---
title: "My variegated monstera has brown dots on it? I checked online and it…"
description: "My variegated monstera has brown dots on it? I checked online and it said to increase drainage and I did, I was told to put silaca gel packets on top of the…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/86t9l7iRCODhGgGAipdaAo"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Tay"
published: "2026-01-22T22:28:44.915247Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0ueyj_FrMoP-4fK8xoq-NyF7_dgddfsfJI1ZiSl_P48/8hdDQPjUQWCWU08ZPByIbg.webp?size=large"
---

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# My variegated monstera has brown dots on it? I checked online and it…

_Posted by Tay on 2026-01-22_

My variegated monstera has brown dots on it? I checked online and it said to increase drainage and I did, I was told to put silaca gel packets on top of the soil and I did but we still seem to be struggling. The new growths look fine but not this one. Any recommendations?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0ueyj_FrMoP-4fK8xoq-NyF7_dgddfsfJI1ZiSl_P48/8hdDQPjUQWCWU08ZPByIbg.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### CC commented on 2026-01-22

Have you checked for pests? Also if it's the oldest leaf it may just be killing it off, spending more energy on growing new leaves

#### Tay replied on 2026-01-22

I have and I haven't found any

### CC commented on 2026-01-22

Hmmmm... And everything else is consistent? Watering all? If so it could really be just it's an older leaf.rrady to die off. If you're sure watering etc is correct and no pests I can't guess what else it'd be

#### CC replied on 2026-01-22

\*ready

#### Tay replied on 2026-01-22

Yeah all has been consistent. It makes sense if it is older and still growing new leaves

### CC commented on 2026-01-22

Yeah honestly seeing the new baby leaves I'd think it's probably just that leaf's time to go so it can put energy into new leaves. Especially if you've been consistent and there's no pests and the newer leaves seem fine. Only other thing to check would be the roots but it the new leaves look good idk if that's really all that necessary

### Sa commented on 2026-01-22

Yea something similar happened with my monstera albo cutting too. I wouldn’t be too worried about it—it’s probably just it’s time to go. The new growth is what you should focus on 😁

The only thing I might say could help it is silica fertilizer. It’s literally been a life saver for any of my variegated plants. If you don’t already use it, I 100% recommend it. It basically just stops browning on variegated leaves, but is also useful for any plant too

#### Tay replied on 2026-01-22

Do you have a type/brand you recommend?

#### Sa replied on 2026-01-23

I use silica gold. I have a 32 oz bottle that I’ve used for probably about 6 months and it still has about 2/3 left so it should last a long time. It has definitely been a huge game changer

#### Sarah replied on 2026-01-23

Do you use that instead of a standard fertilizer or in addition to one?

#### Sa replied on 2026-01-24

I definitely know that people use it in addition to other fertilizers, but I mostly just use silica. I do use orchid fertilizer mixed with silica, but you are supposed to let the silica sit for a few minutes before mixing in others.

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