Dry sun-facing damage
It often stays on the exposed side and stops after the plant is moved back.
Symptoms on popular plants
Brown spots on Monstera leaves
On Monstera, separate dry tips, bleached scorch and dark water-soaked lesions. Each pattern points toward a different part of the growing setup.
Wet or soft tissue
This may accompany waterlogging, cold injury or infection.
Brown tips
These more often relate to uneven moisture, salts or very dry air.
More useful detail
How to narrow down the cause
What supports this cause
Texture and direction of exposure are more useful than the shade of brown alone.
What can look similar
A leaf that rubbed while opening leaves a stable scar with no fresh damage elsewhere.
Problem
What to do step by step
- 1
Take a dated photograph and inspect both sides of the leaf.
- 2
Check the mix, drainage and contact with cold or hot glass.
- 3
Change one condition and compare fresh growth after enough time.
Observation
What to watch next
- The spots stop expanding.
- New leaves open without lesions.
- Stems and roots remain firm.
Important
Avoid wetting foliage further when lesions are damp and expanding. Correct the environment and hygiene first.
Florli
Related guides and features
Plant
Monstera care: watering, light and healthy leaves
Learn how to care for a Monstera, including when to water it, where to place it, how to support its growth and which leaf changes deserve attention.
Read the guide →
Problem
Brown spots on leaves
Brown spots may follow sun scorch, cold, watering stress or disease. Their shape, location and speed of spread help narrow down the likely cause.
Read the guide →
Problem
Yellow leaves on Monstera
Yellow Monstera leaves can follow wet mix, low light or normal aging of the oldest leaf. Use the pattern to narrow it down.
Read the guide →
Sources and further reading: NC State Extension — Monstera deliciosa
Royal Horticultural Society: leaf damage on houseplants
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Prepared by Florli. Reviewed October 15, 2026. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition. How Florli creates its guides.