Monstera leaves have the tendency to turn black due to various reasons.
And if you don't know the right reason, your plant can turn entirely black and die.
So, what are these causes, and how can you save your plant?
Check out the following detailed guide to resolve this issue and encourage new growth in your plant.
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Why Is My New Monstera Leaf Turning Black?
As mentioned earlier, there are several reasons that can cause the blackening of Monstera leaves.
But the most common reasons include -
- Not Enough Light
- Too Much Light
- Overwatering
- Poor Air Circulation
- Too Much Fertilizer
- Pests
- Fungus Attack
Any or a combination of these reasons can lead to the black leaves issue in this plant.
Now that you know the causes, let's learn more about the solutions.
7 Things To Do When New Monstera Leaf Turns Black
Here's what you should do when you see the leaves of your plant turning black.
1. Move The Plant To A Better Location
This is one of the care tips that is often overlooked.
When the plant doesn't get enough light, the leaves turn black.
And this can happen when you keep the plant in the darkroom for too long.
So, it makes sense to find a better location for the plant.
Move it to a place where it can get bright, indirect sunlight.
This type of light is perfect for Monstera plants.
2. Check If You Are Overwatering The Plant
Having a black leaf on Monstera can also be a sign of overwatering.
When you water the plant too often, the roots start to rot.
To avoid this problem, you should consider changing the watering schedule for your plant.
3. Improve Air Circulation Around The Plant
Another possible reason for black leaves on Monstera can be the lack of air circulation.
When the plant doesn't get enough air, it starts to suffocate.
Eventually, the plant becomes weak, and the leaves start to turn black.
To resolve this issue, try to improve the air circulation around the plant.
But what does that mean?
It means you should avoid keeping the plant in a tight space.
And if possible, you should also consider using a fan to circulate the air around the plant.
This is also important in keeping the plant dry and preventing any fungal growth on the plant.
So, it has many benefits for the plant.
4. Check The Fertilizer Schedule
I know you must be using the best fertilizer for Monstera.
But are you using it as per the schedule?
If you are overdoing it or using it more frequently than required, it can lead to the blackening of leaves.
So, check the fertilizer schedule.
Try to adjust it as per your plant's need and see if that helps.
5. Inspect The Plant For Pests
Although the black leaf issue is mostly related to fungus or overwatering, it can also be caused by pests.
Pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are known to feed on the leaves of Monstera.
And this can lead to black spots or black leaves on the plant.
So, you must inspect the plant for any signs of pests.
If you find any, you should take immediate action to eliminate them.
You can even use a pesticide to kill the pests.
There are many organic pesticides available in the market that will not harm your plant.
6. Check For Fungus Or Bacteria
Fungus or bacteria can also cause black leaves on Monstera.
This usually happens when the plant is overwatered or kept in a humid environment.
To deal with this issue, you should try to improve the drainage of your plant.
You can also spray the plant with a fungicide to get rid of the fungus or bacteria.
This is more effective than trying any preventive measure.
7. Prune The Affected Leaves
Last but not least, you can also try pruning the affected leaves.
It does sound like a radical solution.
But, it can actually help the plant produce new leaves in the coming weeks.
When you prune the plant, you essentially get rid of the affected parts.
Therefore, it makes it a little easier for the plant to develop new growth.
The pruning task can also be performed before spraying the plant with a fungicide.
Pruning is also a great way to improve air circulation.
So, these are some of the things you can do to deal with black leaves on Monstera.
How To Remove Black Leaves On Your Monstera
If you have black leaves on your Monstera, don't worry.
It is not the end of the world.
You can simply remove them and allow the new leaves to grow in their place.
So, here's how you can go about it.
1. Inspect The Plant
Yes, don't rush into removing the black leaves.
First, you need to inspect the plant and see if there are any other problems.
For instance, you should check for pests, fungus, or bacteria.
Once you are sure that the black leaves are not caused by any other issue, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Cut The Leaf
Once you have inspected the plant, it is time to remove the black leaves.
To do this, you need to cut the leaf to the point where it meets the stem.
Be very careful while doing this.
You don't want to damage the stem in the process.
3. Repeat The Process
If multiple leaves are showing similar signs, you can remove them as well.
You just have to repeat the process for each leaf.
4. Dispose Of The Leaves
Once you have removed the black leaves, you must dispose of them properly.
You don't want to leave them lying around as they can attract pests or fungus.
5. Wait For New Growth
Finally, you just have to wait for the plant to produce new leaves.
It may take a few weeks, but eventually, it will happen.
And that's it.
These are the steps you need to follow to get rid of black leaves from your Monstera.
In the next section, I have shared some FAQs related to this issue.
Do take a look at it if you have any similar queries in mind.
FAQs
Yes, you should cut the black leaves as they are already dead.
They can spread the infection to other parts of the plant.
So, it's better to get them off to save the rest of the plant.
You should also dispose of these leaves carefully to avoid infecting other plants.
No, new monstera leaves don't get darker.
They are usually a bright green color when they first emerge.
However, if the leaves start to turn black, it's a sign that something is wrong.
If the stem of your Monstera plant is black, it's usually a sign of overwatering.
The stem can turn black and mushy if it's sitting in water for too long.
You can read this guide to know more about this issue.
You can mist your Monstera to increase the humidity around it.
This is especially helpful in dry climates.
Misting will also help wash away any dust accumulated on the leaves.
But don't mist the plant if it's experiencing any leaf problems such as black spots or powdery mildew.
Excess sunlight can cause the leaves of your Monstera to turn yellow or brown.
This is commonly known as sunburn and can be resolved by moving the plant to a shadier spot.
Over To You
When the new Monstera leaf turns black, it can be a worrying sight.
But you must not panic as there are many things you can do to deal with this issue.
I have shared some of the most effective methods in this guide.
You can try any of them to get rid of the black leaves on your plant.
If you still have any doubts or questions, please let me know in the comments below.
I would be happy to help you out.
Share this guide with your friends and family if you find it helpful.
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