Monstera gets brown spots

In this article you will learn about the possible causes of the discoloration of the Monstera, as well as helpful tips for treatment.

lack of nutrients or -Avoid excess

The Monstera has a moderately high nutrient requirement and should be fertilized regularly in a balanced amount. If it is not supplied with sufficient nutrients, the leaves will change color and will eventually be dropped. Too well-intentioned fertilization also causes brown leaves, but also burns the roots. This is often the case, for example, when fertilizing with an undiluted liquid fertilizer. However, both nutrient deficiency and excess can be avoided by considering the following tips:

• Fertilize every 2 weeks from March to September
• Fertilizer sticks for green plants
• Or liquid fertilizer for green plants
• Mix fertilizer into the irrigation water
• Observe the manufacturer's dosage

Optimize lighting conditions

Monstera originally comes from the rainforest, where it grows under the shade of the canopy of large trees. Accordingly, it prefers bright locations and generally gets along quite well with less light. However, it tolerates too dark places just as little as the blazing sun. If the window leaf is dissatisfied with the light conditions, this can often be traced to brown or see black spots on the leaves. To avoid this, the following should be considered with regard to lighting conditions:

• Light to sunny location
• Partly shaded location from June to September
• Avoid direct sunlight
• protect from midday sun

Very often, black or brown discolouration to a lack of light. This is because many plants receive too little light, especially in winter. Even before brown spots form, a lack of light can be recognized by other characteristics: on the one hand, the leaves are generally darker and, on the other hand, the indentations or Indentations of the leaves only weakly or not at all pronounced.

Adjust air conditions

The best location for the monstera is near a window, with an east, west or north window being ideal. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the plant is not exposed to drafts. The humidity should also always be considered, because air that is too dry is not good for the window leaf and can cause brown discoloration. However, the optimum humidity can be achieved in just a few simple steps:

• Humidity between 60 - 70 percent
• Avoid dry heating air
• Set up a fountain in the room
• Spray the plant daily

fight fungal infection

brown or Black spots on Monstera leaves can also indicate eye spot disease (Spilocaea oleagina). This is a fungal infection that causes brownish to black spots to form on the leaves. The spots are round in shape, light brown in color on the inside, and have a slightly darker edge. It is also typical that the rest of the leaf often takes on a yellow coloration and later turns mostly completely brown or black. If the fungal infection is not detected early, it can spread unhindered and cause great damage to the plant. To avoid this, immediate action should be taken in the event of an infestation:

• Remove affected leaves
• Cut off with a sharp and disinfected cutting tool
• If the infestation is severe, cut back the plant completely
• Dispose of clippings in household waste

prevent waterlogging

Professional watering is not only crucial for the growth of the Monstera, because brownish or Black discolouration can thus be avoided! The tropical plant would like to be watered regularly, but does not tolerate waterlogging. The latter is very often caused by too frequent watering or too much water. A clogged drain hole can also lead to waterlogging. If the excess water has already collected in the pot, you should act immediately and repot the plant:

• Take the plant out of the pot
• Remove wet soil
• Rinse roots with lukewarm water
• Check roots
• Remove brown and diseased roots
• Clean planter
• Create drainage via drainage hole
• Half fill the pot with soil
• Plant in the middle and not deeper than before
• Don't water!

After repotting, the plant should not be watered immediately. Instead, it is advisable to wait around a week before dispensing the first water. It is then advisable to let the soil surface dry a little between watering. In order to avoid waterlogging in the future, excess irrigation water should always be removed.

Optimize temperature

In the South American rainforest, the Monstera enjoys a warm climate and prefers a constant temperature in the living room at home. She neither likes it when it's too cold, nor does she tolerate temperature fluctuations. Because it reacts to both with the formation of brown or black spots. In order to avoid this, the optimal temperatures should always be given:

• April to September: 20 – 28 degrees Celsius
• October to March: 16 – 21 degrees Celsius
• Never permanently below 16 degrees Celsius!

Avoid water shortage

Brown spots can also be a sign of drought stress caused by a lack of water. In this case, the roots receive too little water, which affects both water and nutrient uptake. The leaves first turn yellow, then brown, before finally withering and dying. A moisture meter or finger test can be used to determine whether the soil is moist enough. If the soil is dry, the Monstera suffers from drought stress and should be watered immediately. Better yet, avoid water shortages by considering the following when watering:

• Water abundantly in summer
• Water less in winter
• Always keep the substrate moist
• Pay attention to high humidity
• If necessary, dip root ball in water

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