Monstera leaves curling? Here's what your plant is trying to tell you

1. Insufficient watering is a big culprit

Both overwatering and underwatering cause monstera leaves to curl, though for different reasons.

Overwatering creates soggy soil that suffocates roots and can lead to root rot, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. Underwatering, on the other hand, makes leaves curl inward as the plant tries to conserve moisture and reduce water loss through leaf pores.

To diagnose which problem you have, stick your fingers two to three inches into the soil — if it feels very wet or soggy, you're overwatering. Let the soil dry out before watering again and make sure your pot has drainage holes.

If the soil feels bone dry and hard, you're underwatering. Make sure to give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out the drainage holes, then wait until the top two inches of soil dry before watering again.

Going forward, check soil moisture with your fingers before each watering rather than following a fixed schedule.

2. Low humidity stresses tropical plants

Monsteras are native to humid Central American jungles and can struggle in typical home humidity levels. These plants absorb moisture not only through their roots but also through their aerial roots and even their leaves.

When humidity is too low, monstera leaves curl inward to reduce moisture loss, even if the soil is properly watered. The most effective solution is increasing humidity arround your plant. My favorite way to do this is by grouping moisture-loving plants together to create a more humid microclimate.

Contrary to popular belief, misting leaves doesn't actually increase humidity in any meaningful way, though it's useful for cleaning dust off foliage. If you notice leaf curl despite proper watering, humidity is likely the culprit.

You can also increase humdity around your plant by running a small humidifier nearby — although you may want to wait until it gets warmer to do so.

3. Too much direct sunlight damages leaves

Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light but suffer when exposed to direct sunlight. Too much sun stresses the plant and can burn leaves, causing them to curl and develop brown, crispy patches.

If your monstera receives direct sun and shows curling leaves with dry, brown spots, light stress is the problem. Move your plant further from the window or light source, making sure it still receives plenty of bright, indirect light.

You can also hang a sheer curtain to filter harsh light and make it less intense. A spot near an east or north-facing window typically provides ideal lighting conditions for monsteras without the risk of direct sun damage.

4. Poor soil quality prevents proper growth

Problems with potting soil cause multiple issues that lead to curling leaves. Soil that doesn't drain well holds too much moisture around roots, essentially creating overwatering conditions even if you water appropriately.

Compacted, hard soil prevents roots from absorbing water and nutrients properly. Old soil that hasn't been replaced in years becomes depleted of nutrients, starving your plant.

If it's been more than two years since you repotted your monstera, or if you notice the soil is dense and compacted, repot with fresh potting mix. Use a chunky, well-draining mix designed for aroids, typically containing peat or coconut coir for moisture retention plus perlite and orchid bark for drainage.

And make sure to feed your monstera with balanced houseplant fertilizer every few weeks during spring and summer to ensure it gets necessary nutrients.

5. Pests stress plants and cause leaf curl

Common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, thrips, and mealybugs can infest monsteras and cause leaves to curl from stress. Look for telltale signs including sticky residue on leaves, fine webbing, visible insects, or small brown spots on foliage.

Check both the tops and undersides of leaves since many pests hide on undersides. If you spot pests, act quickly before the infestation spreads. Spray affected areas with a strong stream of room-temperature water to dislodge insects, or wipe them away with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

For persistent infestations, treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil following product instructions. Inspect your monstera regularly to catch pest problems early on.