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Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) — common problems

Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.

No leaf holes / fenestration

Likely cause: Light level too low.

Fix: Provide bright light; fluorescent lighting alone is not enough.

Brown leaf tips/edges

Likely cause: Humidity too low.

Fix: Raise humidity around the plant.

Leaves 'sweating' / guttation

Likely cause: Growing medium kept too moist.

Fix: Reduce watering frequency; let soil dry slightly to avoid root rot.

Root rot

Likely cause: Excess soil moisture, especially in winter.

Fix: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce winter watering; ensure drainage.

Pests (aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites)

Likely cause: Common houseplant pests.

Fix: Monitor regularly and treat infestations promptly.

Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap — match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.

Other houseplants

Pothos4 issuesSnake Plant (Sansevieria)4 issuesFiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)4 issuesPeace Lily5 issuesSpider Plant4 issuesZZ Plant2 issues

General care guidance from university extension sources — not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.