Monstera Leaves Curling — What's Causing It and How to Fix It
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Symptoms
- curling leaves
- leaves curling inward
- rolled leaves
- cupped leaves
- leaves curling under
- leaves curling up
Causes
Underwatering / drought stress
When Monstera lacks sufficient water, leaves curl inward to reduce their surface area and slow transpiration. This is an active physiological response — the plant is trying to conserve moisture. Drought curling typically affects multiple leaves simultaneously and is accompanied by dry soil. Leaves may also feel thin or papery when squeezed gently, lacking normal turgidity.
Low humidity
Even with adequate soil moisture, very low ambient humidity (below 30%) causes excessive water loss through the leaves' surface. The plant may curl leaves as a partial defense mechanism, though this is less pronounced in Monstera than in more humidity-sensitive aroids like Calathea. The key difference from drought curling: soil moisture is adequate, and the curling may be most pronounced on newer leaves or leaf tips.
Heat stress
Direct hot sun or proximity to heating vents can cause localized heat stress that manifests as leaf curling. The leaves physically curl away from the heat source. This is usually directional — only the side facing the heat curls, while the other side of the plant remains normal.
Root damage or overwatering
When root rot or overwatering has compromised the root system's ability to deliver water, leaves may curl despite the soil being moist. This is water stress from the delivery side rather than the supply side, and is a warning sign that root investigation is needed.
Thrips infestation
Thrips feed by puncturing leaf cells and consuming the contents. As they feed, the damaged cells die and contract, sometimes causing the leaf edges to curl or distort. Thrips damage is usually accompanied by silver streaking or stippling on the leaf surface.
How to Fix It
- 1
Check soil moisture first. Dry soil with curling leaves: water the plant thoroughly, ideally by bottom-watering. Wet soil with curling leaves: suspect root damage or pest activity.
- 2
Assess the environment: is the plant near a heat source or vent? Is the room particularly dry? Use a thermometer/hygrometer to check both temperature and humidity. Move the plant away from direct heat sources.
- 3
Inspect leaves carefully for pest signs — particularly look at the undersides for thrips damage (silver streaking, dark frass dots) or spider mites (fine webbing, stippling).
- 4
If root damage is suspected (soil wet, no pests, leaves still curling), unpot and inspect the root system as described in the root rot guide.
- 5
Once the primary cause is addressed, curled leaves on Monstera typically uncurl within hours to a couple of days if the damage is not permanent. Already-damaged tissue won't fully recover, but new leaves should emerge without curling once conditions improve.
Prevention
- Test the mix with a finger rather than watering on autopilot, since Monstera's large fenestrated leaves curl visibly whether the plant is thirsty or sitting too wet
- Keep the plant away from heating vents and direct afternoon sun
- Maintain ambient humidity above 40% if possible
- Inspect regularly for early signs of pest activity
- Ensure the root system is healthy by checking drainage and repotting periodically
Quick Summary
| Plant | Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) |
|---|---|
| Category | Environment |
| Likely causes | Underwatering / drought stress, Low humidity, Heat stress, Root damage or overwatering, Thrips infestation |
| Fix steps | 5 steps — see above |