Why Are Monstera Plant Stems and Leaves Drooping? 7 Causes & Fixes

A drooping Monstera is a cry for help—but what’s causing it?

Monstera plants are beloved for their striking, tropical foliage and easygoing nature. But even the most seasoned plant parents can face issues like droopy Monstera leaves or wilting stems. The good news? Every droop has a reason—and a solution.

In this guide, you’ll discover the 7 most common causes of Monstera drooping, and exactly how to fix each one with actionable, expert-approved tips.

Why Is My Monstera Drooping?

• Underwatering: Wilted, crispy leaves and dry soil → Bottom-water and establish a consistent watering schedule.
• Overwatering: Yellow leaves, mushy stems, soggy soil → Repot with a well-draining mix and trim rotten roots.
• Pot Too Small: Rootbound plant, fast-drying soil, stunted growth → Repot into a larger pot with fresh soil.
• Light Issues: Leggy or scorched leaves → Move to a spot with bright, indirect light.
• Nutrient Imbalance: Pale leaves or white crust buildup → Flush soil or fertilize monthly with diluted liquid feed.
• Temperature Stress: Black spots or dry, crispy edges → Keep temperatures above 60°F and increase humidity.
• Pests: Drooping, webbing, or sticky residue → Wipe leaves with neem oil or use insecticidal soap.

1. Monstera Drooping From Underwatering? Here’s How to Tell

Symptoms:

• Wilted, floppy leaves
• Brown, crispy edges
• Dry, compacted soil

Why It Happens:

Monstera plants store water in their cells to keep leaves perky. When the plant doesn’t get enough water, it loses turgidity—causing drooping.

Fix:

• Bottom-water your Monstera if the soil is severely dry.
• Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
• Avoid using drooping as a watering cue—by the time it droops, the plant is already stressed.

🪴 Pro Tip: Consider using a moisture meter to help prevent both under- and overwatering.

2. Monstera Drooping Due to Overwatering? How to Save It

Symptoms:

• Yellowing leaves
• Mushy or soft stems
• Constantly soggy soil

Why It Happens:

Too much water suffocates the roots. It also causes rot, especially in compacted or poorly-draining soil.

Fix:

• Gently remove the plant from its pot.
• Trim any black or mushy roots.
• Repot using well-draining soil—mix in perlite or orchid bark.

🌱 Pro Tip: Let the soil breathe. Never let your Monstera sit in water for long.

Read also: Monstera Drainage Hacks: 12 Expert Solutions for Healthy Plants

3. Is Your Monstera Drooping Because the Pot Is Too Small?

Symptoms:

• Roots circling the pot (rootbound)
• Soil dries out very quickly
• Slowed or stunted growth

Why It Happens:

Monsteras are fast growers with a big root system. When roots run out of space, they can’t take up enough water or nutrients.

Fix:

• Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
• Refresh with new soil to give roots room to expand.

🪴 Pro Tip: Repot every 1–2 years, or sooner if you see roots poking out.

4. Can Monstera Leaves Droop from Low Light?

Too Little Light:

• Weak stems
• Leggy, stretched-out growth
• Smaller, non-fenestrated leaves

Too Much Light:

• Scorched or brown spots
• Curled or crispy leaves

Fix:

• Move your Monstera to bright, indirect light—east or west-facing windows work great.
• Avoid direct sun, especially in hot climates.

📌 Insight: “Monsteras thrive near a south-facing window with sheer curtains.”

5. Is a Nutrient Imbalance Making Your Monstera Droop?

Overfertilizing:

• White crust (salt buildup)
• Drooping, stressed roots

Nutrient Deficiency:

• Pale, yellowing leaves
• Poor growth

Fix:

• Flush the soil with clean water if you suspect overfertilizing.
• During the growing season (spring/summer), feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

🌿 Pro Tip: Dilute fertilizer to ½ strength to avoid overwhelming your Monstera.

6. Is Temperature Stress Causing Droopy Monstera Leaves?

Cold Damage:

• Wilting
• Blackened or mushy leaf spots

Heat Stress:

• Crispy or dry edges
• Rapid drooping in high temps

Fix:

• Keep your plant in temperatures above 60°F (15°C).
• Avoid placing it near drafty windows, AC vents, or heaters.
• Raise humidity to 60%+ using a humidifier or pebble tray.

7. Could Pests Be Behind Your Monstera’s Drooping Leaves?

Common Culprits:

• Spider mites (tiny webs)
• Mealybugs (white cottony clusters)
• Thrips (shiny, silver streaks)

Why It Happens:

Pests suck sap from your plant, weakening stems and causing droopiness.

Fix:

• Wipe down leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Repeat treatment every 5–7 days until pests are gone.

🔍 Tip: “Always check the undersides of Monstera leaves—pests love hiding there!”

Bonus: Do Moss Poles Prevent Drooping in Monsteras?

Monsteras are natural climbers. In the wild, they grow up trees for support.

Benefits of Moss Poles:

• Help support large leaves and heavy stems
• Encourage upward, bushier growth
• Can reduce the appearance of droopiness

🌿 Pro Tip: Pair a moss pole with proper lighting for best results.

📌 Debate: “Moss poles help, but lighting is key to preventing droop.”

Conclusion

If your Monstera is drooping, don’t panic—it’s usually trying to tell you something.

In most cases, the cause comes down to watering issues, poor lighting, or lack of space. With the right diagnosis and a few mindful changes, your Monstera can bounce back beautifully.

🌿 Key Takeaways

• Drooping is usually caused by water, light, or space issues.
• Check soil moisture first—overwatering kills more Monsteras than underwatering.
• Pests hide under leaves—inspect weekly and treat promptly with neem oil.
• A moss pole and bright, indirect light can prevent future drooping by supporting healthy growth.
• Observe symptoms and match them to the cause—your plant is always communicating its needs.

👀 Match your plant’s symptoms to the causes above to guide your care.

🌱 Have you brought your droopy Monstera back to life? Which fix worked for you? Share your revival story in the comments!

Read Also:

• Rare Plant Care Guide
• Monstera Care Guide
• How to Clean Houseplants

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