Should you cut off brown parts of leaves in Monstera?

Author: Shakira Bergnaum Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Although the blemishes currently on your plant will never heal (leaf tip browning can never be reversed), if your light is good and you're watering/fertilizing accordingly, the plant will grow new leaves that will remain green as long as possible and the overall plant will have more of these nicer leaves, allowing you ...

Can you cut off brown parts of Monstera?

If your plant has dry, yellow, or damaged leaves, it's totally okay to prune them any time during the year!

Should you trim burnt Monstera leaves?

**Trim the Burned Parts:** Snip off the brown and splotchy parts of the leaves with clean scissors. This won't make the damaged parts come back, but it'll help your plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

How to treat brown leaves on Monstera?

How To Fix Brown Spots On Monstera Leaves 🍃
  1. 🌞 Avoid direct sunlight and overwatering to prevent brown spots on Monstera leaves.
  2. 🌱 Address nutrient deficiencies with the right fertilizer and regular soil testing.
  3. 🐛 Manage pests and maintain optimal conditions for a spot-free Monstera.

Should I trim off brown leaf tips?

Yes. Brown tips are the plant's way of telling you that something isn't right. Trim them off just below the brown part, and make 2 cuts so as to preserve the natural shape of the leaf.

What to do with leaf burning & browning on variegated monstera | Houseplant care tips | Ep 128

Do brown tips mean overwatering?

Too much, too little or inconsistent watering are major contributors to houseplant decline and can cause brown tips on houseplants. Overwatering, the most likely cause, decreases the amount of oxygen available for root growth and creates an environment susceptible to root diseases and rot.

Should I trim dead parts of leaves?

Leaves with slight damage can be trimmed back, especially if it's the leaf tip. If you prefer to remove the whole dying leaf, that's fine too. Trimming back dying foliage will encourage new growth. However, you also have the option to leave dead leaves on the plant as long as there's not an insect infestation.

Should I cut off damaged Monstera leaves?

A small cut can be left as-is with no harm to the plant. Larger damage or unsightly leaves will need to be pruned. Pruning the damaged leaves and applying fertiliser will help the Monstera grow new, healthy leaves.

What does an overwatered Monstera plant look like?

Sign #1: Dark brown spots on the leaves

Dark brown spots are a telltale sign of root rot, which is caused by over-watering. This issue needs to be treated quickly to prevent spreading! What to do: If you notice these spots and the soil feels wet, carefully remove the monstera from its pot to inspect the roots.

Should I mist my Monstera?

Humidity. Monstera Deliciosa enjoys a humid environment, which is why we recommend frequent misting of its leaves. Alternatively, you can place your plant close to other plants, which increases the humidity of the air around them.

Should I cut off scorched leaves?

Removing leaf burn depends on a case-by-case basis. If a small part of the leaf is burned, but the plant is still getting water and functioning, it's best to just let it be. In more severe cases where the leaves are completely brown and dry, it is best to remove them before disease takes over the rest of the plant.

How often should I water Monstera?

A: Monstera plants don't like to dry out too much. Their soil should be moist but not soggy, which can be achieved by watering the plant once every 1-2 weeks. When the top inch of the soil feels dry, it's time to water your green companion.

What does an unhealthy Monstera look like?

Severe wilting, extensive yellowing, or widespread leaf discoloration are tell-tale signs that your Monstera may be on its last legs.

How much sunlight does a Monstera need?

Your Monstera Peru will perform best in bright to medium-bright indirect light. It can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid areas in which it will be exposed to harsh afternoon sun. It can also tolerate low light levels but will exhibit slower leggy growth.

How far back can you cut Monstera?

Prune the vines to just above a leaf node to avoid cutting off all the leaves and leaving bare stems. What's the Difference Between Monstera and Split-Leaf Philodendron?

What does a thirsty monstera look like?

Signs that your Monstera needs water include yellow Monstera leaves, which can indicate that the plant is underwatered or stressed. Additionally, if the leaves start to droop or curl down, it's a strong signal that the soil is too dry. Another common sign is the Monstera leaves turning brown.

How to tell if monstera is getting too much sun?

Curling leaves: If the leaves on your monstera are curling at the ends or tips, this can be an early sign that the plant is getting too much sunlight, or not enough water. Scorched leaves: Scorched marks or dry, patchy brown spots may mean your monstera is getting too much sunlight.

How to tell if monstera is over or underwatered?

Overwatered: If your monstera is getting too much water, you'll notice the older leaves, or the leaves toward the bottom of the plant, yellowing first. Underwatered: If your monstera is too dry, leaves all over the plant will start to turn yellow, possibly starting with the newer, more vulnerable leaves.

Should I cut off brown leaves in Monstera?

When to prune a monstera. Prune your monstera once a year if you need to control its size. Dead leaves can be removed at any time, says Anna. Monsteras are dormant in winter, and tend to grow rapidly during the warmer months.

How to treat burnt Monstera leaves?

Depending on the root system, you can chop and prop (even sections that only have very burnt leaves) and new growth should appear much more quickly than if you left as-is. After new leaves come, for aesthetic reasons you can remove the burnt leaves, but again leaving them won't cause harm to the plant.

Why is my Monstera growing tall and skinny?

Monstera plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. But when put in areas that don't get sufficient light, such as a dimly lit room or too far from a window, the plant will stretch out in search of more light. This unnecessary strained growth leads to long stems and sparse leaves, resulting in leggy growth.

Should I cut brown parts of leaves?

Brown leaf tips or edges can happen on any indoor plant but are common on some species like spider plant and dracaena. Trimming the brown portions off the leaves with a scissors can improve appearance, but new browning will occur if the root cause is not addressed.

How to prune damaged monstera leaves?

Prune in early spring for healthy growth; avoid winter to prevent shock. Use sharp, sterilized shears and cut above nodes; trim damaged leaves close to stem. Propagate with care: use hormone, water consistently, and support with trellis or pole.

Can brown leaves turn green again?

Under Watering -

This can also cause the plant to drop leaves. This doesn't necessarily mean that you are consistently under watering, as it could have only happened one time to cause the browning. The brown leaf tips will not turn back to green but you can trim the brown edges to get the plant back to looking healthy.

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