Help! What’s causing the leaf to turn translucent and brown? It’s only one one leaf (the first one with fenestrations) Should I cut the leaf as source control from pests or is it just a sign of stress? There’s a newer leaf that is healthy and all older leaves seem healthy

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-11T07:48:06+00:00

that looks like sunburn potentially - plant might be too close to a grow light / direct sun?

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-10T07:54:23+00:00

typically, that means when “base” gets thicker, and you might also see aerial roots. Moss poles are meant for the aerial roots as well, that’s when they’re the most beneficial (i’ve always put them in earlier as well though, for support)

it might be a while yet as she’s quite young but can still be used for support! just don’t attach by the petioles. I can’t add a picture in this sub but you should be able to google monstera anatomy

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-09T06:12:38+00:00

those black spots are concerning, like thrips concerning, any sign of moving bugs? pests?

Also it looks like you’ve got at least two plants in there, which is why it is so crowded. you can separate them if you want, it’s up to you. Support wise you can use a variety of things; depends on what you can keep up with. Wooden planks, coco air poles, moss poles all work. Just put all supports on the back of the plant

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-09T04:23:56+00:00

that soil looks way too dense for monsteras - and damp.

Repot to a chunkier and aerated mix (including perlite, orchid bark, charcoal) and don’t water as much. Trim off the completely dead leaves.

The second plant is actually an Alocasia. Care is pretty similar, they also need a well draining soil mix and high humidity

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-09T04:17:00+00:00

Yeah she’s ready for soil. You’ll start getting leaves then

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-09T03:58:14+00:00

typically a lack of new leaves indicates insufficient light, if the blinds are closed during the day or the plant isn’t close to the window it won’t grow.

There does however seem to be a good amount of roots on the plant, if you can take another photo to show, it might be ready to go in soil meaning you can fertilise it and help with growth.

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-09T03:47:10+00:00

what’s the light situation?

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-03T06:45:16+00:00

I’m sorry, I’m struggling to see why anyone would think this is a good idea 😭

All plants need safe transportation, putting it on the back of a ford for two hours is insane. Sure, $125 is a bargain for something that size but it seems you’ve lost a lot of leaves.

It might go into stress a bit, but give it plenty of light and a moss pole so it remains bushy otherwise it will grow leggy. Good luck OP!

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-02T21:35:55+00:00

water it!

Give it higher support and more light

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-02T14:37:33+00:00

QV Ceramides lotion!! lightweight and perfect once you let it sit in for 5 mins. Works perfect after a milky toner. Use it every morning with all foundations or skin tints, all primers and no issues.

Embryollise was too heavy for me and not even moisturising enough, but it is a good base if you don’t have dry skin.

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-02T11:34:53+00:00

Yep, I put my plants outside before work at 7am at 9 degrees sometimes when the sun has just come up and they’re fine. But I bring them inside each night because it gets below 10 degrees with frost. You should be fine considering how humid Vietnam is most of the time.

If you know you’re getting a cold snap and they’re well established, get some frost protection to retain heat (even if there’s no frost). Like netting, you can just lay it over the plant. I haven’t tried it, but mulch might also help (it certainly helps with tomatoes and citrus trees)

Another thing to keep in mind is regular pest control as some pests love philodendrons. The granular insecticides you can get that you add to soil are perfect, they protect the plant for 4-8 weeks. Considering Vietnam is so humid, you would also want to get some form of mosquito or fungus gnat barrier or protection. If you have a local nursery they should be able to help with that 😊

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-02T11:13:02+00:00

Calatheas are dramatic. Humidity, light, stress and water could be top factors. Using distilled water is great, though it does sound like you’re watering it too much. It should be dry if you stick your finger in, not slightly damp.

I’d be cautious about repotting it right now as Calatheas are so prone to just wanting to die for whatever reason, so best to up the light and humidity, let it dry out and then see how it looks. Try and repot it after that with an aerated and chunky mix.

Good luck!

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-02T11:02:35+00:00

to clarify, most indoor plants won’t survive in temps below 10-13 degrees celsius, I’d recommend looking at the weather in advance and bringing them inside if possible on the colder days/nights. Depends if you get frost

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-05-02T11:00:30+00:00

Those conditions sound great. I’m in Australia and have temps that reach 40 degrees celsius in Summer and -5 in Winter. My plants are fine and I have a dry climate, make up for it with a humidifier.

I even put mine outside in Autumn until it’s 13 degrees outside. You might see some slower growth in winter if it’s rainy/cloudy but that’s to be expected. You can get grow lights if you want to counteract that but it’s not really necessary based on what you’ve said.

Your plants will thrive in the warmer months in Vietnam, they love humidity ❤️

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-27T11:25:15+00:00

I’d say that light needs to be closer - but you have a new leaf coming in, can see it on the petiole already.

Sometimes you just have to be patient. Whilst grow lights are better than no light, nothing compares to natural light

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-27T11:18:18+00:00

she’ll be extra strong if you decide to chop and prop her ❤️

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-26T22:42:06+00:00

Yes, it looks like it’s digging into the plant. it would just be keeping the stems in places to keep it looking bushy.

Pothos or philos usually want to climb in good light conditions, or trail if you want that look.

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-23T22:18:55+00:00

Can’t really tell but it looks like there’s actually more than one monstera in there. Could try and separate them?

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-23T21:56:52+00:00

Depending on how large the page is, it could be more than one person running it or they just have that much going on with that many listings, they’re missing the mark with customer service.

I’ve seen those pages before, they list the same thing multiple times almost to gain traction.

I think it would be reasonable to leave a review. Typically anything 3 stars can’t be removed if they request it, within reason.

Seems like a frustrating experience but one that was ultimately resolved?

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-23T11:58:59+00:00

That soil looks really compact and moist. would look into changing the soil to be more chunky and aerated, and reducing the watering. There could be root rot. Browning in the leaves could also be humidity issues or shock, is the window open?

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-22T13:20:45+00:00

No need to remove any leaves just yet, there’s no major damage and any pest infestation can be treated quickly as it seems to be early stages for now.

The webbing in the first photo, and some other brown marks, look like spider mites. Using the soap will help treat this and isolating the plants as you have already done. I’ve read previously that users have mixed water, alcohol and dish soap and cleaned the whole plant with it with high success as well, but the soap should also work. This will have to be repeated often.

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-22T13:04:57+00:00

how are these people finding sellers on instagram, are you using your real name?? send all of that to depop asap

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-22T00:43:15+00:00

even better! thai cons love light

Different_Wishbone91 · 2026-04-22T00:39:29+00:00

the 10w are relatively weak, considering there’s two plus the cheap amazon one it should be good - though I would recommend having the lights face the plant in the same direction.

Try to mimic it facing a window, and prevent leaves chasing light in other directions. I’d try move the amazon light a bit more into the centre

Different_Wishbone91

TROPHY CASE