inspect the roots.
Healthy roots should be firm, white, and spread out—not black, mushy, or tangled in tight circles.
If you find rot, trim away the affected roots with sterilized scissors and repot your plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
If it’s root-bound, move it to a slightly larger pot and loosen the root ball before repotting.
Choosing a pot with drainage holes is essential.
It lets excess water escape, helping to prevent rot.
Monsteras like moist, but not waterlogged, soil.
So when leaf curl keeps coming back no matter what you try, look below the surface.
Healthy roots = a healthy plant.
And sometimes, the fix starts where you can’t see it.
Pests or Disease: Tiny Invaders Could Be the Cause
If your Monstera’s leaves are curling and you’ve ruled out water, light, humidity, and roots—then you might be dealing with something a little sneakier.
That’s right—pests or disease.
Even though your Monstera lives indoors, it’s not totally safe from unwanted visitors.
Tiny insects can find their way onto your plant and cause more trouble than you’d expect.
The most common pests that attack Monsteras are spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and scale insects.
They might be small, but they can do big damage.
They feed on the sap inside your Monstera’s leaves, leaving them weak, dehydrated, and often curled.
Spider mites are especially notorious for causing curling leaves.
They’re hard to see with the naked eye, but you might notice fine webbing between the leaves or on the undersides.
Thrips, on the other hand, look like tiny black or brown slivers and can cause twisted, curling new growth.
Mealybugs look like little bits of cotton, usually tucked into crevices or under leaves.
And scale insects appear as small brown bumps that don’t move—but they’re alive and sucking sap all the same.
To check for pests, inspect your Monstera’s leaves closely—especially the undersides and where the leaves meet the stems.
If you spot any bugs, take action right away.
Start by isolating your plant so the pests don’t spread.
Then wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Repeat treatments every few days for at least a week or two, depending on the infestation.
Diseases like fungal infections can also lead to curling leaves, often with black or brown spots as well.
Improper airflow, overwatering, and dirty tools can all contribute to disease.
Keep your plant area clean and avoid getting the leaves too wet.
Pests and disease aren’t always obvious at first, but they can sneak up fast.
If your Monstera’s leaves keep curling despite good care, it might be time to get out the magnifying glass.
Final Thoughts
Curling leaves might look like a big problem, but really, they’re just a message.
Your Monstera is telling you that something’s not quite right—and once you figure out the cause, it’s often an easy fix.
Whether it’s thirst, too much sun, dry air, root issues, or tiny pests, each clue helps you understand your plant better.
And that’s what makes plant care so rewarding.
It’s not just about watering and walking away—it’s about paying attention, adjusting, and watching your Monstera thrive because of the love you give it.
With a little time and care, those curled leaves can lead to a stronger, happier plant.
Keep going.
You’re doing great—and so is your Monstera.