Why Is My Monstera Borsigiana Falling Over?

Is your Monstera Borsigiana looking a bit tipsy these days? While these beautiful plants are known for their dramatic foliage, they can sometimes develop a mind of their own and start leaning or even falling over. It's not uncommon, and fortunately, there are several reasons why this might be happening—and even better, there are solutions!

This article is here to help you troubleshoot the mysterious case of your Monstera Borsigiana's wobbliness. We’ll cover everything from potting mishaps to lighting issues, giving you practical tips and tricks to get your plant upright and thriving again.

Understanding Your Monstera’s Natural Growth

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of why your Monstera Borsigiana might be falling over, let’s talk a bit about its natural growth habits. Monstera Borsigiana is a variety of Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. It’s famous for its large, glossy leaves that develop unique splits and holes as they mature.

Monstera Borsigiana is a climbing plant by nature. In the wild, it uses its aerial roots to anchor onto trees, helping it climb towards the light. In a home environment, this means your plant might naturally want to grow upwards or outwards, sometimes leading to an imbalance if it doesn’t have proper support.

Understanding this natural tendency is the first step in figuring out why your plant might be falling over. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics but also providing the right environment and support for your Monstera to thrive.

Pot Size and Stability

One of the most common reasons a Monstera Borsigiana might fall over is due to an inappropriate pot size. If the pot is too small, the plant can become top-heavy as it grows, leading to instability. Conversely, a pot that's too large may not provide enough support, as the root system isn’t extensive enough to hold the plant upright.

Here are some things to consider:

• Root Bound: If the plant is root bound, it might not have enough room to grow, leading to a top-heavy situation. Consider repotting into a slightly larger pot.
• Weight of the Pot: Sometimes, simply choosing a heavier pot can provide the stability needed. A ceramic or terracotta pot might be more stable than a plastic one.
• Pot Shape: A wider pot might offer better stability than a taller, narrow one.

Ensuring your Monstera Borsigiana has the right pot can make a big difference in its stability. When repotting, be gentle with the roots and choose a pot size that allows for some growth but isn’t excessively large.

Soil and Drainage

Beyond the pot size, the type of soil and its drainage capabilities can also affect your plant’s stability. If the soil retains too much water, it can become soggy and unstable, making it difficult for the plant to remain upright.

Consider these soil factors:

• Proper Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for aroids like Monstera. This usually includes components like peat, perlite, and orchid bark.
• Drainage Holes: Always ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Excess water can lead to root rot, weakening the plant.
• Top Layer Care: Avoid letting the top layer of soil become too compacted. Loosen it occasionally to ensure proper air circulation and water absorption.

Good soil conditions not only support your plant physically but also contribute to its overall health by preventing root-related issues.

Lighting Conditions

Monstera Borsigiana, like many houseplants, thrives in bright, indirect light. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it might start stretching towards the nearest light source, leading to a lopsided or leaning appearance.

Check your lighting setup:

• Light Source: Ensure your plant is near a window that provides bright, indirect sunlight. If it’s straining towards the light, rotate the pot regularly to encourage even growth.
• Artificial Lighting: If natural light is scarce, consider using grow lights to supplement. This can be especially helpful during darker months.
• Light Intensity: Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. A sheer curtain can help filter out harsh rays.

Adjusting the lighting conditions can often correct a leaning plant, helping it grow more evenly and reducing the risk of falling over.

Support Structures

Given that Monstera Borsigiana is a natural climber, providing a support structure can be a game-changer. Without something to climb on, your plant might start sprawling outwards, leading to instability.

Consider adding support:

• Moss Pole: A moss pole can mimic the plant’s natural climbing environment and give it something to latch onto.
• Treillis or Stakes: These can also provide the vertical support needed to keep your plant upright.
• Training the Plant: Gently guide the stems to the support structure and use soft ties to secure them. Be careful not to damage the plant.

Providing a support structure not only helps your Monstera stay upright but can also promote healthier growth and more dramatic foliage development.

Watering Practices

Watering issues are a common culprit when it comes to plant problems, and Monstera Borsigiana is no exception. Both overwatering and underwatering can lead to a weakened plant structure.

Review your watering habits:

• Watering Schedule: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt.
• Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a general lack of vigor can indicate too much water.
• Underwatering Clues: Wilting leaves and dry, crispy edges are signs that your plant needs more moisture.

A consistent watering routine tailored to your Monstera’s needs can prevent many issues related to instability and health.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining your Monstera Borsigiana’s shape and encouraging healthy growth. If your plant is becoming too bushy or uneven, it might start to lean or fall over.

Keep your plant in shape:

• Remove Dead Leaves: Prune away any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.
• Trim for Balance: If one side of the plant is heavier, prune it back to balance the weight distribution.
• Encourage New Growth: Regular pruning can stimulate new growth, leading to a fuller and more balanced plant.

Pruning not only helps with stability but also enhances the overall appearance of your Monstera Borsigiana.

Fertilization and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key to a strong and healthy plant. If your Monstera Borsigiana is lacking essential nutrients, it might become weak and unstable.

Check your fertilization routine:

• Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth.
• Frequency: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, which can burn the roots.
• Signs of Deficiency: Pale leaves, slow growth, and weak stems can indicate a lack of nutrients.

Ensuring your Monstera gets the nutrients it needs can help strengthen its structure and prevent falling over.

Environmental Factors

Sometimes, the environment itself can contribute to your plant's instability. Factors like temperature, humidity, and air circulation all play a role in your Monstera’s health.

Consider these environmental aspects:

• Temperature: Monstera Borsigiana prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid placing it near drafts or heaters.
• Humidity Levels: These plants thrive in higher humidity. If your home is dry, especially during winter, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray.
• Air Circulation: Good air circulation can prevent fungal problems and promote healthy growth. Just avoid placing the plant in direct airflow from fans or vents.

Creating the right environment can help your Monstera Borsigiana stay strong and upright.

Final Thoughts

In summary, a few key factors can cause your Monstera Borsigiana to fall over, including pot size, soil conditions, lighting, support structures, watering practices, and environmental factors. By understanding and addressing these aspects, you can help your plant regain its balance and continue to thrive.

At Cafe Planta, we’re all about helping you care for your beloved plants. Whether you’re looking for new additions to your collection or need some plant-parenting advice, we’re here to help. Feel free to email us with any questions, or connect with us on Instagram. We believe plants have the power to bring people together and inspire us to connect with nature and each other. Let’s keep those plants happy and healthy!