Monstera looks droopy – House Plant Journal

Monstera looks droopy

Plant: Monstera deliciosa

How long have you owned the plant? 1 to 6 Months

Plant Parent

I got her as a gift – since they gave it to me she has looked droopy. I changed it to a smaller pot. Not too many roots but they look healthy. I know I have 2 plants there.

She gets bottom watered whenever the soil feels about halfway dry – pot is terracotta.

Now a new leaf just unfurled and has black dots on it. Growing lights are on for 12 hours. Thank you.

 

Light Situation:

Darryl’s Light Assessment: these grow lights need to be closer in order to get at least 200 FC hitting the leaf. At this distance, I would estimate the strength at the leaf to be no more than 100 FC. Thankfully, the plant is also right in front of this window, which is providing the majority of the light.

How do you determine WHEN to water? I wait for the soil to become about halfway dry.

Describe HOW you water: Bottom watering.

Fertilizer: I have not used any fertilizer.

Soil Situation: (no photo provided)

Darryl

Thanks for submitting your photos and care details!

Assessment
Your plant is not getting adequately watered.  Bottom watering only works if the plant has a sufficient root system to actually “drink” up the moisture near the bottom of the soil.  A plant with a compromised or immature root system won’t do well with bottom watering.

Also, if you always bottom water, the soil near the top of the pot will be become dry and compacted to the point where it resists taking in moisture, resulting in dying roots in that section of soil.

Lastly, on a personal note, I only top-water (as in, pour into the soil with a watering can or directly from the tap) – I have never needed to bottom-water any of my plants.

A Monstera with a healthy root system should perk up from droopy in a few days after watering.  Here’s my Monstera 2 days after repotting and giving it a thorough showering:

Environment
In order for the grow light to be effective, it must be measured at the leaf: it should measure at minimum 200 FC at the leaf and be kept on for at least 12 hours a day.

More on measuring light in a grow light context.

Effort
WHEN to water: whenever the soil is about halfway dry.  HOW to water: thorough and evenly soak all parts of the soil and let excess water drain away.  I generally do not recommend bottom watering.  Use a 3-1-2 fertilizer on a regular basis otherwise, you will experience rapid leaf loss (more than usual) after a few months.  More on fertilizers HERE.

Expectations
After a few cycles of thorough soaking (from top-watering), your Monstera’s roots should reestablish themselves and cause the plant to perk up in a few weeks.  Good luck!

More great resources to level-up your houseplant game:

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