Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split? Proven Fixes
Wondering….
why won’t my Monstera leaves split? Then you have come to the right spot! “My monstera leaves won’t split and I don’t know why!” This is a comment I hear far too often that stops plant lovers right in their tracks. So I thought I’d share what I do to cultivate the perfect growing conditions for my tropical plants. Here’s how to get those iconic monstera split leaves.
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split? Temperature and Growth
Monsteras crave warm humid temperatures to grow in, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). If this is lacking it can cause a lack of growth or stunted growth. Keeping their growing environment warm with humidity between %40-%60 is the sweet spot for a stunning monstera! This will improve leaf development for splits and will increase the size of your leaves.
Cooler temperatures often result in smaller leaves. So the warmer you have it the bigger your leaves will get!
“I don’t know about you but I love a big monstera leaf bigger than my head any day of the week!”
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split? Causes and Solutions
Seeing your monstera leaves not splitting can be a sad moment, hits you in the heart! All you want is a luscious indoor jungle to frolic through in the mornings! Well here are some very common reasons why that’s not happening and how to promote Monstera leaf splitting:
Low Light
Monsteras need bright indirect lighting for up to 8 hours a day.
- Solution: Move your monstera somewhere close to a window where it can get bright light but not right in the sunlight. Being right in the sun will cause sunburn on the leaves.
Watering Issues
Monsteras are rainforest plants so when they don’t get consistently moist soil it can hinder their growth including the energy needed for those splits in the leaves.
- Solution: To fix this make sure you are only watering once the top 2 inches of the soil are dry to the touch. Make sure you also have drainage holes.
Artificial Lighting
Artificial lighting is a good substitute if you don’t have enough hours of natural bright light however only using an artificial light or indoor grow light can keep essential nutrients from your plant that it would normally get through bright indirect natural light.
- Solution: Place your Monstera where you get the most natural light during the day and only use a grow light to substitute when there is no natural daylight.
Humidity Needs
Rainforest plants like Monsteras are used to have humidity levels between %40-%60. This is what helps develop those splits in the leaves and dryer air can hinder this part of leaf development.
- Solution: Add in a humidifier and some misting to help increase humidity levels. Additionally, you can also use a humidity tray or place your monstera in the bathroom for extra humidity when the shower is on.
Soil
A lack of good-quality soil results in a lack of nutrients like nitrogen. Nitrogen is used for healthy leaf development and without it your plant will develop small unsplit leaves.
- Solution: Repot with a well-draining soil mix with half parts orchid bark and perlite to help with added nutrients and drainage. Add fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in the warmer months and none in the cooler months.
Too-Young Plant Maturity
When your plant is of very young age it’s normal for it to not yet develop leaf splits. As it grows in the right conditions it will develop them.
Solution: Your plant will develop leaf splits around 2-3 years old so patience is key here!
Root Bound
Being root-bound can hinder growth as your monstera focuses more on survival than growth development.
- Solution: Repotting to a bigger pot will help with expanding roots and help your plant use its energy for growth rather than survival.
These common reasons are why your monstera leaves won’t split and now that you know how to adjust them you can breathe again knowing your monstera is in the right growing conditions for new growth development!
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split? Low Humidity
When it comes to the health of your Monstera, particularly regarding it’s split leaves, humidity plays a crucial role. On the other hand, dry humidity levels can lead to
- Stunted Growth
- Reduced Photosynthesis
- Dry Paper like Leaves
- Droopy or Falling-off Leaves
- Smaller Unsplit Leaves
- Leaf Edges turning Brown, Yellow, or Crispy
To help increase your humidity levels you can:
- Place in bathrooms or kitchens for added humidity when the shower is on or when cooking
- Use a Humidifier
- Regular Misting
- Group Plants Together
- Avoid Doorways or Vents for Sudden Breezes
- Use a Pebble Tray
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split? Proper Pot Size
Giving your monstera the right size pot will make or break its health. In fact if your pot is too small it can cause your plant to be root bound. This causes health issues such as lack of nutrients, moisture retention, and stunted growth. Having a pot that is too large can result in nutrient imbalance, overwatering, roots expanding too quickly, and slower growth.
“Grabbing the right size pot will help with healthy root development and healthy leaf development.”
Signs You Have The Wrong Size Pot
- Soil is drying out too fast or staying too wet for too long
- The plant is leaning over or unstable
- Roots growing out of drainage holes
- Lack of or stunted growth
Choosing The Right Pot Size
- Keep an eye on the roots. In fact if you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or starting to cling to the inside of the pot it’s time to upgrade to a bigger one.
- If your monstera is younger you should grab a pot that is 6 to 8 inches in diameter. This will give enough room for healthy root development and new growth. Move up a pot size that is 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter every couple of years.
- Material is also a factor in plant health. Plastic pots retain moisture for longer periods whereas terracotta pots have better airflow and water evaporation. Base your pot off of your watering schedule or habits to help improve plant health.
How Improper Watering Can Stop Monstera Leaves from Splitting
Encouraging leaf splitting means maintaining consistently moist soil. Drainage holes prevent your roots from sitting in water and developing root rot and other health issues. In fact if you struggle with overwatering wait longer in between your watering times. Additionally if you struggle with underwatering water more frequently until water runs out the bottom drainage holes.
“You can also grab a moisture reader to help understand where your soil moisture is at or poke your finger into the soil.”
Signs Of Overwatering
- Yellowing Leaves
- Drooping Or Falling Off Of Leaves
- Mushy Or Black Roots
- Fungus Or Mold Growth
- Brown Leaf Edges
- Stunted Growth
- Soil Stays Wet
Signs Of Underwatering
- Slow Growth
- Wilting Leaves
- Soil Pulling Away From Pot
- Brittle Stems
- Crispy New Growth
- Yellowing Leaf Edges
- Dry Crispy Leaves
By experimenting and finding the right balance, your Monstera plant will thrive and produce new beautiful, fenestrated leaves that will showcase your green thumb! With proper watering and watching for signs of underwatering you can keep your Monstera happy. Combine this small care detail with the right lighting conditions, humidity levels, and allot of love, you’ll enjoy that lush, tropical jungle that everyone will be obsessed with!
Bonus: Frequent Questions, Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split?
What Type of Soil Promotes Monstera Leaf Splitting?
A well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix is what your Monstera craves. This will give it adequate nutrients for new healthy growth. Mixing potting mix, perlite, orchid bark, and coconut coir will give a nutrient-dense soil mixture that retains moisture well. Slightly acidic soil between 6.0 and 7.0 will also give your monstera the nutrients it needs to develop leaf splits.
Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split?
Consistent watering is important in getting those iconic split leaves in your monstera. When you water make sure you give it enough that some drains out the bottom. This will make the soil evenly moist and give the roots enough moisture to focus on new growth rather than survival. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot and other health issues.
Does Your Monstera Need More Light to Encourage Leaf Splitting?
If your monstera is only growing small, solid leaves with leggy growth it needs more light. Move your monstera closer to a window that provides good bright indirect light but do not place it in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause sunburn and scorching. If you live in an area that doesn’t get much light substitute with an indoor grow light.
How do you encourage Monstera leaves to split?
Bright indirect light is good for leaf development and overall new growth. Lack of the right lighting will not result in leaf splitting so putting your monstera near a window out of direct sunlight will give it energy to split its leaves.
Now that you know how to help your Monstera develop gorgeous leaves you can help a friend or family the next time they ask “Why Won’t My Monstera Leaves Split”? Now you can be the plant friend!
Share your best split leaves in the comments! Would love to see your indoor jungle!
For more Monstera leaf care click here!
