Whale fin plant or Monstera adansonii is a trendy houseplant that is popular for its unique foliage. Its leaves have a distinctive shape with holes that make them look like Swiss cheese. However, despite its popularity, some plant owners encounter problems with their whale fin plant dying. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of why your whale fin plant is dying and how to fix them.
One of the most common reasons why plants die is overwatering. Watering your plant too frequently can lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To avoid overwatering, make sure that the soil is dry before watering again. It’s also essential to ensure that the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom of the pot.
On the other hand, underwatering can also cause your whale fin plant to die. If you notice that the leaves are drooping and turning brown, it may indicate that your plant is not getting enough water. To fix this problem, water your plant thoroughly and make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Whale fin plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If your plant is not getting enough light, it may cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. To fix this problem, move your plant to a brighter location or provide it with artificial light using grow lights.
Whale fin plants prefer high humidity levels. If your home is dry, it can cause the leaves to turn brown and crispy around the edges. To increase humidity levels, you can place a humidifier near your plant or group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
Another reason why your whale fin plant may be dying is because of pest infestations. Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are some of the common pests that can attack your plant. To fix this problem, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Whale fin plants can outgrow their pots quickly, and when this happens, the roots can become root-bound. It means that the roots have no more space to grow, causing them to become cramped and tangled. This condition can cause your plant to wilt and stop growing. To fix this problem, repot your plant in a larger pot with fresh soil.
Diseases caused by bacteria or fungi can also cause your whale fin plant to die. Symptoms of disease include wilting, yellowing leaves, and brown spots. To prevent disease, make sure to keep your plant clean and avoid overcrowding it with other plants.
A well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter is ideal for a whale fin plant. You can mix peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and sand or gravel to create a well-draining soil mix.
Water your whale fin plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Yes, you can propagate your whale fin plant by taking stem cuttings that have at least one node. Place the cuttings in water or soil until they develop roots and new growth.
Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or underwatering, lack of light, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture level, lighting conditions, and fertilization schedule to determine the cause of yellowing leaves and fix it accordingly.
Whale fin plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.