9 Tips To Fix Black Stem In Monstera Plant

Is your Monstera's stem turning black?

Do you see any black spots on the leaves?

If so, your plant is probably suffering from overwatering or fungal issues.

Monstera is particularly susceptible to these problems since they're native to tropical rainforests.

So, in this guide, let's look at how you can prevent and fix a black stem on your Monstera.

Why Does My Monstera Have Black Stem?

Monsteras are known for their large, glossy leaves, but sometimes their stems can turn black.

As mentioned earlier, the reasons for this are too much water and fungus.

Overwatering can cause the stem to rot, which then leads to the blackening of the stem.

Fungus, on the other hand, can cause black spots on the leaves and stems.

This is usually due to humid conditions or poor drainage.

But thankfully, you can fix a black stem on your Monstera with the help of some basic gardening tools and techniques.

In the following section, I have shared some suggestions to help resolve this issue.

So, let's dive right in!

How To Fix Black Stem In Monstera Plant

Here's a complete step-by-step guide on how to fix Monstera's black stem -

1. Examine The Plant

The first step is to take a close look at your plant.

Check the stem and leaves for any black spots or discoloration.

If you see any, make a note of them.

This will help you determine the extent of the problem.

You should also look for any mushy or soft spots on the stem.

This is a sure sign of stem rot in the plant.

So, try to examine the stem and leaves carefully to get a better idea of the problem.

2. Check The Soil

The next step is to check the soil.

Remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots.

Important: Be gentle when you're removing the plant from its pot.

Roots are fragile, and you don't want to damage them.

If they're mushy or have black spots, it's a sign of overwatering.

On the other hand, if the roots are dry and brittle, it's a sign of drought.

However, you're more likely to see wet and mushy roots in this case.

Once you've examined the roots, take a look at the potting mix.

Is it too wet or too dry?

Both these conditions will cause problems for your plant.

The ideal potting mix should be moist but not soggy.

3. Remove The Affected Leaves And Stems

Once you're done with a thorough examination, it's time to take some corrective action.

If you see any black spots or discoloration on the leaves, cut them off.

The same goes for the stems.

If you see any blackening or mushiness, cut off that part of the stem.

You can use a sharp knife or garden shears for this purpose.

Make sure to sterilize the tools before you use them.

This will prevent the spread of infection.

Also, you should only remove the affected parts of the plant.

Don't go overboard and cut off all the leaves or stems.

This will do more harm than good.

4. Allow The Plant To Dry

After you've removed the affected parts, you should let the plant dry.

This is an important step in the process of fixing a black stem.

Allowing the plant to dry will help prevent the spread of infection.

So, place the plant in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry.

5. Repot The Plant

Repotting is the secret to reviving your Monstera from the black stem issue.

It will help improve the drainage and increase the airflow to the roots.

This is necessary to prevent the problem from recurring.

Here's how you can repot your Monstera -

• Choose a pot that is 1-2 sizes bigger than the current one.
• Add a layer of drainage material to the bottom of the pot. This can be something like gravel or perlite.
• Add a fresh potting mix to the pot.
• Remove the plant from the current pot and place it in the new one. If you have already removed the plant for examination, you can directly repot it to a new pot.
• Water the plant well and allow it to drain.
• Place the plant in a bright, humid area.

Important: If the plant roots are too wet and mushy, you can avoid watering them completely.

You can water the plant once the roots have dried out completely.

6. Apply A Fungicide

Yes, using a fungicide is a good idea, especially if the problem is severe.

It will help prevent infection and speed up the healing process.

So, apply a fungicide to the plant.

There are many different fungicides available on the market.

You can choose one that is specifically available for Monstera with stem rot.

The application process is generally easy.

You just have to follow the instructions on the label.

7. Improve The Airflow

One of the main reasons for black stem in Monstera is poor airflow.

Monsteras need high humidity to thrive, but they also need good airflow to prevent fungal issues.

So, if you want to fix the black stem on your Monstera, you need to improve the airflow around the plant.

Here are a few ways you can do that -

• Place the plant in a bright, airy spot.
• Avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
• Use a fan to create a breeze around the plant.
• Keep the surrounding area clean and free of dust.
• Don't keep the plant in a closed terrarium or glasshouse.

8. Check The Temperature

The temperature is also an important factor to consider when it comes to Monsteras.

Ideal Monstera growing temperatures are between 65°F and 85°F.

So, if the temperature in your home is too low or too high, it could affect the recovery process.

And in some cases, the plant may not recover at all.

To fix this, you need to adjust the temperature to create a more Monstera-friendly environment.

This can be done with the help of a humidifier or an air conditioner.

You can also move your plant to a different room in your house.

9. Be Patient

Last but not least, you need to be patient.

I know it sounds too clichéd, but it's true.

Revining your Monstera from the black stem is a slow process; it can take weeks or even months for the recovery process.

So, don't give up hope and keep caring for your plant.

With time and patience, your plant will eventually bounce back to life.

And if nothing works, you will always have the option of starting from scratch.

But I'm sure your plant will recover if you follow these tips.

How To Fix Black Spots On Monstera

This is another common problem that Monstera owners face.

And they often mistake it for the black stem.

But the truth is, black spots on Monstera leaves are a totally different issue.

Black spot is a condition caused by fungus.

And it generally affects the older leaves of the plant.

The first sign of black spots is small, black dots on the leaves.

These dots eventually start to spread and cover the entire leaf.

In extreme cases, the black spots can also affect the stem.

So, how do you fix black spots on Monstera?

Well, here are a few tips that can help -

1. Improve Airflow
2. Increase Humidity
3. Prune The Plant If Required
4.  Use A Fungicide

Just follow these tips, and you should be able to get rid of black spots on your Monstera.

You can also cut back on watering to help the plant recover.

But don't let the roots dry out completely.

And that's all there is to it.

Next, let's take a look at FAQs related to the black stem and other similar issues in Monstera.

FAQs

Over To You

The black stem on the Monstera plant is a critical issue that you need to take care of immediately.

If not treated on time, it can be fatal for your plant.

So, if you see any blackening in the stem of your Monstera, don't wait.

Take action right away and follow the tips given in this guide.

Meanwhile, If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask in the comments section below.

I would be happy to help you out.

And lastly, if you found this guide helpful, please share it with your fellow plant lovers.