Why is Monstera leaves getting smaller? Don’t look like a big problem. There is one sign that may not worry you too much, but you will be curious and wonder why when the leaves of the Monstera naturally shrink. Does it matter if you see a Monstera tree with lots of tiny leaves? Let’s find out the causes and some solutions to fix this situation below.
Why do Monstera leaves getting smaller?
There are a number of possible causes for this problem, including too much or too little watering, lack of nutrients, lack of light, low humidity, extreme temperatures, and overfertilizing. If you suspect that your plant has small leaves due to one of these problems, there are several ways to correct the problem.
Monstera small leaves due to lack of water
An essential element for mature plant growth is water. Water is absorbed through the stem and moved through the leaves. Some kinds of Monstera like Monstera Adansonii, and Monstera Deliciosa small leaves catch those who love growing that plant at home. That conversion is significant because it contributes to the transformation of food in the plant. Maintaining the plant in a slight lack of water will prevent plant growth. Therefore, to shrink leaves, it is necessary to regularly water, ensuring that the amount of water lost during transpiration is nearly equal to the amount of water absorbed in the same unit of time.
To verify this request, we need to observe the topsoil on a hot day, but in the evening, we have to restore the old state even though we don’t need to add water; The soil layer must have a dry mark in the afternoon. If these two signs do not appear in good condition, the plant is already in a state of water stress. We need to pause the waterline and reduce the amount of water next time.
Besides, the short time between two reductions should last, as it contributes to increased plant strength, and the leaves will shrink. We request this because we have no water when the sky’s cool (afternoon, early morning) and wait until 9 or 10 am. Regarding water issues, the most important thing is to limit water as much as possible, spray enough water for the tree to shed a lot of leaves, prepare to run out, and produce young leaves. This technique determines the degree of shrinking because this time affects growth. We need to inhabit it again. When the leaf is old, it will not grow even if we import enough water.
Lack of light makes Monstera small leaves
It is crucial for the entire plant’s life, as it regains the energy needed for the photosynthetic reactions that help the plant make nutrients. In nature, when observing trees of the same species, we see that trees growing in the cool have larger leaves to enhance the multi-faceted light absorption, and plants that grow in the sun often have smaller leaves. Do trees like to be well in a light environment? Should it be to have the small leaves, we set up the tree to fully light.
Trim Monstera leaves regularly
Choose the tree that we apply appropriate measures to cut the area of leaves left only instead of letting them fall off themselves. We reset this technique many times to make the leaves appear after reducing because it limits the cooperation of the photo and the movement of the growth, thereby reducing the work that produces nutrients. Still, it also consumes the nutrients that the plant stores.
However, since the tree’s vitality is damaged, these techniques should only be applied to healthy trees, requiring the state tree to be weakened due to the work process. Monstera is reflected in the set of fresh green leaves, impressing viewers about longevity and eternity. In addition, when pruning, it is simultaneously for the whole tree.
The development of roots
When we change the soil, we often see a dense living system that doesn’t hold much room for newcomers to sprout for water, food, and air. After cutting to reduce the amount and adding new planting quality for a while, the tree’s strong growth reflects in the complete set of leaves at the beginning. Therefore, for plants with curling leaves, we should plant them in bigger pots and should not change the soil before the display or a whole year, even a few years, for fast or slow-growing plants.
Harsh Temperature
The amount of water vapor in the air is referred to as humidity. Because your Monstera plant is a tropical plant, high humidity is another important component of its growth.
Humidity aids in maintaining consistent leaf moisture levels. To grow, your Monstera plant needs humidity levels ranging from 25% to 49%.
Most homes have humidity levels that are insufficient for the Monstera plant to thrive. The less water that is lost by leaves, the higher the humidity.
Solutions
To boost the humidity in your house, you can purchase a humidifier.
Using a mist bottle filled with water to spray your plant on a regular basis will help keep it wet.
You may combine your Monstera with other plants to boost humidity.
You may also like: Monstera Growth Stages: From Seedling to Mature Plant
Lack of fertilizer
Monstera plants are often prized for their large, glossy leaves. However, when these plants are not properly fertilized, they can suffer from a number of problems, including small leaves. Monstera plants need a consistent supply of nutrients to maintain their health, and a lack of fertilizer can cause the leaves to become small and pale. In addition, the plant may Stop growing altogether.
Solutions:
- Use a balanced fertilizer designed for tropical plants.
- Follow the package directions for how often to fertilize.
- Be careful not to over-fertilize, which can damage the plant.
Related articles: How to train Monstera Adansonii to climb? All things should do
Water Quality
The plant’s sluggish growth and poor aesthetic quality might result in poor water quality, and in certain situations, the plant’s eventual demise.
Water quality can relate to chemical, microbiological, or physical qualities. If you have a private well or spring water, you must be worried about all three. Chemical issues, on the other hand, are a major worry for individuals who use municipal water in constructing plants.
Water aids in the transfer of critical nutrients to a plant. Nutrients are derived from the soil and used by the plant.
High-soluble salts, on the other hand, might harm the roots and obstruct the absorption of water and nutrients. Salts can build up in plant leaf margins, causing the edges to catch fire.
Chlorine, which is used by some cultures to kill disease-causing germs, is toxic to plants. Plants with a soil pH of 5.0-6.0 are best farmed, while a higher pH in municipal water, especially for acid-loving plants like citrus, may be a concern.
There is “hard” water with high mineral concentrations in some areas. Because these nutrients are missing in your plants, you should avoid using hard water.
Solution:
So, what do we mean when we say “good-grade water”?
To evaluate the quality of water, scientists look at a range of factors.
Temperature, acidity (pH), dissolved solids (specific conductance), particulate matter (turbidity), dissolved oxygen, hardness, and suspended silt are some of the factors to consider.
Each one shows something distinct about a body of water’s health. If you utilize rainfall, bottled water, or distilled water, you may avoid chlorine, fluoride, and pH. Obviously, the cost and convenience of these alternatives differ.
Allow the water to rest on your plants for 24 hours if chlorine is detected.
Monstera growing small leaves due to Low Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. Because your Monstera plant is a tropical plant, high humidity is also necessary for its growth.
Humidity aids in maintaining the moisture content of leaves. For your Monstera plant to grow, it needs a humidity range of 25 to 49 percent.
The humidity in most houses is insufficient for the Monstera plant to thrive. The less water lost by leaves, the higher the humidity.
Solutions
You may use a humidifier to raise the humidity level in your house.
Using a mist bottle filled with water to spray your plant on a regular basis can help keep it wet.
If you have additional plants, you may put them in the same room as your Monstera to boost humidity.
Take care of Monstera when they have small leaves
It will help if you put the potted Monstera in an excellent spot. Never leave the plant in direct sunlight. Plants need high humidity, and you need to make sure to water them regularly. When watering, you should water plants in the early morning or late afternoon to ensure that the plants have enough water when the temperature is hot. If you plant in a pot, you need to make sure the pot has holes for ventilation and drainage. Water the plant more if you have it in the garden.
Keep the right temperature
Monstera is most suitable when the temperature is from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Outside of this temperature range, the tree will be slow to grow and maybe weakened, if the temperature is too high small leaves on Monstera turn yellow. You should have the plan to handle inclement days. If it’s too hot, add water in the form of a mist. If the weather is too cold, you should water with warm water.
Adjust for suitable humidity
Ensure indoor air humidity to help plants grow green. Avoid pruning the leaves frequently, as this will cause the Monstera plant to have small leaves. You should add nutrients to the soil two or three times per month. Monstera species also have many different types, so you need to go to each Monstera plant variety to know each type’s specific and detailed care requirements and thereby take better care of your Monstera tree.
Choose the right pot size and need a moss role
When planting plants in pots, you should choose a large or small pot size, depending on the location. Next, plug the pillar with a solid concrete or wooden pole. At the bottom of the pot, put sand and gravel to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot. Next, add a sandy soil or soil layer and place the Monstera around the pole. Bury the ground and then use a string to fix the leaves to the pole. When the tree is mature, it will automatically crawl up the pole.
It’s all about why Monstera small leaves appear and how to take care of them. And let us help you to fix it. If you love to read our articles, don’t forget to follow us on our website: DIG Nursery.
