Omie said:So now you taken it out of its pot three ties in a year, thereby disturbing the tinier roots each time. The leaves are curling which usually indicates they are not getting enough water from the root system. I think all the fine 'feeder roots' have died off and there is just a tight ball of thick base root remaining... which cannot deliver enough water to the plant.
Be aware that sometimes when underwatering, the soil will dry out and then not be able to hold water afterwards- in that case it would need to be soaked for a while to rehydrate, and then drained.
Speaking of drained.... does your pot have a drainage hole? I see it's directly on the floor. If it has no drainage hole then you plant will NOT be able to thrive for long- it'll always either be too wet or too dry.
Also, needs more light.
Arico said:Whenever I repot a plant, I really get in there with my fingers, tearing and breaking (somethimes even major) roots and get that ball completely loose until it just hangs; with or without soil. You can be quite harsh so don't worry.
Don't be surprised if you find (the remnants of) a bone dry, teeny tiny plug in the middle that which severely impacts root establishment.
As for watering, get a feel of the weight of your pot. I can tell when my plants need watering just by lifting the pot. Otherwise stick a few fingers in and feel. If rotting roots are a cause, the leaves usually not only wilt, but yellow aswell.
georgiawillmot said:Ok thanks guys! So we think it's definitely underwatered?
Humboldt said:
It's a good place to start.
If it rains where you live (last time this came up it was in Dubai), put your monstera out, they love it.
georgiawillmot said:Ok so the soil directly around the roots is definitely having some difficulty drying out, whereas the surrounding soil is fine. Should I wash off the soil around the roots and start afresh?
If you guys can help me save this monstera you are actually heroes 😅
AllieCat said:
That's what I did with a zz plant I was worried about. I thought maybe the roots were having problems but when I took it out of the pot they were fine. It gave me the opportunity to add some peat moss and worm casings to lighten up the soil so it would drain better. It put my mind at ease
georgiawillmot said:
Yeah, I feel like it would put my mind to rest a bit too! Did your plant recover? 🤞🏼😬
AllieCat said:
Yes, she's doing very well and I'm not feeling like a helicopter mom always hovering over her worried.