“The top leaves are acting innocent while the lower ones confess everything.”
The bottom leaves look damaged first because older Monstera leaves are the first to show stress. In a dry indoor soil pot, the most likely cause is drought stress and low humidity causing the leaf edges to crisp, tear, and mark up over time. The top leaves staying fine fits a newer growth point that is still protected. This does not look like a classic rot or pest pattern from the photo.
What to do today
Give it a thorough watering, then let excess drain fully. After that, keep the soil lightly moist rather than bone dry for long stretches.
Also possible, but less likely
What would prove it
Watch the new growth
If the problem is drought-related, the next leaves should emerge cleaner and less torn. Old damaged areas will not heal, but they should not spread rapidly once watering is steadier.
Turn this into a recovery case
One photo gives a diagnosis. Tracking proves whether the plant is recovering.
Don’t leave the diagnosis hanging 🌱
Save it now, then use the next photo to confirm if this was the right call.
Create account & save plant 🌱