Why Does My Monstera Have Brown Spots? (And How to Fix It)

Monstera plants are one of the most popular houseplants around and for good reason! They’re easy to care for, they look great, and they can even help purify the air in your home. But even the most low-maintenance plant owners have run into problems with their Monsteras from time to time. One of the most common issues is brown spots on the leaves. Yes, it is true I was worried about this issue so I came up with some solutions that are mentioned in this guide.

Key takeaways:

  • Monstera brown spots indicate that the plant is not healthy.
  • There are various causes of Monstera brown spots that need to be kept in mind before finding solutions for them.
  • Some of the causes of your monstera having brown spots are the excess supply of sunlight, fungal disease, lack of nutrients, overwatering, underwatering, humidity issues, temperature stress, etc.
  • The Monstera brown spots can be fixed by giving them the appropriate amount of water, good sun exposure, making use of fungicides, etc.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why your Monstera has brown spots and how you can fix it. We’ll also give you some tips on how to prevent brown spots from appearing in the first place. So, let’s get started to know about the causes of Monstera brown spots and the ways to fix them.

monstera brown spots

Why Does My Monstera Have Brown Spots? (And How to Fix It)

If you’re noticing brown spots on your Monstera, it’s important to identify the cause so you can take appropriate action. Brown spots can be caused by a number of factors, including sun damage, pests, or disease. Once you’ve identified the cause, you can take steps to remedy the problem.

So read the below causes that will let you know why your Monstera Have Brown Spots and how you can fix the Monstera brown spots:

Exposure to direct sunlight

If your Monstera has brown spots, it may be due to exposure to direct sunlight. One of the causes of monstera brown spots is the supply of excessive sunlight. Monsteras are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where they grow beneath the canopy of taller trees. They are used to filtered light and do not do well in direct sun.

If you live in an area with bright sunlight, it’s best to keep your Monstera in a spot that receives indirect light or dappled sunlight. You can also try moving your plant to a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

If the brown spots are on the leaves that are closest to the sun, you may need to rotate your plant so that all sides get an equal amount of light.

Fungal or bacterial disease

If you see Monstera yellow leaves and brown spots on its leaves, it’s likely that the plant is suffering from a fungal or bacterial disease. There are a few different diseases that can cause brown spots on Monstera leaves, and each one requires a different treatment.

One of the most common diseases that cause monstera brown spots is called Anthracnose. Anthracnose is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This fungus loves to grow in warm, wet conditions – which is why it’s often found in tropical climates like Florida.

Anthracnose can cause small monstera brown spots, as well as larger patches of brown tissue. If your plant is suffering from Anthracnose, you’ll need to treat it with a fungicide.

Bacterial Leaf Spot is another disease that can cause brown spots on Monstera leaves. This disease is caused by a bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. Bacterial Leaf Spot usually affects plants that are already stressed or damaged in some way – so if your plant has been through a lot lately (like being moved around a lot), it may be more susceptible to this disease. Bacterial Leaf Spot usually causes small, circular monstera brown spots. If your plant has Bacterial Leaf Spot, you’ll need to treat it with a bactericide.

Once you’ve identified the disease that’s causing monstera brown spots, then you will be able to fix it.

Chlorinated or treated water

If you observe monstera brown spots, it’s likely that the water you’re using is chlorinated or treated in some way. This can happen if you’re using tap water, or even if you live in an area with hard water.

There are a few things you can do to fix this problem:

Use filtered or distilled water for your plant.
– Let your tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it on your plant. This will allow the chlorine to evaporate.
– Use rainwater, if possible.


If you suspect that the brown spots on your Monstera are due to chlorinated water, try changing up your watering routine and see if the problem improves.

Related: Why Are My Monstera adansonii Leaves Turning Yellow?

Nutrient deficiencies

When it comes to nutrient deficiencies, there are a few key things to look out for in your Monstera. The first is monstera brown spots. These can be caused by a number of things, but most often they are the result of a lack of nitrogen in the plant.

Another symptom of a nitrogen deficiency is yellowing leaves. If you see this, you’ll want to fertilize your Monstera with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Another common deficiency in Monsteras is magnesium. This can manifest as brown or yellow spots on the leaves, as well as stunted growth. If you think your Monstera might be lacking in magnesium, you can try fertilizing it with Epsom salts or using a garden lime product.

Finally, another possible deficiency that could cause brown spots on your Monstera’s leaves is iron. Just like with magnesium, an iron deficiency will often lead to stunted growth and yellow or brown leaf spots. To correct an iron deficiency, you can use an iron-rich fertilizer or chelated iron products. In this way, you will be able to fix the monstera brown spots.

Group your plants together

When it comes to houseplants, most people think of them as individuals. But did you know that grouping your plants together can actually be beneficial for them?

Grouping your plants together helps to create a microclimate around them that can improve their growth and health. When plants are close together, they can shelter each other from drafts and extremes of temperature. They can also help to regulate each other’s humidity levels, which is important for preventing brown spots on leaves.

In addition, grouping your plants together can make watering easier. When you water one plant, the water will often seep down to the roots of the other plants in the group, giving them a much-needed drink. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much water can lead to problems like root rot.

So next time you’re arranging your houseplants, try grouping them together! Your plants will thank you for it. It will help you in fixing the monstera brown spots.

Wrapping up the Context

In this guide, you come to know that Monstera brown spots indicate that the plant is not healthy. There are various causes of Monstera brown spots that need to be kept in mind before finding solutions for them. Some of the causes of Monstera brown spots are the excess supply of sunlight, fungal disease, lack of nutrients, overwatering, underwatering, humidity issues, temperature stress, etc. The Monstera brown spots can be fixed by giving them the appropriate amount of water, good sun exposure, making use of fungicides, etc.

Thanks for reading! Happy gardening!

FAQ’s

Should I cut brown spots off Monstera?

If your Monstera has brown spots, you may be wondering if you should cut them off. The answer is complicated and depends on a few factors.

First, it’s important to understand what causes brown spots on Monstera leaves. There are a few different reasons why this could happen, including over-exposure to sunlight, too much water, or even a nutrient deficiency. If you’re not sure what’s causing the brown spots, it’s best to consult with a plant expert before taking any action.

Once you’ve determined the cause of the brown spots, you can decide whether or not to cut them off. If the spots are due to sun damage, they will eventually turn crispy and fall off on their own. However, if the brown spots are caused by too much water or a nutrient deficiency, cutting them off won’t do any good – in fact, it could make the problem worse.

If you’re still not sure what to do about your Monstera’s brown spots, the best course of action is to take a wait-and-see approach. With time and proper care, most plants can recover from minor leaf damage and fix the monstera brown spots.

Why does my Monstera have spots?

If you’re wondering why your Monstera has brown spots, there are a few possible reasons. It could be due to too much sun, not enough water, or a nutrient deficiency.

If your plant is in direct sunlight, the leaves may start to develop brown spots. Move it to a spot that gets indirect light and see if the spots start to fade. If the plant is getting enough water, the leaves should be plump and green. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

If your Monstera has yellow leaves, this could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Use a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen to give your plant a boost. It will help you in fixing the monstera brown spots.

Can a plant recover from brown spots?

When it comes to brown spots on your Monstera, the good news is that these are usually not fatal to the plant. In most cases, the plant can recover from brown spots with the right care.

The first step is to identify the cause of the brown spots. If they are caused by a fungal disease, you will need to treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide. If they are caused by insect pests, you will need to remove the insects and treat the plant with an insecticide.

Once you have treated the underlying cause of the brown spots, you can focus on helping the plant recover. This includes making sure it has enough water and nutrients and providing it with plenty of light.

If you follow these steps, your Monstera should be able to recover from brown spots and continue to thrive. It will help you in fixing the monstera brown spots.

How do you prune brown spots on Monstera?

To prune brown spots caused by sun damage, simply cut away the affected leaves. If pests are to blame, you’ll need to treat your plant with an appropriate insecticide.

For fungal diseases, you may need to apply a fungicide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. It will help you in fixing the monstera brown spots.

How do I fix my Monstera?

If your Monstera has brown spots, it is likely due to one of three things: too much sun, not enough water, or a nutrient deficiency.

To fix your Monstera, you will need to first determine what is causing the brown spots. If it is too much sun, move your plant to a shadier location.
If it is not enough water, increase your watering schedule. If it is a nutrient deficiency, fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer. It will help you in fixing the monstera brown spots.

Becky Decker

Becky Decker, our esteemed Editor-in-Chief, is a passionate gardener with years of experience in the world of horticulture. With her guidance, BonjourGreen.com aims to be your trusted companion on your gardening journey. Featured In   Becky Decker’s expertise and gardening wisdom have been recognized and featured in various prominent publications, including:   Homesandgardens.com Yahoo.com Urbansplatter.com Inkl.com Foliagefriend.com Yahoonews  Experience & Background   Becky Decker’s love for gardening has been a lifelong journey. She has honed her skills through countless seasons of planting, nurturing, and harvesting a wide variety of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Her deep-rooted knowledge is complemented by her Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from the University of Green Valley.   Prior to leading BonjourGreen.com, Becky worked as a garden consultant, helping countless individuals turn their outdoor spaces into vibrant, thriving gardens. Her experience spans over a decade, making her a trusted authority in the gardening community.   The Birth of BonjourGreen.com   Inspired by her passion for gardening and her desire to share her expertise with a wider audience, Becky Decker launched BonjourGreen.com in 2021. This platform serves as a hub for gardening enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.   At BonjourGreen.com, we are committed to providing you with comprehensive guides, expert advice, and hands-on tips to help you achieve success in your gardening endeavors. Whether you have a small balcony garden or a sprawling backyard paradise, we have the information you need to make your garden flourish.   Our Mission   BonjourGreen.com is more than just a gardening website; it’s a community of gardeners who share a common love for nurturing the Earth. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to create beautiful, sustainable gardens that bring joy and tranquility to your life.   Join Us on This Green Journey   We invite you to explore BonjourGreen.com and embark on your gardening journey with us. Whether you’re seeking advice on planting techniques, pest control, landscaping ideas, or the latest gardening trends, you’ll find it all right here.   Connect with us, ask questions, and share your gardening stories. Together, we’ll cultivate a thriving community of gardeners and help each other make the world a greener, more beautiful place.   Let’s dig in and grow together at BonjourGreen.com, where gardening dreams bloom!

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