If you have a Monstera that isn’t opening its leaves, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many Monstera owners have the same problem. The good news is that there are some simple solutions. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why Monstera leaves don’t open, and how to fix them.
Why is My Monstera Leaf Not Opening
Monsteras need bright, indirect light to thrive, so if yours is in a too-shady spot, that could be the problem. If you have a Monstera that isn’t opening its leaves, there are a few things that could be going on. Move it to a brighter location and see if that does the trick. First, it could be that the plant isn’t getting enough light.
![One possible reason your Monstera leaf is not opening could be because it is not receiving enough light.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/one-possible-reason-your-monstera-leaf-is-not-opening-could-be-because-it-is-not-receiving-enough.jpg)
Monsteras like to have their soil moist but not soggy, so make sure you’re not over- or under-watering it. Another possibility is that the plant is too wet or too dry. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will start to droop; if it’s too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
Finally, it could be that the plant is too cold. Try moving it to a warmer, more humid location and see if that helps. Monsteras like warm, humid conditions, so if yours is in a drafty spot or the room is too dry, that could be why the leaves aren’t opening.
[1] Leaf Unfurling Cannot Take Place Due to Low Humidity
If the humidity is too low, the leaf will not be able to unfurl. You can mist the leaves with water, put the plant in a humidity tray, or use a humidifier. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to do all of these things to keep your plant healthy. If you notice that your Monstera leaf is not unfurling, it could be due to low humidity. Monstera leaves need high humidity in order to unfurl properly. There are a few things you can do to increase the humidity around your plant.
How to Fix Low Humidity For Your Monstera Leaves to Unfurl
There are a few things you can do to help them out. If you’re noticing that your Monstera leaves are starting to curl and you’re worried about them, don’t fret!
![To fix low humidity for your Monstera leaves to unfurl, you can try increasing the humidity around your plant by misting it with water or using a humidifier.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/to-fix-low-humidity-for-your-monstera-leaves-to-unfurl-you-can-try-increasing-the-humidity-around.jpg)
One of the main reasons why Monstera leaves curl is because of low humidity. If your home is on the drier side, there are a few things you can do to raise the humidity around your plant. Monsteras are tropical plants, so they need a humid environment to thrive.
You can also put your Monstera in a pebble tray or use a humidifier. One way to raise the humidity is to mist your plant regularly. Just make sure that the water you’re using is clean and that the humidifier isn’t too close to your plant, as too much humidity can also be detrimental.
With a little extra care, you can help your Monstera leaves unfurl and stay healthy!
[2] Lack of Cell Moisture Causing Monstera Leaves Not to Unfurl
If your Monstera leaves are not unfurling, it is likely due to a lack of cell moisture. This can be caused by several factors, including low humidity, dry soil, or direct sunlight.
![One possible reason your Monstera leaves are not unfurling could be a lack of cell moisture, which can be caused by several different factors.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/one-possible-reason-your-monstera-leaves-are-not-unfurling-could-be-a-lack-of-cell-moisture-which.jpg)
This can be done by misting the leaves daily, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray. You should also make sure to water your plant regularly, using filtered water if your tap water is high in minerals. To solve this problem, you will need to increase the moisture in the air and soil around your plant.
Once you have increased the moisture levels around your plant, you should see the leaves start to unfurl within a few days.
[3] Not Enough Photosynthesis for New Leaf Due to Extremely Low Light
If you’re having trouble getting your Monstera leaf to open, it might be because there’s not enough light. Monstera leaves need a lot of light to open, and if they don’t get enough, they’ll stay closed.
If that doesn’t work, you can try giving it artificial light, like grow lights. If your Monstera is in a low-light spot, try moving it to a brighter location.
If you still can’t get your Monstera leaf to open, it might be because it’s not getting enough photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is how plants turn light into energy, and without enough light, plants can’t do it.
![The article discusses why a new leaf on a Monstera plant may not open, and possible solutions to the problem.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/the-article-discusses-why-a-new-leaf-on-a-monstera-plant-may-not-open-and-possible-solutions-to-the.jpg)
And if all else fails, remember that it might just need more time. So if you’re having trouble getting your Monstera leaf to open, make sure it’s getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot or give it artificial light if necessary.
How to Treat Monstera in Extremely Low Light
The leaves of a Monstera need light to photosynthesize and produce the energy the plant needs to grow. If your Monstera is not getting enough light, it will not open its leaves.
![If your Monstera is not receiving enough light, it will not be able to produce chlorophyll, which it needs for energy.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/if-your-monstera-is-not-receiving-enough-light-it-will-not-be-able-to-produce-chlorophyll-which-it.jpg)
This can be done by moving it to a brighter location or by adding more artificial light. To treat a Monstera in extremely low light, you will need to give it more light. If you cannot increase the amount of light, you can try to increase the intensity of the light by moving the light source closer to the plant.
[4] Pests Are Wreaking Havoc On New Monstera Leaves Before They Open
If you’ve ever had a Monstera, you know that they are finicky plants. But one of the most frustrating things about Monsteras is when new leaves refuse to open. One minute they’re thriving and the next they’re wilting.
There are a few reasons why this may be happening, but the most likely culprit is pests. These pests can wreak havoc on new leaves, causing them to brown and wilt. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale are all common pests that can attack Monsteras.
First, try spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. But be sure to test it on a small area of the plant first to make sure it won’t damage the leaves. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a more powerful insecticide. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to get rid of pests and get your Monstera back to its healthy self.
![Pests are a common problem for monstera leaves, causing the leaves to not open properly.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pests-are-a-common-problem-for-monstera-leaves-causing-the-leaves-to-not-open-properly.jpg)
With a little patience and some TLC, your Monstera will be back to its old self in no time.
How to Get Rid of Monstera Bugs
If pests are present, the most likely culprits are mealybugs or spider mites. If the environment is too dry, increase humidity around the plant by misting it daily or setting it on a pebble tray. If your Monstera leaves are not opening, it is likely due to one of three reasons: the plant is too young, the environment is too dry, or there are pests present. If your plant is too young, simply wait patiently for it to mature. Spider mites can be controlled with a weekly application of insecticidal soap. Mealybugs can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Monstera New Leaves Not Opening
If your Monstera’s new leaves are not opening, it is likely due to one of three reasons: lack of light, too much water, or too much fertilizer.
Monsteras need bright, indirect light to thrive. Lack of light is the most common reason for new leaves not to open. Move your plant to a brighter spot and see if that does the trick. If your plant is not getting enough light, the new leaves will not open.
If the soil is too wet, the roots will not be able to get the oxygen they need and the plant will suffer. Too much water can also cause new leaves not to open. Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again. Monsteras like to be kept moist, but not soggy.
![One possible reason your Monstera's new leaves are not opening could be that the plant is pot bound.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/one-possible-reason-your-monsteras-new-leaves-are-not-opening-could-be-that-the-plant-is-pot-bound.jpg)
However, if you fertilize too often or use too much fertilizer, the new leaves will not open. Monsteras are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized regularly. Stick to a regular fertilizing schedule and use a light hand when applying fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can also be a problem.
How to Help Monstera Leaf Unfurl?
First, check the plant’s environment. If your plant is in a too- shady spot or a dry room, that could be why its leaves are staying tightly rolled up. If you have a Monstera that isn’t unfurling its leaves, there are a few things you can do to help. Monsteras need bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive. Move your Monstera to a brighter, more humid spot, and see if that does the trick.
If your plant is already in a bright, humid spot, the problem may be that it’s too wet or too dry. If it’s dry a few inches down, it’s time to water. Monsteras like their soil to be moist but not soggy, so check the soil before watering. If the soil is still moist, hold off on watering for a few days.
![If you have a Monstera that isn't unfurling its leaves, there are a few things you can do to help.](https://allingardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/if-you-have-a-monstera-that-isnt-unfurling-its-leaves-there-are-a-few-things-you-can-do-to-help.jpg)
Finally, if your Monstera’s leaves are still tightly furled after you’ve checked the light, humidity, and watering, it may just be a young plant. Monstera leaves unfurl as the plant matures, so be patient and your plant should start to show some new growth soon.
What If My Monstera Leaf Opens Too Soon?
If the leaf doesn’t open, you can try gently pushing it open with your fingers. There are a few things that could be causing this, such as too much or too little light, too much or too little water, or a lack of nutrients. If you think your plant is stressed, try to correct the issue and see if the leaf opens. If your Monstera leaf opens too soon, it could be a sign that the plant is stressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why won’t my Monstera leaf open?
A: There are a few reasons this could be happening. The most common reason is that the plant is not getting enough light. Monstera plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, you may see new leaves emerging, but they will be small and pale. Another reason could be that the plant is too wet or too dry. Monstera plants like to be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. Finally, it could be that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: My Monstera leaf is starting to split. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it is normal for Monstera leaves to split as they mature. The plant is called “split-leaf philodendron” for this reason. The splits allow the plant to better absorb light.
Q: I see brown spots on my Monstera leaves. What is causing this?
A: Brown spots on Monstera leaves are usually caused by too much direct sun. Monstera plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Move your plant to a spot that gets bright light, but is not in direct sun.
Q: The leaves on my Monstera plant are drooping. What does this mean?
A: Drooping leaves on a Monstera plant usually means that the plant is too wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. If the leaves do not perk up within a day or two, the plant may be too far gone and you will need to start with a new one.
Q: I think my Monstera plant is dying. What should I do?
A: If you think your Monstera plant is dying, the first thing to do is check the roots. If they are soft and mushy, the plant is probably too wet and has root rot. Cut away any mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the roots look healthy, the problem is probably with the leaves. Check for brown spots, which could be caused by too much direct sun. Monstera plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Move your plant to a spot that gets bright light, but is not in direct sun.
Final thoughts
If you have a Monstera that isn’t opening its leaves, it could be due to a number of factors, including low humidity, too much direct sunlight, or insufficient nutrients. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help encourage your Monstera to open its leaves. First, try increasing the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly or setting it on a pebble tray. You can also try moving it to an area with indirect sunlight. Finally, make sure you’re fertilizing your Monstera regularly with a balanced fertilizer. With a little patience and care, your Monstera should start to open its leaves in no time.