Monstera Deliciosa, with its iconic split leaves and lush greenery, is a go-to favourite among plant enthusiasts. However, winter poses unique challenges for maintaining its health and vitality.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, indoor conditions can drastically change, affecting your Monstera’s well-being. Ensuring your plant thrives through the winter months involves adjusting your care routine to meet its specific needs during this dormant period. This guide will walk you through common winter problems and provide solutions to help your Monstera Deliciosa stay healthy and ready to flourish when spring arrives.

PROBLEM 1: REDUCED LIGHT AVAILABILITY

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Yellowing Leaves: Lower leaves turn yellow and may eventually fall off.

Leggy Growth: Stems become elongated with sparse foliage.

Smaller New Leaves: New leaves are significantly smaller than older ones.

Solution: Move your Monstera to the brightest spot in your home, preferably near a north or northwest-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement. Aim for 10-12 hours of light daily to mimic its tropical habitat. Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even light exposure and monitor for symptoms of light deficiency to adjust placement accordingly.

PROBLEM 2: TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Drooping Leaves: Leaves appear wilted or limp.

Blackened Edges: Edges of leaves turn black and crispy.

Slowed Growth: Noticeably reduced or halted growth.

Solution: Keep your plant in a room where the temperature is consistent. The optimal temperature is between 18°C-24°C. Avoid placing it near doors, windows, or vents where dry cold, or hot air might affect the foliage and soil.

PROBLEM 3: LOW HUMIDITY

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Brown Leaf Edges: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy.

Overall Leaf Dryness: Leaves lose their natural shine and feel dry to the touch.

Reduced Leaf Shine: Leaves look dull and lackluster.

Solution: Increase humidity around your Monstera Deliciosa. Monstera Deliciosa thrives in humid environments of 60%-80% but in winter it can grow with levels as low as 40% but no lower. Using a humidifier is the most effective method. Alternatively, you can place a tray of water with pebbles near the plant or group it with other plants to create a more humid microenvironment. Regular misting can also help, but ensure you do it in the morning so the leaves can dry before nighttime to avoid frostbite even if your plant is grown indoors.

PROBLEM 4: OVERWATERING

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Yellowing Leaves: Especially lower leaves.

Mushy Stems: Stems feel soft and mushy to the touch.

Musty Smell: A musty odour from the soil, indicating root rot.

Solution: Reduce watering frequency during winter. Allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Always check the soil moisture before watering your Monstera Deliciosa to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Using room-temperature water is also advisable to avoid shocking the roots with icy temperatures straight from the tap.

PROBLEM 5: PEST INFESTATION

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Tiny Webbing: Indicating spider mites.

White Cottony Masses: Presence of mealybugs.

Yellowing or Stippled Leaves: Leaves show tiny yellow spots or stippling.

Solution: Regularly inspect your Monstera Deliciosa for signs of pests. If you notice any, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and potential pests, ensuring your plant stays healthy and vibrant. It is important to be careful when handling and treating your plant. Monstera Deliciosa have a slowed immune system and recovery rate during the cooler months and rough handling, or over-pruning infected foliage may negatively affect your plant more than it normally would at any other time of year.

PROBLEM 6: IMPROPER PRUNING

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Damaged Stems: Incorrect cuts can damage the plant.

Poor Regrowth: Improper pruning might lead to stunted or uneven growth.

Unattractive Shape: Pruning mistakes can result in an unbalanced or misshapen plant.

Solution: Pruning in winter should be minimal, focusing on removing dead or yellowing leaves if needed. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts just above a node (the point where leaves attach to the stem). Avoid cutting healthy leaves or stems extensively, as this can stress the plant. Prune to maintain the plant’s shape and health, but save major pruning tasks for the growing season when the plant can recover more effectively.

PROBLEM 7: DUST ACCUMULATION

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Dull, Dirty Leaves: Visible dust buildup on leaves.

Occasional Pest Presence: Pests might be more common on dusty leaves.

Solution: Gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove dust. This allows your plant to take in carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen efficiently. Make sure to support each leaf with one hand to avoid damaging it while you clean with the other. Alternatively, give your Monstera Deliciosa a gentle spray with lukewarm water to rinse off heavily accumulated dust. The easiest way to do this is in the shower where you can flush away the dirt. Allow the plant to dry in a warm area with good air circulation to prevent excess moisture buildup which can lead to fungal issues.

PROBLEM 8: FERTILISATION

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Weak Growth: New growth is weak or sparse.

Pale Leaves: Leaves lose their vibrant green colour.

Stunted Growth: Overall growth slows or halts.

Solution: During winter, Monstera Deliciosa's growth slows down, and it requires less fertilisation. Reduce or halt fertilisation during the winter months to prevent nutrient buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant. Resume regular fertilisation in spring with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength. This approach ensures the plant receives necessary nutrients without overstimulation.

DORMANCY: Regular Maintenance but Less is More During Winter!

During winter, Monstera Deliciosa enters a period of dormancy, often referred to as hibernation. This tropical plant naturally slows its growth as it adapts to shorter daylight hours and cooler indoor temperatures. While it may not produce new leaves or display the vigorous growth seen in warmer months, this hibernation phase is crucial for its health and longevity. It's a time when the plant conserves energy and fortifies its root system, preparing for the more active growth period in spring. Maintaining and caring for your Monstera Deliciosa during the cooler months will help it emerge from winter dormancy strong and ready to thrive in the growing season. However, be mindful that you are not overzealous with care for your Monstera Deliciosa. Too much handling during this period may cause your plant shock and do more harm than good.

Caring for your Monstera Deliciosa in winter requires attention to light, temperature, humidity, and watering practices. By creating an environment that closely mimics its natural tropical habitat, you can ensure your Monstera remains healthy for the new growing season.