Monstera Deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves, is a favorite among houseplant lovers, but one of the biggest threats to its health is root rot. Root rot can sneak up on your monstera, causing its leaves to yellow, droop, and even die if left untreated. Fortunately, root rot is preventable and treatable with the right care. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of root rot, how to prevent it, and what to do if your monstera’s roots are already in trouble.
What is Root Rot?
Root rot occurs when the roots of a plant are left sitting in waterlogged soil for too long. This can happen due to overwatering, poor drainage, or compacted soil. The lack of oxygen in waterlogged soil causes the roots to start decaying, and once they rot, the plant can no longer absorb nutrients and water effectively.
The most common cause of root rot in monstera plants is overwatering, often combined with a pot that doesn’t drain well. Even if your monstera looks fine above the soil, root rot can be silently spreading underground. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the early warning signs and take action immediately.
Signs Your Monstera Has Root Rot
Identifying root rot early is key to saving your monstera. Some of the telltale signs include:
- Yellowing Leaves: If your monstera’s leaves are turning yellow, especially the lower ones, it could be a sign that the roots aren’t functioning properly due to rot.
- Drooping or Wilting Leaves: Despite watering, if the leaves appear limp or droopy, this may indicate the roots are unable to take up water because of rot.
- Foul Smell: When you water your plant, if you notice a musty or rotten odor coming from the soil, that’s a strong indicator of root rot.
- Black, Mushy Roots: If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light brown, while rotting roots will be black or dark brown and feel soft and mushy to the touch.
How to Treat Root Rot in Monstera
If you’ve caught root rot in its early stages, there’s a good chance you can save your monstera with quick intervention. Here’s what to do:
- Remove the Plant from Its Pot: Carefully remove the monstera from its pot, shaking off as much soil as possible. Be gentle with the roots, especially if they’re already weakened.
- Inspect and Trim the Roots: Examine the roots closely and trim away any that are black, mushy, or rotten. Use clean, sterilized scissors to make sure you don’t spread any bacteria or fungi to healthy parts of the plant. Leave only the healthy, firm roots intact.
- Wash the Roots: Rinse the healthy roots under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soil and help stop the spread of the rot.
- Repot in Fresh, Well-Draining Soil: Choose a new pot with drainage holes or thoroughly clean the old one. Use a well-draining potting mix made of ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark to allow for proper airflow around the roots. Avoid using the old soil, as it may contain pathogens that caused the root rot.
- Water Sparingly: After repotting, water your monstera lightly and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. Moving forward, make sure to follow a proper watering routine to prevent the recurrence of root rot.
Preventing Root Rot in the Future
Preventing root rot is all about finding the right balance between watering and drainage. Here are some tips to keep your monstera’s roots healthy and free from rot:
- Water When Necessary: Water your monstera only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Overwatering is the number one cause of root rot, so be sure to check the soil moisture before each watering.
- Use Well-Draining Soil: Monstera plants need a light, airy soil mix that drains well. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark allows water to drain freely while retaining just enough moisture for the plant’s needs.
- Choose the Right Pot: Always plant your monstera in a pot with drainage holes. If you use decorative pots without drainage, make sure to take the plant out of the inner pot after watering to prevent water from collecting at the bottom.
- Don’t Let the Plant Sit in Water: After watering, empty the saucer beneath the pot to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water. Monstera roots need oxygen, and sitting in waterlogged soil deprives them of this.
Monitoring Your Monstera
After repotting your monstera, keep an eye on it for the next few weeks. It may take some time for the plant to bounce back, but with proper care and attention, it should start showing signs of new growth as the roots recover. Continue to follow a careful watering schedule and check the soil regularly to ensure it’s draining properly.
By staying on top of your monstera’s watering needs and using a well-draining soil mix, you can easily prevent root rot from taking hold. And if root rot does occur, acting quickly and repotting the plant can save it, giving your monstera the chance to thrive once again. Happy growing!