If you are the owner of a monstera plant, then you may have noticed that the stem is turning brown. This can be alarming, but don’t worry! There are several things that you can do to revive your monstera and get it looking healthy again. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes a monstera stem to turn brown and how to fix the problem.

Why Is Monstera Stem Turning Brown?

There are three possible reasons why your monstera stem might be turning brown: it’s an old stem sheath, stem rot, or the stem is actually an aerial root. While old sheaths and aerial roots are nothing to be concerned about, stem rot can be a serious problem. Stem rot can kill your plant if left untreated.

Old Stem Sheath: The stem sheath is the protective layer that covers the stem of a monstera plant. As the plant grows, this sheath will eventually turn brown and fall off. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Simply remove the brown sheath to reveal the green stem beneath.

Aerial Root: The third possibility is that the brown stem is actually an aerial root. Aerial roots are common on monstera plants and are nothing to worry about. These roots help the plant to climb and anchor itself to surfaces. If you want, you can trim off any aerial roots that are growing excessively long.

Stem Rot: Stem rot is a serious problem that can kill your plant if it’s not treated quickly. Stem rot is caused by a fungal infection that attacks the stem of the plant. The symptoms of stem rot include brown or black patches on the stem, and the stem may feel mushy or soft to the touch.

What Causes Monstera Stem Rot?

Let’s now go through the different factors that can lead to stem rot, as well as what you can do to prevent it.

1. Overwatering

The most common cause of stem rot is overwatering as this creates the perfect conditions for fungal growth. There is nowhere for the water to go, and the plant’s roots start to suffocate. If you think that your plant is overwatered, then check the soil. The top layer of soil should be dry to the touch before you water the plant again.

It’s also a good idea to water your plant from the bottom rather than from the top. This can help to prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of stem rot. To do this, simply place your plant in a bowl or saucer of water and allow the roots to soak up the water they need.

2. Pests

Pests can also be a problem as they can chew through the stem of the plant, which leads to an entry point for fungal infections. If you think that your plant has pests, then check the stem for any holes or damage. You can also look for signs of pests such as egg sacks or droppings.

If you do find pests on your plant, then you will need to treat the plant with an insecticide. Neem oil is a great natural option that is safe for both humans and plants. Simply mix a few drops of neem oil with water and spray it onto the plant once a week.

3. Fungal Infections

Sometimes you can just be unlucky, and your plant gets a fungal infection even if you are doing everything right. If this happens, then you will need to treat the plant with a fungicide. There are many different fungicides available, so make sure to choose one that is specifically designed to treat fungal infections in plants.

Neem oil is also a natural fungicide that can be used to treat fungal infections in plants. Just like with pests in the previous step, simply mix a few drops of neem oil with water and spray it onto the plant once a week.

Treating stem rot can be tricky, and the best course of action is to prevent it from happening in the first place. However, if your plant does get stem rot, then make sure to act quickly. The sooner you treat the plant, the better chance you have of saving it.

Conclusion

As we have discussed, there are a number of potential reasons for brown monstera stems. You may be looking at old sheaths falling from your plant, or aerial roots that are growing larger, but there is also a chance that your plant has stem rot.

Stem rot is the most serious problem, and it can quickly kill your plant if it’s not treated. The best way to prevent stem rot is by ensuring that you don’t overwater your plant, as this creates the perfect conditions for fungal growth. You should also check your plant regularly for pests and treat them accordingly

I hope this has helped you to understand the potential causes of brown monstera stems. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me in the comments below.

Happy planting!