Why Are Monstera Leaves Curling: Causes & Fixes

Quick answer: Monstera leaves curl inward most often because of heat stress combined with low humidity and direct sun, or because the soil has dried out too much. Check your watering, humidity, and light—one of these is usually the problem.

Monstera at a glance

Botanical name	Monstera deliciosa
Light	6-8 hours bright indirect light daily; tolerates low light but grows faster in bright indirect conditions; avoid direct
Watering	Water when top 2-3 inches of soil are dry; every 1-2 weeks typically; summer 7-10 days, winter 2-4 weeks
Humidity	Above 50%; ideally 60% or higher; use pebble tray or humidifier; avoid misting
Temperature	65-85°F (18-29°C); avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C) and cold drafts
Soil	Well-draining, chunky mix with perlite and orchid bark; neutral to slightly acidic pH 5.5-7
Feeding	Balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer growing season
Size	Up to 8-10 feet tall indoors; leaves up to 2 feet wide
Difficulty	easy
Cats	⚠️ toxic — Calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting
Dogs	⚠️ toxic — Calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting

What’s causing Monstera leaves to curl

What you see	Likely cause	What to do
Curled inward leaves, especially in warm spots with afternoon sun	Heat stress + low humidity + transpiration loss	Move away from direct sun; increase humidity to 50%+ with a pebble tray or humidifier; check soil moisture
Wilted, curled leaves; dry soil	Underwatering	Water when top 2–3 inches feel dry; typically every 1–2 weeks
Curled leaves; warm temperature above 85°F	Direct afternoon sun + heat	Move to a spot with bright, indirect light away from direct rays
Limp, drooping leaves; damp soil	Overwatering or low humidity	Allow soil to dry out before next watering; increase humidity
Curled edges; brown or papery texture	Low humidity	Raise humidity above 50% with a pebble tray or humidifier

Heat stress and direct sun

The most common reason Monstera leaves curl is a combination of factors: above 85°F, direct afternoon sun, and low humidity all together cause water to evaporate from the leaves faster than the roots can replace it. As a defense, the plant curls its leaves inward to reduce surface area and water loss.

Direct sunlight during peak hours can scorch the leaves outright. Move your plant to a spot with 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. East or west-facing windows 3 to 5 feet back work well, or south windows 4 to 6 feet back with sheer curtains.

Underwatering

Dry soil is another major trigger for curling leaves. When soil stays dry too long, the plant cannot absorb enough water to keep leaves firm and open.

Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, this typically means watering every 7–10 days; in winter, every 2–4 weeks. Use the soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly until water drains out, then let the soil dry meaningfully before watering again.

Low humidity

Monsteras are tropical plants and need humidity above 50%; ideally 60% or higher. In most homes, indoor humidity sits at 30–40%, which can cause leaf edges to brown and leaves to droop or curl.

Boost humidity without misting (which can encourage fungal problems on leaves). Instead, place your pot on a pebble tray filled with water—evaporation raises local humidity. Or use a small cool-mist humidifier placed nearby.

Temperature stress

Keep your Monstera between 65°F and 85°F (18–29°C). Avoid temperatures below 55°F and cold drafts, as they can damage the plant. If temperatures spike above 85°F, combined with direct sun and low humidity, leaves will curl as the plant tries to conserve water.

FAQ

Can I straighten curled Monstera leaves?

Once a leaf has curled, it will not fully uncurl. However, new growth will emerge healthy and unfurled once you fix the underlying cause—whether that’s improving humidity, reducing direct sun, or adjusting watering.

Is leaf curling permanent damage?

No. If you address the cause promptly—increasing humidity, moving away from direct sun, or watering correctly—your Monstera will produce healthy, flat new leaves. Existing curled leaves may not recover, but they won’t spread damage to new growth.

Read the full guide: Monstera Care: The Complete Guide

More about Monstera

The same problem in other plants

Why Are My Pothos Leaves Curling?

This article is for general information. If a pet or child may have eaten a plant, contact your vet, an animal poison control center or a doctor right away.

Sources

Photo: Yufan Jiang / Pexels, Pexels