Plant Problem Lab
Monstera profile

Plant + symptom guide

Monstera brown spots

Brown spots need texture and location checks. Dry window-facing spots, soft spreading lesions, and pest speckling point to different next steps.

For monstera, adjust the diagnosis around this plant profile: Monsteras usually need bright indirect light, an airy mix, and careful watering. Yellow leaves often come from wet soil, low light, dense mix, or pests on new growth.

Most likely causes

direct sun or heat scorchwet-soil root stresspestsleaf damage from moisture swingsoverwatering or slow-drying soillow light slowing growth and water use

How to confirm it

Check whether spots are dry and tan, soft and spreading, or tiny and speckled.

Notice whether damage is strongest on the window-facing side.

Inspect undersides and new growth for residue, dots, or webbing.

Check whether the mix is chunky or compacted around the roots.

Inspect unfurling leaves and undersides for thrips or mites.

Next steps for Monstera

  1. Step 1

    Move out of harsh direct sun if damage lines up with the window.

  2. Step 2

    Isolate the plant if pest signs appear.

  3. Step 3

    Avoid cutting every spotted leaf until the cause is stable.

Recommended reading

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