If you’ve noticed brown spots popping up on your Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera), it’s definitely a cry for help. Not only do those spots ruin that gorgeous tropical aesthetic, but they can eventually lead to the whole leaf dying off. If your Monstera is looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to play plant detective and get to the root of the problem.
Chilly Drafts and Cold Snaps
Since Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests, they crave warmth and high humidity. They really start to struggle if the temperature drops below 60°F (15°C). Even something as simple as cracking a window for some fresh air in the winter can cause brown spots to form. If your plant is exposed to the cold for too long, you might lose entire leaves to browning.
If you think the cold is the culprit, try moving your plant to a cozier spot. Sometimes, just making sure it isn’t sitting directly in front of a drafty window is all it takes to keep it happy.
Dealing with Fungal Infections
Another common reason for those pesky spots is a fungal infection known as Eye Spot Disease. You’ll recognize this one by brown spots that have a distinct light-colored “halo” around them. If your plant has caught a fungus, here’s your game plan:
- Snip off the infected leaves and toss them in the trash (don’t compost them!).
- Disinfect your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol between every single cut so you don’t spread the spores.
- You can use a copper-based fungicide to treat any new spots that appear.
- Products like Atempo or Cueva Fungicide-Free are also great options for treating the plant.
The good news? Eye spot disease usually moves pretty slowly. Often, just removing the sick leaves does the trick. To give your Monstera a little extra boost while it recovers, try treating it with a horsetail tea or liverwort extract to strengthen its natural defenses.
Too Much Sun (Yes, Sunburn is Real!)
While we love a sunny room, some Monstera varieties are actually quite sensitive to direct sunlight. If yours gets too much “Vitamin D,” it can develop light brown patches with dark edges—basically a plant sunburn. If you see this happening, it’s time to find a new home for your plant. A spot with bright, indirect light or partial shade is perfect—just keep it out of that harsh, direct midday sun.
