If you have ever admired the beauty of a Swiss Cheese Plant, you know how eye-catching the lush green leaves and voluminous white spots can be.
But what if those leaves start to turn black? If this has happened to your Swiss Cheese Plant, don’t despair – we have answers for you! In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of black leaves on a Swiss Cheese Plant and offer some tips on how to restore it to its former glory.
Read on to learn more about why your Swiss Cheese Plant leaves are turning black and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The cause of your Swiss cheese plant leaves turning black is likely due to overwatering.
When a plant is overwatered, the roots are not able to absorb enough oxygen from the soil, causing the leaves to turn black.
To fix this issue, reduce the amount of water you are giving the plant and move it to a spot with more air circulation.
Additionally, check the soil for signs of disease or pests, as these can also lead to blackened leaves.
What Is a Swiss Cheese Plant?
Swiss cheese plants (Monstera deliciosa) are tropical evergreen climbers native to Mexico and Central America.
These plants have long, glossy, dark green leaves and can reach heights of up to 12 feet.
The edges of the leaves have a perforated look, resembling Swiss cheese, which is where this plant gets its name.
Swiss cheese plants are popular for their easy care and attractive foliage, making them favorites among houseplant owners.
Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity.
They need to be watered regularly but allowed to dry out between waterings.
They are also susceptible to several pests, such as mealybugs and spider mites, so it is important to inspect them regularly for signs of infestation.
With the right care, Swiss cheese plants can thrive and bring a unique, eye-catching look to any home.
What Causes Swiss Cheese Plant Leaves to Turn Black?
Swiss cheese plants (Monstera deliciosa) are popular for their eye-catching foliage and easy care.
Unfortunately, their leaves can start turning black due to a number of issues.
These can include too much direct sunlight, not enough humidity, overwatering, or a pest infestation.
Generally, the most common causes of blackened Swiss cheese plant leaves are: 1.
Too Much Sunlight: If your Swiss cheese plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves can start to turn black.
To prevent this, make sure your Swiss cheese plant is placed in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
2.
Not Enough Humidity: Swiss cheese plants need to be kept in a humid environment.
If the air is too dry, the leaves can start to turn black.
To increase the humidity around your Swiss cheese plant, try misting its leaves with water or placing a humidifier nearby.
3.
Overwatering: Overwatering can cause the leaves of a Swiss cheese plant to turn black.
Make sure you’re only watering your Swiss cheese plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and always use a pot with drainage holes to allow for proper drainage.
4.
Pest Infestation: Pests such as aphids, mites, or mealybugs can cause the leaves of a Swiss cheese plant to turn black.
If you notice any signs of pests on your Swiss cheese plant, treat it with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Too Much Direct Sunlight
Swiss cheese plants enjoy bright, indirect sunlight and thrive best in temperatures between 65-75F.
However, too much direct sunlight can cause the plants leaves to turn black.
This is because direct sunlight can cause sunburn, leading to discoloration, scorching, and even death of the leaves.
If your Swiss cheese plant is located in an area with a lot of direct sunlight, it may be best to move it to a spot with more shade.
If moving the plant is not an option, you can also try providing it with some extra protection by using a sheer curtain or shade cloth.
This will help to provide the plant with a bit of extra protection from the suns rays.
Not Enough Humidity
One of the most common causes of Swiss cheese plant leaves turning black is not enough humidity.
Swiss cheese plants are native to tropical forests and need a humid environment to thrive.
Low humidity can cause their leaves to dry out and turn black.
To help your Swiss cheese plant recover from low humidity, you can mist it regularly with a spray bottle, keep it away from drafts and high temperatures, and place it near a humidifier or near other plants.
Additionally, you can group plants together in a pot or create a humidity tray by filling a shallow tray with pebbles and water.
Place your Swiss cheese plant on top of the tray and the evaporation of the water will help to create a humid environment.
With the right care, your Swiss cheese plant can recover and thrive.
Overwatering
One of the most common causes of black Swiss cheese plant leaves is overwatering.
When plants are overwatered, their root system becomes oversaturated and they cant access the oxygen they need to survive.
Without oxygen, the leaves will start to die and turn black.
To avoid overwatering, its important to check the soil before you water the plant and make sure the top inch of soil is dry.
If the soil is still moist, wait a few days before watering again.
Additionally, make sure the pot has a drainage hole, so any excess water can escape.
If the plant is over-watered, you should repot it in dry soil and wait several days before watering again.
Pest Infestation
Pest infestations can be a common cause of black leaves on a Swiss cheese plant.
Some of the most common pests associated with discoloration include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony-looking insects that feed on the sap of the plant.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the juices of the plant.
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the plants leaves and stem.
Scale insects are tiny, oval-shaped creatures that feed on the plants sap.
In order to diagnose a pest infestation, its important to look for the signs.
Signs of a pest infestation include discoloration of the leaves, yellowing of the foliage, and white, fuzzy spots on the underside of the leaves.
If you suspect a pest infestation, its important to take action right away.
The best way to treat a pest infestation is to use an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the product to avoid harming your plant.
Treatment
When it comes to treating your Swiss cheese plant’s blackened leaves, the best course of action is to adjust the environment or use an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Start by examining the plant to determine the cause of discoloration.
If the leaves are turning black due to too much direct sunlight, move the plant to a shadier spot.
If the leaves are turning black due to not enough humidity, mist the plant with water or invest in a humidifier.
If the leaves are turning black due to overwatering, let the soil dry out before watering again.
If the leaves are turning black due to a pest infestation, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
It is important to note that you should always take the necessary precautions when using insecticides and fungicides.
Make sure to read the manufacturer’s directions carefully and follow them to the letter.
Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask, and avoid spraying the insecticide or fungicide directly onto the plant’s leaves.
Instead, spray it onto the soil so that it can be absorbed by the roots.
Once you have identified the cause of the blackened leaves and treated the plant accordingly, it is important to monitor the plant’s health carefully.
Make sure to check the leaves regularly to ensure that they are not turning black again.
As long as the environment is adjusted and the plant is treated properly, your Swiss cheese plant should recover and thrive.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Swiss cheese plant healthy is worth the effort.
With the right care, like avoiding too much direct sunlight, maintaining the proper humidity levels, and not overwatering, you can keep your plant looking great.
If you do find a pest infestation, use an appropriate insecticide or fungicide to restore your plant to its former glory.
With a bit of effort, you can keep your Swiss cheese plant looking beautiful for years to come.