How To Save A Sunburnt Monstera Borsigiana

Oh no! Your Monstera Borsigiana looks a bit crispy around the edges and not in the good way. If your plant is showing signs of sunburn, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s not the end of the line for your leafy friend. Many plant lovers have faced the challenge of rescuing a sunburnt plant, and with a little guidance, you can bring your Monstera back to its former glory.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know to save your sunburnt Monstera Borsigiana. From identifying the symptoms to providing the right care and even offering tips on how to prevent future sunburn, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s give your Monstera the TLC it deserves.

Identifying Sunburn Symptoms

Before you can tackle the problem, you need to know exactly what you're dealing with. Sunburn on a Monstera Borsigiana is often characterized by a few telltale signs. First and foremost, you'll notice discoloration on the leaves. They might turn yellow or brown, especially around the edges and tips. If the burning is severe, the leaves may become crispy and dry to the touch.

Another sign is wilting. A sunburnt Monstera may appear droopy, as if it’s not getting enough water. This can be misleading, as overwatering in response might exacerbate the problem. Examine the leaves closely. Are they curling? Curling leaves often indicate stress, which could be due to sunburn if your plant has been exposed to direct sunlight for too long.

Lastly, if you start noticing new growth that looks stunted or distorted, it might be time to consider if sun exposure is the culprit. Early identification of these symptoms is crucial for effective recovery, so be vigilant and trust your instincts as a plant parent.

Immediate Steps to Take

Once you've identified that your Monstera Borsigiana is indeed sunburnt, it’s important to act quickly. The first step is to move your plant to a shadier spot. Remember, Monsteras naturally thrive in indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight of their native tropical habitats. Avoid direct sunlight, particularly during the harshest parts of the day.

Next, you’ll want to give your plant a little extra hydration. However, be cautious not to overwater. Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it’s dry, give it a thorough watering. If it’s still moist, hold off for a day or two. You want to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy.

Prune any severely damaged leaves. While it might feel counterintuitive to cut off parts of your beloved plant, removing damaged foliage can help your Monstera focus its energy on producing new, healthy growth. Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears to prevent the spread of any potential infections.

Adjusting Light Conditions

Now that your Monstera is in a safer spot, it’s time to reevaluate its lighting conditions. Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light. Think of a location where the sunlight is filtered, like through sheer curtains or in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for the majority of the day. If your home doesn’t have ideal natural lighting, consider investing in a grow light. Choose one that mimics natural daylight and place it at a distance to prevent further damage.

If you’re unsure about the light intensity in your home, the shadow test can be a handy tool. Stand where you plan to place your Monstera and hold out your hand. If the shadow is soft and blurred, it’s a good spot. A sharp, defined shadow means the light is too intense.

Remember, consistency is key. Sudden changes in light can stress your plant. Gradually adjusting the light conditions will help your Monstera acclimate without added stress.

Watering Wisely

Watering is a crucial aspect of plant care, especially when a Monstera is recovering from sunburn. Overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering, so finding the right balance is essential. A Monstera doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so make sure you have a pot with good drainage.

A well-draining potting mix also helps. Consider adding perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage. When watering, aim for a thorough soak, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot. Then, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.

Keep an eye on the humidity levels, too. Monsteras love humidity. If your home is dry, especially in the winter months, think about using a humidifier or placing a water tray with pebbles near your plant to increase moisture in the air.

Feeding Your Monstera

Once your Monstera is on the mend and showing signs of new growth, consider adding a little fertilizer to its care routine. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can provide the nutrients your plant needs to recover and thrive. However, avoid fertilizing a severely stressed plant—wait until you see healthy new growth.

When feeding, dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots, especially if your plant is already stressed from sunburn. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, typically spring through summer, and reduce in fall and winter when growth slows.

If you prefer organic options, compost tea or fish emulsion can be gentle alternatives. Always follow the recommended application rates, and when in doubt, less is more. Your Monstera will thank you for it!

Monitoring and Patience

As with any healing process, patience is a virtue. Keep a close eye on your Monstera Borsigiana as it recovers. Regularly check for new growth and monitor the health of existing leaves. It’s normal for some damaged leaves to continue to deteriorate even after you’ve improved conditions—don’t be disheartened by this.

Document your plant’s progress with photos. Not only does this help track improvement, but it also serves as a motivational tool for you. Seeing side-by-side comparisons can be incredibly rewarding and affirming of your efforts.

Remember, plants are resilient. With time and proper care, your Monstera will bounce back. It might take a few weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the sunburn, but progress is progress, no matter how small.

Preventing Future Sunburn

Prevention is better than cure, and once you've nursed your Monstera back to health, it’s time to implement strategies to prevent future sunburn. Start by ensuring your plant's location is suitable for its needs. Remember the shadow test and aim for bright, indirect light.

Consider rotating your plant every few weeks. This helps even out light exposure and encourages uniform growth. For those particularly sunny days, especially if you're in a climate that experiences intense summer sun, you might want to pull down the blinds or move your plant temporarily.

Lastly, stay informed about your plant's needs. Each season brings different challenges, and being proactive means fewer surprises. Engage with other plant lovers, join online forums, or follow plant care enthusiasts to keep learning and sharing tips.

Dealing with Pests and Fungal Issues

While sunburn might be the immediate concern, it’s essential to rule out other stress factors like pests or fungal issues. Sunburnt plants can become more vulnerable to these problems. Regularly inspect your Monstera for signs of pests, such as tiny webs, sticky residue, or visible insects like spider mites or aphids.

If you notice pests, treat them promptly. Neem oil is a popular and effective solution. Mix it with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray on affected areas. Repeat this treatment weekly until the pests are gone.

For fungal issues like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around your plant. Remove any infected leaves and consider using a fungicide to control the spread. Keeping the plant’s environment clean and removing dead leaves from the soil surface can also help prevent such issues.

Final Thoughts

Rescuing a sunburnt Monstera Borsigiana might seem daunting at first, but with patience and the right steps, your plant can recover and thrive once again. From adjusting light conditions to watering wisely, each step is a chance to learn more about your plant's needs.

At Cafe Planta, we’re here to help you on your plant journey. Whether you’re looking for new additions to your collection or need some advice, feel free to reach out via email or connect with us on Instagram. We believe plants have the power to connect us, and we’re excited to share our passion with you. Happy growing!