Monstera plants, with their bold leaf patterns and stunning flowers, are stunning additions to any room in the house. But what do you do if your monstera has black spots on the leaves? Your first thought might be that your plant is diseased or otherwise afflicted, but often times the culprit is much more simple. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes behind black spots on monstera leaves and how you can treat these issues to ensure your plant stays healthy and happy for years to come!
What are they?
Black spots on Monstera plants usually result from a lack of light. If you are growing your monstera in an area that doesn’t get much natural light, try moving it to a brighter location. It’s also possible that black spots are caused by powdery mildew, which thrives in warm and humid environments with low air circulation. To prevent or treat powdery mildew, spray your plant with water mixed with white vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Finally, it may be best to isolate your plant if you notice any new black spots appear over time; this will make sure that the monstera doesn’t spread its pests to other nearby plants.
Could they be spider mites?
Spider mites are small arachnids that live in between leaves and cause large amounts of damage to plants. When spider mites eat, they produce a frothy substance that covers their bodies. This froth contains a sugar-based liquid called honeydew that often drops onto the plant’s leaves below. A common symptom of an infestation is black speckles or dark patches on your plant’s leaves and stems. These black spots may also contain silky webs in between the leaves and stems, which is where spider mites like to hide during daylight hours.
Are they caused by insects?
While there are a few insects that prey specifically on monstera plants, their black spots are most likely caused by a fungus. The fungus is usually not harmful to the plant and will eventually go away. To keep your plant healthy and happy, it’s best to isolate it from other plants in your house, remove dead leaves and flowers, and give it plenty of fresh water.
Do you need to treat them?
Black spots are caused by bacteria and other microbes. These organisms can live in soil, plant material, or water sources, so it’s possible that your plant picked up a pathogen from any one of these sources. To check for this possibility, you should try to find out where your monstera came from. If you purchased it from a nursery or greenhouse then chances are good it was grown using sterile potting soil and containers. In this case, the pathogens may have been introduced via another plant source (e.g., an infected branch). Regardless of where you got your monstera, if its leaves are darkening rapidly and there is no sign of a pest infestation then it may be time to take action before things get worse!
Should I try to remove them manually?
If a plant is not getting enough light, it can cause black spots. Try moving your plant to another spot with better light and see if the black spots go away. If they don’t, you may need to try pruning off some of the new leaves and see if that helps. You should always check your plants periodically for pests like mealybugs or scale insects. If you have any questions, contact us!
What if I can’t get rid of them?
If you can’t get rid of them, there are some things you can do to make your plant look better. You could try pruning it back so that it has more space to grow and develop new leaves. Or, if you want a drastic change, you can repot it into fresh soil and start again from scratch. It might be time for a new pot as well!
