Why are my Monstera leaves curling?

Monstera leaves most often curl from underwatering: when the soil dries out the leaves curl inward to conserve moisture. Low humidity, root rot from overwatering, too much direct sun, and salt buildup from over-fertilizing can also cause it. First check the soil, because dry soil and wet soil point to opposite fixes, then water accordingly and raise humidity.

Most likely cause

Underwatering is the top cause of curling Monstera leaves. When the root ball dries out too far, the plant cannot pull up enough water, so the leaves curl and cup inward to reduce the surface area losing moisture. It is a protective response, and it is reversible if caught early.

You can confirm it by checking the soil and watching the recovery. If the top few inches are bone dry, or the soil has shrunk from the pot, thirst is almost certainly the cause. After a thorough soak, thirst-curled leaves typically relax and flatten within a day or two. If they stay curled with moist soil, look instead to root rot or salt damage.

Other causes

These rank below underwatering, and the soil moisture tells them apart.

Low humidity. Dry indoor air makes leaves curl to limit water loss; curling comes with crispy edges and a humidity reading below 40 percent.
Root rot from overwatering. The roots are damaged and cannot deliver water, so leaves curl despite wet soil that may smell sour.
Too much direct sun or heat. Harsh light and high heat scorch and curl the leaves; the worst curling is on the side facing the window.
Salt buildup. Over-fertilizing leaves salts that burn the roots and curl the foliage, often with a white crust on the soil and browning tips.

How to fix it

Check the soil first. Feel down a few inches. Bone dry points to thirst; soggy points to root rot. Let this decide your next step.
Water thoroughly if dry. Soak until water drains from the bottom; if the root ball has shrunk, bottom-water to rehydrate it fully.
Let it dry if wet. Hold off watering, and if the soil stays soggy and smells sour, unpot and trim any mushy roots, then repot in chunky mix.
Raise humidity. Aim for 50 to 60 percent using a humidifier or pebble tray rather than relying on misting.
Move out of direct sun. Give it bright indirect light away from hot windows and heat sources.
Flush excess salts. If you have been feeding heavily, run water through the pot several times, then feed at half strength and less often.
Keep care consistent. Steady watering, stable humidity, and no temperature swings let new leaves open flat.

Cause	Tell-tale sign	Fix
Underwatering	Inward curl, bone-dry soil	Water thoroughly, keep consistent
Low humidity	Curl with crispy edges	Raise humidity to 50 to 60 percent
Root rot	Curl with wet, sour soil	Dry out, trim roots, repot
Direct sun / heat	Curl worst facing the window	Move to bright indirect light
Salt buildup	Curl with white crust, burnt tips	Flush soil, feed less

Frequently asked questions

Do Monstera leaves uncurl after watering?

Often, yes. If curling is from thirst, leaves usually relax and flatten within a day or two of a thorough watering. If they stay curled after the soil is moist, the cause is likely root rot, salt buildup, or sun stress rather than simple underwatering.

Why are my Monstera leaves curling but the soil is wet?

Curling with wet soil points to root rot, not thirst. Overwatered roots are damaged and cannot move water to the leaves, so they curl even though the soil is moist. Check the roots, cut away any mushy ones, repot in fresh chunky mix, and let it dry out.

Can low humidity cause Monstera leaves to curl?

Yes. Monsteras prefer humidity around 50 to 60 percent, and in dry indoor air the leaves curl inward to reduce water loss. Pair the curling with crispy edges and a humidity reading below 40 percent to confirm, then add a humidifier or pebble tray.

Why are new Monstera leaves curling as they unfurl?

Some curl and wrinkle as a new leaf unfurls is normal; it should flatten over a few days. Persistent curling on new leaves usually means inconsistent watering, low humidity, or underfeeding. Keep moisture and humidity steady and the next leaves should open flat.

Should I mist my Monstera to stop curling?

Misting gives only a brief, minor humidity bump and will not fix curling on its own. A humidifier or pebble tray raises ambient humidity far more reliably. Address the real cause first, usually watering, since misting can also invite leaf spotting if foliage stays wet.

How do I fix curling Monstera leaves?

Identify whether the soil is too dry or too wet. If dry, water thoroughly and keep it consistent; if wet, check for root rot and let it dry. Then raise humidity toward 50 to 60 percent, keep it out of direct sun, and avoid over-fertilizing.