Monstera root rot is a common issue in Monstera plants, a popular houseplant known for its large, green leaves.
Root rot occurs when roots become mushy, black, and foul-smelling due to wet soil conditions, often from overwatering and poor drainage. This can lead to the entire plant showing signs of decline such as yellowing leaves and soft stems.
As someone who has helped many fellow gardeners rescue their overwatered Monsteras, I’ll walk you through how to identify, treat, and prevent root rot—step by step—so you can restore your plant to full health.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Monstera root rot is caused by excessive moisture and wet soil, often due to overwatering or lack of drainage.
- Common signs include yellow leaves, black or brown spots on the leaves, mushy Monstera stems, and soggy or smelly roots.
- Treatment involves pruning shears to remove affected parts, repotting in fresh, well-draining soil, improving airflow, and adjusting the watering routine.
🛈 Want to ensure your indoor soil setup supports healthy roots? Learn how to make potting soil that drains well and keeps your Monstera safe from rot.
Signs of Root Rot in Monstera
Identifying root rot early is crucial to protect your plant. Below, you’ll find the key warning signs that your Monstera might be in trouble.
The table below concisely summarizes the main points, categorizing the symptoms of Monstera root rot and their causes, and suggests ways to address these issues:
| Symptom | Description & Causes | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wilting Leaves | Leaves droop due to potential root issues like waterlogged soil. | Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. |
| Yellowing Leaves | Indicates root distress, often from too much water. | Adjust watering schedule, ensure good soil drainage. |
| Black Spots on Leaves | Black marks with yellow rings, signifying root rot from germs. | Monitor closely, remove affected parts to prevent spread. |
| Mushy or Dark Stems | Stems become soft and weak, indicating potential root rot. | Check for fungal infection and manage watering. |
| Soggy or Smelly Roots | Roots are wet, squishy, and emit a bad odor, showing decay. | Inspect and treat roots, ensure healthy soil conditions. |
1. Wilting Leaves
Wilting leaves are often the first sign. Even if the soil feels wet, the plant looks like it’s looking a bit dry. This is because damaged roots can’t absorb water.
🌿 Curious how often your Monstera should be watered during different seasons? Check our seasonal Monstera watering guide to avoid overwatering.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves on indoor plants often signal overwatering. The roots sit in soggy soil and begin to decay, stressing the plant.
3. Brown or Black Spots on Leaves
Brown spots or black patches, especially with yellow halos, are bad signs of root rot and fungal issues. These spots on the leaves can also attract fungus gnats.
📌 Not sure whether to prune those damaged leaves? Find out when and how to remove yellow or spotted Monstera leaves.
4. Mushy or Dark Stems
Soft Monstera stems indicate root decay that has spread upward. The plant may collapse from the base if left untreated.
5. Soggy or Smelly Roots
Healthy roots are firm and white. Rotten roots are black, mushy, and smell bad, much like decay. These symptoms require immediate action to rescue the plant.
Root rot in Monstera is the decay of roots caused by prolonged exposure to wet soil, leading to unhealthy signs like yellowing leaves and soft stems.
How to Identify Root Rot vs. Healthy Roots in Monstera
| Feature | Healthy Roots | Rotten Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Color | White to light tan | Brown to black |
| Texture | Firm and elastic | Mushy or slimy |
| Smell | Earthy | Foul, rotten odor |
| Response to touch | Resilient, bounces back | Breaks apart or collapses |
Test your plant by removing it from its pot and gently rinsing off the soil to examine the roots.
How to Treat Monstera Root Rot
1. Remove Rotten Parts
Use clean pruning shears to cut off all dark, mushy roots. Save the healthy part of the root system.
2. Disinfect and Repot
Disinfect the container. Repot with a new soil layer composed of peat, perlite, and bark. Choose a pot with good drainage.
3. Use Natural Fungicides
After trimming, soak roots in diluted hydrogen peroxide or chamomile tea. This can prevent fungus gnats and kill fungal spores.
4. Adjust Watering Schedule
Only water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This helps prevent an overwatered Monstera.
5. Improve Airflow and Light
Increase airflow around your plant. If it’s in low light, consider moving it to a brighter area, as low light slows evaporation.
I’ve personally seen the difference proper airflow and light can make when rescuing an overwatered Monstera.
💡 Wondering where to place your plant for the best results? Here’s how to choose the best spot for your Monstera to thrive indoors.
How to Prevent Monstera Root Rot
Preventing root rot is easier than treating it. Follow these steps to ensure healthy growth:
✅ Water Wisely
Test soil moisture before watering. Use your finger or a moisture meter to avoid overwatering.
✅ Use Proper Soil
Choose a fast-draining potting mix for Monstera plants to reduce the risk of root rot. This is essential for preventing soggy conditions.
✅ Ensure Drainage
Use pots with drainage holes and avoid standing water. Always empty saucers.
✅ Repot Every 2 Years
Refresh the soil and check root health. Over time, compacted soil can retain too much moisture.
✅ Monitor and Prepare
Regularly inspect your Monstera plants. Prepare to act quickly if any symptoms appear.
FAQs
What are the signs of root rot in a Monstera?
Signs include yellow or brown spots, black roots, soft stems, and a foul smell.
Can my Monstera recover from root rot?
Yes. With quick identification and treatment, even a tough Monstera can bounce back.
How do I prevent root rot in Monstera?
Avoid overwatering, improve airflow, use proper soil, and test moisture regularly.
Should I use fungicides when treating root rot?
Natural fungicides like cinnamon or hydrogen peroxide can help stop fungal growth.
Will changing soil help?
Yes. A fresh, dry layer of soil can remove pathogens and encourage healthy roots.
Is it necessary to repot my Monstera?
Absolutely. Repotting helps get rid of the bad parts and gives space for healthy growth.
Final Tips
- Be a proactive gardener—check regularly for root issues.
- Stop root rot before it spreads to the entire plant.
- Indoor plants need airflow, light, and dry cycles to thrive.
Monstera root rot is preventable with awareness, quick identification, and proper plant care.
📘 Want a deeper dive into Monstera care? Learn how to trim Monstera roots correctly to support healthy growth and prevent future rot.
I'm George Brown, a keen gardener, passionate about helping beginners grow fresh herbs and plants. My guidance focuses on the essentials of plant growth and the pleasure of cultivating greenery. In my blog posts, I share practical tips on how anyone can transform their space into a thriving area for plants and herbs.
