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Swiss Cheese Plant · Monstera

Why is my monstera losing leaves?

It is less common for a healthy monstera to drop leaves, so this usually happens when the plant is stressed by extreme temperature shifts or severe root damage. Check the soil moisture and the area around your plant for cold drafts first.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger two inches deep.
  2. Inspect the base of the stems for signs of rot or mushiness.
  3. Look for nearby air vents or drafty windows.

Likely causes

  1. Root rot

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or black before falling off, and the soil smells musty. You might see mushy brown roots if you gently dig into the top inch of soil.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots. Trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil with plenty of perlite.

  2. Temperature shock

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after you move the plant to a new spot or place it near a heater or air conditioner vent. The leaves may look green but limp before they detach.

    What to do: Move your monstera to a stable location away from drafts and heat sources. Keep the room temperature between 65 to 80 degrees. Avoid moving the plant once it has settled into a spot.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swiss cheese plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows new ones. You should worry if multiple leaves are dropping at once or if the plant looks wilted.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from sudden temperature changes. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

Swiss Cheese Plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swiss cheese plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will my monstera grow new leaves where they dropped?
No, new leaves will only grow from the main stem nodes or new growth points. The bare spot on the stem will remain empty.
Should I fertilize a plant that is losing leaves?
No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it shows signs of new growth before adding any nutrients.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Swiss Cheese Plant

Back to the Swiss Cheese Plant guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.