Plant Care

Brown Spots on Monstera Leaves: Complete Troubleshooting

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Brown spots on your monstera mean trouble—here's how to diagnose the exact cause and fix it before you lose more leaves.

TTerrence "TJ" Johnson

October 30, 2025

Monstera deliciosa leaves displaying different types of brown spots for plant troubleshooting diagnosis — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

Quick Answer

Brown spots result from fungal infection, sunburn, or low humidity. Remove affected leaves immediately and improve drainage or increase humidity.

TL;DR

Brown spots on monstera leaves result from fungal infection, bacterial issues, sunburn, low humidity, mineral buildup, or pest damage. Identify the pattern first—spots with yellow halos indicate infection, crispy edges mean humidity issues, and irregular patches suggest sunburn. Remove affected leaves immediately and adjust care conditions.

Product Recommendations

Bonide Copper Fungicide Spray

($12-18)— Stops both fungal and bacterial infections fast

Bonide Copper Fungicide Ready-to-Use Spray 32oz

https://www.amazon.com/Bonide-Copper-Fungicide-Ready-Spray/dp/B000BWZ9U8

Ready-to-use copper-based fungicide that controls both fungal and bacterial infections on houseplants. Organic-approved formula works within 24-48 hours of application. Safe for edible and ornamental plants when used as directed. No mixing required—simply spray directly on healthy foliage after removing infected leaves. Contains copper sulfate and copper hydroxide for broad-spectrum disease control. Comes with adjustable nozzle for even coverage. Apply every 7-14 days during active infection periods.

Price: $12.99-$17.99

LEVOIT Classic 300S Smart Humidifier

($50-70)— Maintains perfect 50-60% humidity automatically

LEVOIT Classic 300S Smart Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

https://www.amazon.com/LEVOIT-Classic-300S-Smart-Humidifier/dp/B08LTPKZ73

Top-rated 6-liter smart humidifier with app control and auto-mode that maintains set humidity levels. Covers up to 500 square feet with whisper-quiet operation under 28dB. Features essential oil tray, sleep mode with dimmed display, and 360° nozzle rotation for even distribution. Smart sensors automatically adjust output to maintain target humidity. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. Easy-to-clean 1.5-gallon tank runs up to 60 hours on low setting.

Price: $49.99-$69.99

Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips

($12-18)— Precision cutting for infected leaf removal

Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips 6.5 Inch Precision Plant Scissors

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Micro-Tip-Pruning-Snips-399211-1002/dp/B0030MIHAU

Professional-grade micro-tip snips with needle-nose precision for detailed pruning work. Non-stick stainless steel blades prevent sap buildup and clean easily with rubbing alcohol. Comfortable cushioned grip reduces hand fatigue during extended use. Sharp angled blades make clean cuts that heal quickly and reduce disease entry points. Self-cleaning sap groove prevents sticky residue buildup. Ideal for removing individual spotted leaves, precise propagation cuts, and detailed maintenance work. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Price: $11.99-$17.49

Premium Monstera Potting Soil

($15-25)— Perfect drainage prevents fungal issues

Premium Monstera Potting Soil Mix for Tropical Plants

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Monstera-Potting-Soil-Deliciosa/dp/B08VYBJXXM

Specially formulated chunky aroid mix with optimal drainage to prevent root rot and fungal infections. Contains aged pine bark, coco coir, perlite, biochar, and worm castings for excellent aeration and moisture retention balance. pH-balanced between 5.5-6.5 for optimal monstera growth. Includes beneficial mycorrhizae for improved root health and nutrient uptake. Fast-draining yet moisture-retentive formula prevents both overwatering and drought stress. Suitable for all tropical aroids including monstera, philodendron, and pothos. Available in 4-quart and 8-quart sizes.

Price: $14.99-$24.99

ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher

($25-35)— Removes harmful minerals that cause brown spots

ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher with Free TDS Meter Water Filter

https://www.amazon.com/ZeroWater-Pitcher-Meter-Filter-Filtration/dp/B003QXM3U6

Premium 5-stage water filtration system removes virtually all dissolved minerals and chemicals harmful to plants. Includes digital TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter to verify pure water quality. Reduces fluoride, chlorine, lead, mercury, and mineral salts that cause brown spots and leaf damage. Each filter processes 15-25 gallons depending on source water quality. BPA-free pitcher holds 10 cups of filtered water. TDS meter readings should show 0-10 ppm for optimal plant watering. NSF certified for contaminant removal. Ready-to-pour spout with comfortable handle.

Price: $24.99-$34.99

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my monstera leaves getting brown spots?

Brown spots on monstera leaves typically result from fungal infections caused by overwatering, direct sunlight damage, or low humidity stress. The spot pattern helps identify the cause: small spots with yellow halos indicate infection, large irregular patches suggest sunburn, and crispy brown edges point to humidity issues. Remove affected leaves immediately and adjust care conditions.

Should I cut off brown spots on monstera leaves?

Yes, remove leaves with brown spots completely rather than cutting just the spotted portions. Brown spots indicate tissue damage that won't heal and can harbor bacteria or fungal spores that spread to healthy leaves. Cut the entire affected leaf at the stem base using clean pruning shears sterilized with rubbing alcohol.

Can brown spots on monstera leaves spread to other plants?

Fungal and bacterial brown spots can spread to other plants through water splashing, contaminated tools, or air circulation. Isolate your affected monstera immediately and avoid misting other plants until the issue resolves. Physical damage spots (sunburn, low humidity) don't spread between plants but indicate environmental conditions that affect all plants.

How do I treat brown spots on my monstera?

Treatment depends on the cause: For infections, remove spotted leaves and apply copper fungicide to healthy foliage. For sunburn, move to bright indirect light away from direct rays. For humidity issues, increase humidity to 50-60% with a humidifier or pebble tray. For mineral damage, switch to filtered water and flush soil thoroughly.

Will brown spots on monstera leaves go away?

Brown spots are permanent tissue damage and won't heal or turn green again. However, you can stop new spots from forming by correcting the underlying cause. Focus on creating optimal conditions for new healthy growth rather than trying to repair damaged leaves. Recovery typically shows new growth within 2-3 weeks of treatment.

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Tagged with

#monstera brown spots #monstera disease #plant troubleshooting #fungal infection #monstera problems #leaf spots #plant diagnosis #monstera care #houseplant diseases #plant emergency

Written By

Terrence "TJ" Johnson

TJ stumbled into plant parenthood when a coworker gave him a neglected pothos. That single plant sparked an obsession that led him to quit his corporate marketing job and start a plant care service for busy professionals in Chicago. TJ maintains over 150 plants for residential clients and runs monthly plant swap meetups at local coffee shops. He's self-taught through YouTube, plant forums, and plenty of expensive mistakes (RIP to his variegated monstera). TJ specializes in troubleshooting common houseplant problems and is known for his blunt, no-BS advice: "Your plant isn't dying because Mercury is in retrograde—you're overwatering it." He's particularly skilled with finicky tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas.