Why Is My Cheese Plant Falling Over

Cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are a popular houseplant that can add a touch of tropical flair to any room. With their large green leaves and distinctive perforations, cheese plants are a striking addition to any decor. However, if you notice that your cheese plant is starting to lean or fall over, you may be wondering what’s going on. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why cheese plants fall over and what you can do to fix the problem.

Common Reasons Why Cheese Plants Fall Over

Lack of Support

One of the most common reasons why cheese plants fall over is due to a lack of support. As cheese plants grow, they can become top-heavy, which means they need some kind of support to keep them upright. If your cheese plant is falling over, it may be because it doesn’t have enough support.

Root Rot

Another reason why cheese plants may fall over is due to root rot. Root rot occurs when the roots of a plant become infected with a fungus or bacteria that causes them to decay. When this happens, the roots can no longer support the plant, and it may begin to lean or fall over.

Overwatering

Overwatering is another common cause of cheese plant collapse. When you water your cheese plant too frequently or give it too much water at once, the soil becomes saturated and can’t hold any more moisture. This can cause the roots to suffocate and die, leading to a weak plant that may eventually fall over.

What You Can Do to Fix a Falling Cheese Plant

If your cheese plant is starting to lean or fall over, there are several things you can do to fix the problem.

Provide Support

The first thing you should do is provide support for your cheese plant. This can be done in several ways, depending on the size and shape of your plant. Some options include:

• Staking: You can use a stake or bamboo pole to support the stem of your cheese plant. This will help keep it upright and prevent it from falling over.
• Trellising: If your cheese plant is large and bushy, you can use a trellis to provide support. This will give your plant something to climb on and help distribute its weight more evenly.
• Repotting: If your cheese plant is small, you may be able to repot it into a larger container with fresh soil. This will give the roots more room to spread out and provide better support for the plant.

Check for Root Rot

If you suspect that your cheese plant may be suffering from root rot, you should check the roots for any signs of decay. If you notice that the roots are brown, mushy, or have a foul odor, it’s likely that your plant has root rot.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If only a few roots are affected, you can trim them off with a pair of clean scissors and repot the plant into fresh soil. If the roots are severely damaged, however, you may need to discard the plant and start over with a new one.

Adjust Your Watering Routine

Finally, if you think that overwatering may be causing your cheese plant to fall over, you should adjust your watering routine. Cheese plants prefer moist but well-draining soil, so make sure that your pot has drainage holes and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

When you do water your cheese plant, make sure to give it a thorough watering and allow any excess water to drain away. Avoid watering too frequently or giving your plant too much water at once.

FAQ

How often should I water my cheese plant?

Cheese plants prefer moist but well-draining soil, so you should water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may be once a week or every two weeks, depending on your climate and the size of your plant.

Can I save a cheese plant with root rot?

If your cheese plant has root rot, it may be possible to save it by trimming off any affected roots and repotting it into fresh soil. However, if the roots are severely damaged, it may be better to discard the plant and start over with a new one.

How can I prevent my cheese plant from falling over in the future?

To prevent your cheese plant from falling over in the future, make sure to provide it with adequate support as it grows. You can use stakes, trellises, or repot it into a larger container with fresh soil. Additionally, make sure to avoid overwatering and check the roots regularly for signs of decay.