Help save my house plant! Swiss Cheese (Monstera deliciosa) plant
My parents gifted me this plant as I was moving into a new flat. It was doing well for a long period of time, but I had to leave it for 2 weeks during the winter break and since I've come back it seems to have deteriorated and isn't getting any better. I made sure to water it well before I left and I water it often, however I am conscious of over watering so I haven't watered it for a while - the soil is still slightly damp.
I'm trying to look for a solution but it seems like every answer is contradicting. Some of the leaves are limp and curling, others are not. There are a few leaves that are yellowing while the rest remain vibrant. A large majority of the leaves are turning brown/black and presumably dying. It was previously in a fairly dark corner, which may be why some of the leaves had died. I read that it should be kept out of direct sunlight however perhaps it was too extreme. It is now sitting in front of a window, but I receive no direct sunlight due to facing east and being surrounded by tall buildings, meaning the light is never intense.
I'm really unsure on what I am doing wrong. I am investing in a humidifier in case my flat is too dry. It only consists of one room and a bathroom, and the temperature tends to be fairly stable.
Please give me any advice on how I can help this plant. Also the plate is temporary since the pot it was in before was damaged and leaking. I plan on getting a new one tomorrow.
Last edited: 02 February 2018 00:21:43
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when you went away did you turn your heating right down? as that looks like cold damage
This plant can stand a fair bit of neglect. Mine used to be in my classroom and it was left there every Xmas holiday for 2 weeks without heat and not harmed. It was well away from the windows too and flourished.
If it has been overwatered then the roots may have suffered, so I would suggest leaving it to dry out some more. Cut off the most badly damaged leaves and leave it time to recover. Water only when the soil feels dry when you stick your finger tip into it. A little later in the spring, if it produces some more new leaves, then you can give it a feed as encouragement.
It is hard to be sure from the picture, but the pot looks to be on the small side for a plant with a lot of leaf area to support, so it might be worth repotting it too,when it is feeling a bit better.