Monstera plants can produce smaller leaves under certain conditions. It is a widespread problem. But don’t worry, this problem can be solved.
In my experience, changing a few things is enough to ensure the plant gets everything it needs.
But for that, you have to know why, does your monstera have small leaves?
The causes of Monstera are minor: over or under watering, lack of nutrients, lack of light, low humidity, temperature extremes and over-fertilization. Using the wrong pot or soil mix can also contribute to your monstera having smaller leaves.
Now I’m going to show you the different factors that can make your leaves look small.
I would also advise you on what adjustments you can make to ensure your plant receives everything it needs to grow to its full potential.
Contents
Causes of Small Monstera Leaves
Monstera plants usually have large, leathery leaves, so I can understand why small L-shaped leaves or curled leaves bother you. It is popular for its unique leaves.
Now let’s talk about the factors that can cause small monstera leaves and solutions.
water above or below
Plants need water to grow, but sometimes this is too much. Overwatering is often the root of many problems faced by plant owners.
Although it tolerates excess water, the monstera plant always has a threshold. And it can cause your plant to produce small leaves and turn brown.
As? Overwatering your plants can damage the plant’s roots (root front) and attract insects (mosquitoes).
It would affect the growth of the plant as a whole and the leaves would be smaller.
Because? Minerals in the water, if applied heavily over time, can also cause soluble salt.
These soluble salts can damage the roots of the plant and produce small leaves.
Soluble salts can be identified by checking to see if you have a white or yellow crust on your pan.
Watering too little is also not a safe bet, as it can cause your plant to become malnourished.
How to fix monstera with or without water
- Be sure to check your soil moisture before watering and make sure the surface of your potting mix is dry. If it is damp, there is no need to water.
- Make sure the pot has good drainage.
- If you have soluble salt deposits, remove them and try to saturate your soul with water to remove the excess. If your pot does not have drainage, you will need to repot it.
- Try to wash your pot every 4-6 months to avoid salt buildup, which can affect your plant’s roots.
- Water your plant once a week or whenever the first inch of soil is dry.
Note: The monstera plant naturally has a moderate drought tolerance. However, it is very devoid of water, which can harm the health of the plant. That being said, be sure to water your plant regularly.
Water quality
The water in some places contains a lot of chlorine and fluoride, which can be harmful to plants.
Using water softeners for an extended period can also affect your plant’s growth.
Thus, the leaves will become small. Make the plant look malnourished.
How to improve water quality
- You can let the water sit for several days before pouring it into your plant to reduce fluoride and chlorine levels.
- You can use filtered water or rainwater.
- Avoid using water softeners.
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lack of light
All plants need sufficient sunlight for food production and survival.
Insufficient light can cause plant leaves to become small because there is not enough energy to produce sugars and starches that need to be broken down for tissue development.
Your monstera needs bright indirect light. Most homes have poor lighting conditions which are a problem for houseplant owners.
If your plant is indoors, it may not be getting enough light.
Here is a suggestion: East-facing windows generally work well for monstera plants because the plant can receive plenty of light.
The sun rises in the east, so the light the plant would receive is the morning sun which is gentle on it.
The closer a plant is to the window, the more light it will have to feed on.
Too much light can also damage your plant.
Solutions
- Try to find a spot in your home with good light to place your plant.
- Stems with small leaves can be pruned. New large leaves would sprout if the plant received enough light.
- If you have low light conditions, you can purchase cool white fluorescent bulbs to replace natural light.
low humidity
Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. High humidity is another essential factor for the growth of your monstera plant, since it is a tropical plant.
Humidity helps keep leaf moisture content constant. Your monstera plant needs a humidity level of 25% to 49% to thrive.
The humidity in most homes is lower than what the monstera plant needs. The higher the humidity, the less water is lost from the leaves.
Solutions
- You can purchase a humidifier to increase the humidity in your home.
- Spraying your plant regularly with a spray bottle containing water will help retain moisture.
- If you have other plants, you can place them near your monstera to increase the humidity.
raw temperature
Temperature extremes are also a common cause of stunted plant growth. Getting the temperature right for your plant is very important as it plays an important role in photosynthesis.
Monstera plants need a temperature of around 75°C.OF (24OC) during the day and a temperature of 65OV (18OC) at night.
The drop in temperature at night gives the plant time to build new tissue.
Plants growing in consistently high temperatures tend to shrink and are susceptible to pests and diseases.
Solutions
- Do not keep your plants in extremely hot or cold environments.
- Move your plant outside the window at night, as it can get quite chilly through the windows at night.
Over-fertilization
Fertilizer, like water, is another essential factor that plant owners often overdo.
However, they are essential for the growth of your plant, but moderation is key.
Too much fertilizer can lead to a high concentration of salt which can damage the roots of the plant and stunt its growth.
If you over-fertilize your plant, you will see a crusty white or yellowish substance on the surface of your soil.
Small dark leaves are also a sign of over-fertilization.
How to fix overfertilization
- Fertilize regularly but very sparingly in the summer and avoid fertilizing in the winter or in low light conditions.
- If you notice salt buildup, reduce the amount of fertilizer you use and try to get rid of the salt by watering thoroughly and allowing the water to drain.
- Avoid applying fertilizer to dry soil, as it can damage the soil.
- It is recommended to apply balanced water-soluble fertilizers to plants.
- I recommend using a balanced fertilizer (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Apply every two weeks in summer and spring and once a month in winter.
inappropriate bottle
There is a wide variety of pots that the plant owner can get. They can be made of different materials such as plastic, clay, wood, metal and ceramics.
Clay pots generally do not retain moisture, so regular watering is necessary.
Non-porous pots, such as plastic pots, on the other hand, should not be watered frequently to avoid waterlogging the plant.
There are things to consider when buying your pot, such as plant size, suitability for the plant’s needs, drainage, strength and durability.
Using a small pot for a fast growing plant may stunt the plant’s growth.
Using a pot without drainage for water and air can also cause stunted leaf growth.
Solutions
- I recommend that you use a pot with drainage to prevent too much water from remaining in the pot and to allow air to enter.
- Buy a pot large enough to allow your plant to grow to its full potential.
Bad soil mix
The right soil mix is essential for the growth of any plant. Soil is the source of nutrients, water and air that your plant needs to grow.
If your soil is not suitable for your plant, plant growth will be stunted. (Source: University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture)
Solution
Make sure your soil is one part loam, one part perlite or sand, and one part peat. This gives a well-drained mix.
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frequently asked Questions
Q: Should I cut off the small leaves of the monstera?
FOR: You can cut the small leaves off your monstera. Your plant would respond to cutting stems with small leaves by growing new ones. If they get the resources they need, they will become great.
Q: Do monstera leaves get bigger?
FOR: Monstera leaves can grow if they receive enough light, water, humidity and nutrients. Staking instead of propagating your monstera plant will also allow the leaves to grow longer.
Question: Why aren’t my monstera leaves splitting?
FOR: Your monster’s leaves may not split because they don’t get enough light. Try moving it to a place with better light and see how it splits.
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