I know due to multiple reasons, Monstera leaves can have black spots or patches. But when you first witness this problem with your Monstera plant, you want the exact reason as early as possible.
To be honest, there are many articles on the same topic available online, and the numerous reasons they give only make us more confused about what to do.
In this article, you will find only the most likely reasons for black spots on Monstera leaves.
Note: Not all the black spots or patches are the same. If you take a closer look at the black spots, you can easily tell them apart. This guide will help you identify the type of black spots your Monstera has, so you can treat your plant accordingly.
Black spots on Monstera leaves due to overwatering
Let's start with black spots with no highlight edges...
This is how an overwatered Monstera plant leaf looks.
Touch the black spot with your fingers. The infected area should be softer than rest of the healthy parts of the leaf (slightly water-soaked, not dry or crispy).
If your Monstera leaf looks like this, it means the roots stayed wet for too long. The excess moisture can encourage bacterial/fungal growth. This is how the leaf tissue is damaged.
What to do?
Wait before your next watering. Let the soil dry completely.
Note: If roots are damaged due to overwatering, you need to trim the damaged roots and repot it.
This time, use a well-draining potting mix.
Black spots with yellow edges on Monstera leaves - Underwatered
The image at the top of this article shows a black spot with yellow edges.
In this type of case, the black spots are usually not pure black spots. It's more like a mixture of black and brown.
Look at the picture below:
This is due to underwatering. When the soil is kept dry for a longer time, these types of spots can be seen on Monstera leaves.
What to do?
Keep the soil moist for the next few days.
Note: Avoid placing your Monstera plant in direct sunlight (Especially after spraying water on the leaves or when the leaves are wet).
Avoid tap water or any kind of fertilizer for at least 2 weeks and keep the humidity above 50%.
Due to a sudden cold, you may also witness those black spots, but with no yellow edges. In that case, try to place your plant in a warmer place and do nothing.
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