Fixing Powdery Mildew on Monstera Plant

If your monstera has started to white spots, this is most likely powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a type of fungi that can affect almost any type of plant, and it’s one of the most common problems that gardeners have to deal with.

The fungus thrives in warm, dry conditions and produces a white, powdery growth on the plant’s leaves and stems. But why is it there and what can you do to get rid of it?

Why Has My Monstera Got Powdery Mildew?

Your monstera has powdery mildew because fungal spores landed on your plant and the conditions are right for the fungus to grow. The main reasons for this are:

1. The plant is under stress

Monstera plants need certain conditions to grow well, and if they’re not met, the plant will become stressed. When a plant is stressed, it’s more susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew.

Some of the most common causes of stress in monstera plants are:

• Too much or too little water
• Not enough light
• Poor drainage
• Poor air circulation
• Poor soil quality
• Temperature changes

If you think your plant is stressed, try to identify the problem and correct it. This will help to prevent powdery mildew and other diseases.

2. The environment is conducive to fungal growth

Powdery mildew thrives in warm, humid conditions with little air circulation. While monstera plants enjoy humidity levels of around 60%, they also need good air circulation to prevent the fungus from developing.

If your home is particularly warm and humid, or if you have your monstera plants in an enclosed space, this could be the cause of the powdery mildew.

You can try to improve the air circulation around your plants by opening windows or using a fan. You should also try to reduce the humidity levels by using a dehumidifier or moving your plants to a drier location.

3. You didn’t clean your plant

Monstera plants are susceptible to pests and diseases if they’re not kept clean. The best way to clean your plant is to gently remove the affected leaves with a soft cloth or brush. You should also disinfect your pruning tools after each use.

4. Fungal spores landed on the leaves

The wind can blow powdery mildew spores onto your plant, or the spores can be carried by insects. Once the spores land on the leaves, they’ll start to grow if the conditions are right.

So, now you know why your monstera has powdery mildew and how it got there. But what can you do to get rid of it? Let’s find out.

How to Fix Powdery Mildew on Monstera Plant?

The first step is to get rid of any powdery mildew currently present on your plant. You can do this by wiping the affected areas with a damp cloth or spraying them with water.

Now you’ve removed what you can see, it’s time to kill all fungus spores still on your monstera. The easiest way to do this is to use a fungicide. There are many different products available, so make sure you choose one that’s suitable for your plant.

I recommend using a natural neem oil fungicide (Amazon link) as it’s safe for both you and your plant. Neem oil is made from the seeds of the neem tree and it’s a very effective way to get rid of powdery mildew. Plus, it’s better than using harsh chemicals on your plant.

Simply mix the neem oil with water according to the instructions on the bottle and spray it onto your plant. Make sure you cover all affected areas, as well as any healthy leaves nearby. This will help to prevent the fungus from spreading.

You should see a noticeable difference within a few days, but continue spraying for at least two weeks to make sure all the spores are gone.

Once you’ve treated your plant, it’s important to take measures to prevent powdery mildew from returning. The best way to do this is to create a more favorable environment for your monstera.

Here are some tips to help you do this:

• Increase air circulation around your plant by opening windows or using a fan
• Water your plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall
• Avoid overhead watering, as this can cause water droplets to stay on the leaves for too long
• Improve the drainage of your potting mix so that excess water can drain away quickly
• Make sure your plant is getting enough light. A monstera needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive

By following these tips, you should be able to fix powdery mildew on your monstera and prevent it from returning in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, powdery mildew is a common problem for monstera plants. The fungus can cause the leaves to turn white and eventually die. However, there are several things you can do to fix the problem and prevent it from returning.

Preventative measures are always the best way to deal with powdery mildew. Make sure you water your plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. Avoid overhead watering and improve the drainage of your potting mix.

If powdery mildew does appear, the first step is to remove any affected leaves. You can then treat the plant with a fungicide, such as neem oil. By following these steps, you should be able to fix powdery mildew on your monstera and keep it healthy for years to come.

Do you have any tips for dealing with powdery mildew? Let us know in the comments below!