The most common cause of yellowing leaves in Monstera plants is improper watering. Monsteras are tropical plants and like to be kept in moist soil but not overly wet. If the Monstera is overwatered or underwatered, it can cause leaves to turn yellow.
Monstera leaves turning yellow is a common problem that many gardeners face.
Various factors, including overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or excessive sunlight, can cause yellowing leaves.
The best way to solve the problem is to identify the underlying cause and take steps to correct it.
By taking the time to diagnose the problem, you can often find a simple solution that will help your Monstera thrive once again.
This article will discuss monstera leaves turning yellow in more detail, including the potential causes and solutions for this problem.
13 Reasons Monstera Leaves Turn Yellow (And How To Fix Them)
Monstera leaves turning yellow is a common problem, but it can be frustrating.
Fortunately, by knowing the potential causes, you can often find a solution to solve the problem and help your Monstera thrive again.
Here are some of the most common reasons monstera leaves turn yellow and what you can do to fix the problem.
Overwatering
One of the most common reasons monstera leaves turn yellow is overwatering.
Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests and need a lot of moisture to thrive.
However, they also need well-drained soil to prevent the roots from sitting in water, leading to root rot.
When Monsteras are overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow as the plant tries to signal that it is not getting enough oxygen.
Other symptoms of overwatering include brown or yellow leaves, wilting leaves, and mushy or rotten roots.
How To Fix It
If you think your Monstera is being overwatered, the best solution is to let the plant dry out completely before watering it again.
It is also essential to ensure the potting mix you are using drains well and does not stay soggy for long periods.
To improve drainage, you can mix in some perlite or sand.
Additionally, it is important to only water Monsteras when the top inch of soil is dry.
You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If it is dry, it is time to water the plant.
Underwatering
Monsteras are native to the tropics and prefer high humidity and consistent moisture.
The soil should be evenly moist but not soggy. If the leaves turn yellow, the plant needs to get more water.
Monsteras must be watered regularly, especially during the growing season (spring and summer).
During these months, Monsteras should be watered every one to two weeks.
Watering can be reduced to once a month or less in the fall and winter.
Other symptoms of underwatering include wilting leaves, dry or crispy leaves, and overall poor plant health.
How To Fix It
Increasing watering frequency is best if your Monstera needs more water.
Water Monsteras when the top inch of soil is dry.
In the spring and summer, Monsteras should be watered every one to two weeks.
You can reduce watering to once a month or less in the fall and winter.
Additionally, increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water or placing it on a pebble tray.
Nutrient Deficiency
Monstera leaves typically turn yellow when the plant is not getting enough nutrients.
Monsteras are native to tropical rainforests, so they need a lot of nutrients to thrive.
In nature, Monsteras get these nutrients from the decaying leaves and other organic matter that collects on the forest floor.
However, when Monsteras are grown in pots, they can quickly exhaust the nutrients in the soil. This is especially true if the potting mix is not high-quality or the plant needs to be appropriately fertilized.
As a result, monstera leaves may turn yellow as the plant tries to signal that it is not getting enough nutrients.
How To Fix It
There are a few ways to fix a nutrient deficiency in Monsteras.
First, you can try fertilizing the plant with a high-quality, balanced fertilizer specifically designed for tropical plants.
Fertilize monsteras every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), but stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.
It is also essential to ensure that the potting mix is high quality and contains plenty of organic matter.
Add organic matter to the potting mix by mixing in compost or vermiculite.
Also, you will need to repot Monsteras every one to two years to ensure they have a fresh potting mix with plenty of nutrients.
Excessive Sunlight
Monstera leaves turning yellow can be caused by several things, but excessive sunlight is one of the most common causes.
Monsteras are tropical plants that thrive in humid, shaded environments and need bright indirect sunlight.
When exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves can become scorched, causing the chlorophyll to break down and turn the leaves yellow.
Other symptoms of too much direct sunlight include brown spots on the leaves, curled or crispy leaves, and overall poor plant health.
How To Fix It
If you believe your Monstera is receiving too much direct sunlight, relocate it to a more shady location.
When grown indoors, Monsteras should be kept near an east- or west-facing window where they will get bright indirect light.
If you can’t move the plant to a shadier location, you can also try filtering the sunlight with a sheer curtain or blind.
When grown outdoors, Monsteras should be kept in a location that offers dappled sunlight or filtered shade.
Temperature Stress
Monsteras are tropical plants that prefer warm, humid environments.
They do not tolerate cold temperatures well and can be damaged by frost.
Extreme heat can also harm Monsteras and cause the leaves to turn yellow.
If the temperature around your Monstera plant fluctuates frequently, this can also lead to leaf discoloration.
To prevent temperature stress, keep your Monstera plant in a consistent environment with temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid placing the plant near drafty windows, air vents, or doors.
How To Fix It
When your Monstera is experiencing temperature stress, moving it to a more consistent location is best.
Try to keep Monsteras in an environment with temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your Monstera plant is outside, ensure it is protected from frost by bringing it indoors or covering it with a frost blanket.
Avoid placing Monsteras near drafty windows, air vents, or doors when indoors. Place the plant where it will receive indirect sunlight and the temperature is consistent.
Low Humidity
Monsteras thrive in humid environments, and their leaves will often turn yellow if the humidity levels are low.
There are several reasons why this may occur.
First, low humidity can cause the leaves to dry out and become brittle. This can cause them to turn yellow and eventually fall off the plant.
Second, low humidity can also cause the plant to lose its ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. This can lead to malnutrition, which can also cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Finally, low humidity can promote the growth of fungal diseases, which can also cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow.
How To Fix It
The best way to fix this problem is to increase the humidity around your Monstera plant.
You can do this by misting the plant with water; this will help maintain a consistent moisture level in the air.
Another way to increase humidity is by placing your Monstera plant on a pebble tray. This is a tray filled with gravel or rocks and water. The water will evaporate and raise the humidity around the plant.
Overfertilizing
Monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests, growing rapidly and reaching immense sizes.
As a result, they have evolved to absorb large amounts of nutrients from their environment.
When Monstera plants are grown as houseplants, they often do not have access to the same level of nutrients, so gardeners must supplement their diet with fertilizer.
However, it is essential not to overdo it, as this can lead to Monstera leaves turning yellow.
When Monstera plants are fertilized too frequently or with too much fertilizer, the excess nutrients can build up in the soil and cause the leaves to turn yellow.
It can also cause the leaves to become burnt or distorted.
Other symptoms that can help you identify this problem include brown or yellow spots on the leaves and new stunted or deformed growth.
How To Fix It
If you think your Monstera plant is being overfed, the best solution is to flush the soil with water. This will help remove any excess nutrients from the soil and prevent them from damaging the plant.
Additionally, it is essential to only fertilize Monsteras when they are actively growing, typically in the spring and summer.
Do not fertilize Monsteras when dormant, as this can damage the roots.
Soil Issues
Monstera plants are native to tropical regions and prefer well-drained, humus-rich soil.
However, when grown as houseplants, they are often grown in potting mix that does not drain well or is too dense. This can lead to several problems, including root rot, which can cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow.
When the soil does not drain well, the roots cannot access the oxygen they need to survive, which can also cause Monsteras leaves to turn yellow.
You can tell if your Monstera plant suffers from soil issues, if the leaves are wilting or if the stem is soft and mushy.
Other symptoms include yellowing leaves, brown spots on the leaves, and stunted growth.
How To Fix It
The best way to fix this problem is to repot your Monstera plant into a fresh, well-draining potting mix that holds moisture but still drains well.
Monsteras prefer a potting soil mix that is light and airy, such as peat moss and perlite.
Additionally, it is essential to choose a pot with drainage holes, as this will help prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Monstera plants should be repotted every two to three years to keep soil from compacting. This will also help refresh the potting mix and provide the plant with new nutrients.
Repotting Shock
Monsteras are notoriously tricky to repot, and the process can often damage the roots.
This root damage can lead to a water shortage and nutrients, causing the leaves to turn yellow.
Additionally, when Monsteras are repotted, they are often moved to a pot that is too large.
The extra space in the pot can cause the roots to dry out quickly, leading to the Monstera turning yellow.
You can tell if your Monstera plant suffers from repotting shock if the leaves are wilting and turning yellow, especially the oldest leaves.
Other common symptoms include stunted growth, brown leaves, and leaf drop.
How To Fix It
If your Monstera plant is suffering from repotting shock, the best thing you can do is wait.
Monsteras are very resilient plants and will often bounce back from repotting damage given time.
You can also help your Monstera plant recover by providing extra water and humidity.
Monsteras prefer high humidity, so placing the pot on a pebble tray can help to increase the moisture in the air around the plant.
Pest Infestation
A pest infestation is one of the most common causes of Monstera yellowing leaves.
Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs are all common pests that can infest Monstera plants and cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Pests suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
Pest infestations can also spread disease, so dealing with them as soon as possible is essential.
You can tell if your Monstera plant has a pest infestation if you see small insects or webs on the leaves or stems.
Other common signs of pest infestation include leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and leaf drop.
How To Fix It
Treating your Monstera plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil is the best way to get rid of pests.
These products are safe for Monsteras and will kill the most common pests.
Also, regularly check your Monstera plant for pests and remove any you find by hand.
Additionally, you can help prevent pests by regularly cleaning your Monstera plant and keeping the area around it free of debris.
Diseases
Leaves turning yellow is a common problem caused by several diseases, including anthracnose, fungal leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
These diseases are fungi that cause the leaves to turn yellow by damaging the chlorophyll in the leaves.
Chlorophyll is responsible for photosynthesis, which is how plants make food from sunlight.
When the chlorophyll is damaged, the plant can no longer make food, and the leaves turn yellow and eventually die.
You can tell if your Monstera plant has a disease if you see yellow spots on the leaves or stems.
Other common symptoms include stunted growth, leaf drop, and brown lesions on the leaves.
How To Fix It
If your Monstera plant has a disease, the best thing you can do is treat it with a fungicide.
There are many fungicides available, so choose one safe for Monsteras.
Also, remove any affected leaves from the plant to prevent the disease from spreading.
Lastly, you can help prevent diseases by regularly cleaning your Monstera plant and keeping the area around it free of debris.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Monstera plants are known for their ability to adapt to various environments.
However, this adaptability can also cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow.
When a Monstera plant is moved to a new location, it undergoes a period of adjustment as it acclimates to the new conditions.
During this time, the plant may experience stress, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
In most cases, the plant will eventually recover from the stress, and the leaves will return to their normal color.
However, if the stress is too great, the plant may die.
Therefore, it is essential to be careful when moving Monstera plants and give them time to adjust to their new environment.
How To Fix It
If your Monstera plant is experiencing stress from a new environment, the best thing you can do is to give it time to acclimate.
Avoid moving the plant again until it has had a chance to adjust to its new surroundings.
Additionally, you can help your Monstera plant acclimate to its new environment by providing it with the proper care.
Give it the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer, and avoid exposing it to drafts or extreme temperatures.
Natural Causes
Monstera leaves turning yellow can also be caused by natural causes, such as old age or the seasons.
Monstera leaves are known to turn yellow when they age and start to die.
This is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle and is nothing to worry about.
Monstera plants also tend to shed their leaves during the winter months.
The plant goes dormant during the winter and doesn’t need as many leaves to produce food.
As a result, the plant will shed its leaves to conserve energy.
How To Fix It
If your Monstera plant is experiencing yellowing leaves due to old age or the seasons, there is nothing you can do to fix it.
The Monstera plant will eventually shed its leaves and grow new ones.
By understanding the natural causes of yellowing leaves, you can be sure that it is nothing to worry about and that your Monstera is healthy.
Can Yellow Monstera Leaves Turn Green Again?
Once Monstera leaves turn yellow, they will not turn green again. This is because the chlorophyll in the leaves is damaged and cannot be repaired.
However, new leaves that grow on the plant will be green.
So, if your Monstera plant is losing its leaves, don’t worry! The plant will grow new, green leaves to replace them.
Should I Cut Yellow Leaves off Monstera?
It is not necessary to cut yellow Monstera leaves off the plant.
It is better to leave them on the plant so that the plant can absorb nutrients from them.
You should only consider cutting Monstera yellow leaves off the plant if they change color due to overwatering, pests, or fungal infection.
In these cases, it is best to remove the affected leaves so that the rest of the plant stays healthy and prevents diseases from spreading.
Also, if the leaves are damaged, you should cut them off so the plant can focus its energy on growing new, healthy leaves.
Final Thoughts
Monstera plants are tropical foliage that features large, perforated leaves.
They are popular houseplants due to their easy care requirements and stylish appearance.
However, Monstera leaves can sometimes turn yellow, indicating that the plant is not getting the proper care.
The most common reasons Monstera leaves turn yellow include overwatering, underwatering, pests, disease, stress, and natural causes.
In most cases, you can save the plant by taking the appropriate action.
By understanding why Monstera leaves turn yellow, you can give your plant the care it needs to stay healthy and green.
