Why is my Monstera getting root rot?

Monstera root rot is almost always caused by overwatering, where the soil stays wet so long the roots are starved of oxygen and begin to decay. Poor drainage, dense soil, or an oversized pot make it worse by holding water around the roots. Yellowing leaves, a soft base, and a musty smell are the early signs. Check the soil moisture and the roots first, then ease off watering and improve drainage.

Most likely cause

Overwatering is the leading cause of root rot in a Monstera. These plants are climbing aroids with thick roots that need air pockets in the soil, and when the mix stays saturated those roots cannot breathe. Deprived of oxygen, they suffocate and become an easy target for the fungi and bacteria that cause rot to spread.

You can confirm it by checking the soil and the roots. If the top few inches stay wet for days, the base feels soft, or there is a musty smell, rot is likely underway. Slide the plant out and look: rotten roots are brown, black, and mushy. Once you trim those away and dry the plant into a chunky mix, healthy white roots regrow and the decline stops.

Other causes

These usually combine with overwatering rather than acting alone.

No drainage. A pot without holes, or one left sitting in a full saucer, traps water at the base where roots quickly drown.
Dense soil. Standard potting soil packs down and holds water; Monsteras need a chunky aroid mix with bark and perlite for air.
Oversized pot. A pot much larger than the root ball holds a big reservoir of wet soil the roots cannot use, so it stays soggy for too long.
Cold conditions. In a cold room the plant uses and evaporates water slowly, so the soil stays wet far longer between waterings.
Reusing infected soil. Old soil from a previously rotted plant can carry pathogens that reinfect new roots.

How to fix it

Unpot and inspect. Gently remove the plant and shake off the soil so you can see the roots clearly.
Trim the rot. Cut away every soft, brown, or black root with scissors sterilized in alcohol, leaving only firm, pale roots.
Rinse and dry. Rinse the remaining roots, then let them air-dry for an hour or two before repotting.
Use a chunky mix. Repot into fresh aroid mix of bark, perlite, and a little potting soil so water drains fast and air reaches the roots.
Pick the right pot. Choose a pot with drainage holes only slightly larger than the root ball, and never let it sit in a full saucer.
Water by feel. Water only when the top 2 inches are dry, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain away.
Warm it up. Keep the plant in a warm, bright spot so it takes up water steadily and the soil dries on a healthy cycle.

Cause	Tell-tale sign	Fix
Overwatering	Constantly wet soil, soft base	Let top 2 inches dry between waterings
No drainage	Water pools in pot or saucer	Use a pot with holes, empty the saucer
Dense soil	Compacted, slow-draining mix	Repot in chunky aroid mix
Oversized pot	Large pot stays wet for days	Size the pot to the root ball
Cold conditions	Soil stays wet a long time	Move to a warmer, brighter spot

Frequently asked questions

Can a Monstera recover from root rot?

Often, yes, if you catch it early. Unpot the plant, cut away every soft, brown, mushy root with sterile scissors, and repot in fresh, chunky mix. A Monstera with some firm white root left usually rebounds, but one with no healthy roots is hard to save.

What do rotten Monstera roots look like?

Healthy Monstera roots are firm and pale tan to white. Rotten roots are dark brown or black, soft, slimy, and often smell sour or musty. They may slip apart or fall off when you touch them, while healthy roots stay attached and springy.

How often should I water a Monstera to avoid root rot?

Water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks indoors. There is no fixed schedule, so check the soil each time rather than watering by the calendar. Less frequent, thorough watering is far safer than little-and-often.

Does a Monstera need a pot with drainage holes?

Yes. Drainage holes let excess water escape so the roots are not left sitting in a wet pocket at the bottom. A pot without holes traps water around the roots and is one of the fastest routes to root rot, even if you water carefully.

Will repotting fix Monstera root rot?

Repotting is the core fix, but only after you remove the rotten roots. Trim away all soft, dark roots, rinse the rest, and repot into fresh aroid mix with good drainage. Repotting into the same soggy soil without trimming will not stop the rot.

Can yellow leaves mean root rot on a Monstera?

Yes, especially when several lower leaves yellow at once and the soil stays wet. Yellowing from rot is usually soft and spreading, paired with a soggy base and sometimes a musty smell. Check the roots to confirm before assuming it is just normal aging.