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Brown Spots on monstera adansonii

monstera adansonii with brown spots

What's Happening

In Monstera adansonii, black or brown spots on leaves often signal vascular disruption from root rot, usually caused by overwatering or dense, non-draining nursery soil that suffocates the epiphytic roots.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Check the bottom of the pot; if soil is soaking wet or roots are mushy/black, root rot is likely

  2. 2

    Unpot and trim away all rotted (squishy, smelly) roots with sterilized shears

  3. 3

    Repot in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix (50% perlite/bark, 50% potting soil)

  4. 4

    Reduce watering frequency; allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry completely

How to Prevent It

Ensure all pots have adequate drainage holes; use aerated, chunky soil mixes to mimic the plant's natural epiphytic habit; always check roots of newly purchased plants.

Related Problems

Same Problem on Other Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes brown spots on my plant?
In Monstera adansonii, black or brown spots on leaves often signal vascular disruption from root rot, usually caused by overwatering or dense, non-draining nursery soil that suffocates the epiphytic r...
How do I fix brown spots?
Check the bottom of the pot; if soil is soaking wet or roots are mushy/black, root rot is likely. Unpot and trim away all rotted (squishy, smelly) roots with sterilized shears.
How do I prevent brown spots from happening again?
Ensure all pots have adequate drainage holes; use aerated, chunky soil mixes to mimic the plant's natural epiphytic habit; always check roots of newly purchased plants.