{"id":1110,"date":"2023-08-20T10:17:14","date_gmt":"2023-08-20T10:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myindoorflora.com\/?page_id=1110"},"modified":"2023-09-10T12:26:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-10T12:26:24","slug":"how-to-fix-a-leggy-monstera","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/myindoorflora.com\/houseplants\/monstera\/how-to-fix-a-leggy-monstera\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Monstera So Leggy? [Prevention And Solution]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Monstera deliciosa, often referred to as the Swiss cheese plant due to its iconic split leaves, has grown in popularity as a beloved houseplant across the globe. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, this green gem has found its way into urban homes and spaces, celebrated both for its unique aesthetic and its adaptability to indoor environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A challenge, however, that many Monstera caretakers face is the issue of ‘legginess’. This term describes a growth pattern where the plant’s stems elongate significantly, with large gaps between leaves. Essentially, legginess is the Monstera’s way of telling you it’s striving to reach more light, pushing its growth in ways that might not be ideal for its health or appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you progress through this article, you’ll gain comprehensive insights into recognizing the signs of a leggy Monstera, discerning the causes, and mastering both remedial and preventive strategies. With this knowledge, your Monstera can thrive, reflecting the lush vibrancy it showcases in its natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does a Leggy Monstera Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image Credit: Irina Zharkova31, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the problem. Recognizing a leggy Monstera is the first step toward addressing the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monsteras, when healthy, exhibit a lush green color with well-spaced leaves. However, when they begin to stretch out, with gaps between foliage, it’s a sign that they’re becoming leggy. Not only will the stems appear thin and elongated, but you might also notice the leaves becoming smaller or even yellowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When trying to imagine a leggy Monstera, think of a tree in a dense forest, stretching its branches upwards, desperately seeking sunlight. The same principle applies to houseplants, including the Monstera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed Characteristics of a Leggy Monstera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Spaced-out Leaves:<\/strong> This is a primary indicator. If your Monstera has leaves that are far apart as opposed to clustering close together, it’s becoming leggy. A well-grown Monstera should exhibit a dense pattern of leaves, giving it a full appearance. This spacing out is a direct response to inadequate light conditions. The plant is essentially trying to maximize its exposure to light by spacing out its leaves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Thin, Stretched Stems:<\/strong> Etiolation is the term used in botany to describe plants stretching towards a light source. When your Monstera doesn’t receive adequate light, it exhibits etiolation, growing taller with elongated stems. This stretching is a survival mechanism. In nature, plants that can’t access light won’t survive, so they grow in the direction of the most available light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Yellowing or Smaller Leaves:<\/strong> If the leaves at the base of your Monstera are turning yellow, while the ones at the top are smaller than usual, it’s a sign of a leggy plant. This happens because the plant is focusing its energy on growing upwards and not on the leaves’ breadth.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    Feature<\/th>Healthy Monstera<\/th>Leggy Monstera<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Leaves<\/td>Dense, clustered<\/td>Spaced out<\/td><\/tr>
    Stems<\/td>Robust, short<\/td>Thin, elongated<\/td><\/tr>
    Color<\/td>Vibrant green<\/td>Pale, with some yellow leaves<\/td><\/tr>
    Growth<\/td>Outwards, broad<\/td>Upwards, tall<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
    Table: Comparing Healthy vs. Leggy Monstera<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Reasons Why Monsteras Become Leggy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Plants, like any other living organisms, react to their environment. When conditions aren’t optimal, these reactions can manifest as unusual growth patterns, such as legginess in Monsteras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Insufficient Light Exposure:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n