Are your Monstera leaves turning yellow? Do not panic! This problem is quite common in many houseplants and can be caused by several factors.
In this article, we’ll look at why your Monstera’s leaves may be turning yellow and give you tips on how to deal with this problem.
I will also cover the maintenance tips to keep your Monstera plant happy and healthy.
Discover the possible causes of yellowing and falling foliage to better care for your green plant. A detailed guide awaits you in the following lines. Let’s go.
Are you interested in wondering why spider plant tips turn brown or yellow? Click here to read if you are interested, or come back later.
Why Is My Monstera Turning Yellow? What Are The Main Causes?
There are many reasons to ask why is my Monstera turning yellow; the yellowing of leaves can be the result of the following:
Overwatering of the plant, lack of watering or nutrients, improper lighting or dry air, use of unsuitable soil and waterlogging, dryness, sunburn, or hard tap water.
Balanced fertilization, appropriate watering, and correct lighting conditions are crucial for plant health.
Here Are The Most Common Reasons Your Monstera Is Turning Yellow,
The Leaf Of Your Monstera Plant Is Old.
Sometimes, Monstera deliciosa has yellow leaves as a natural part of plant growth.
As the plant grows old, the leaves at the bottom may turn yellow, sag, and fall off.
It is normal for plants to drop old leaves that are not useful, especially as the plant grows and grows.
This type of yellow is not cause for concern but only a natural process of the plant. You can carefully remove the dying leaves.
But if you think that is not the course, keep on reading. I have a lot to explain.
Watering Problems
Asking why is my Monstera turning yellow, When your Monstera’s leaves start turning yellow suddenly, you’re probably facing a watering problem.
To differentiate the two types of suffering, observe the yellowing. If you notice the leaf edges turning brown with slight yellowing around the brown spots, it is likely underwatering.
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common problem. Although these plants appreciate moist soil, their epiphytic roots are particularly susceptible to rot and excess moisture.
Overwatering usually occurs when, at the time of watering, the top layer of soil is still wet or when there is a lack of adequate drainage.
Constantly wet soil risks rotting roots. Yellow leaves are the first signs of deteriorating plant health.
The solutions: If you have overwatered your plant, allow the soil to dry thoroughly before repeating the action.
When the problem persists, repot your plant in fresh soil, pruning the roots a little. Be sure to water only when the top two inches are dry, remembering to ensure good drainage.
Likewise, do not let the soil dry out too much to avoid the stress of underwatering, and add water when the two centimeters above are dry.
Underwatering
Underwater is when you do not give your plants enough water they require; this can occur due to a lack of attention to your plant.
Lack of water can also result in yellowing of the leaves. It happens because when you underwater the plant, the plant becomes stressed.
Always water your plants at least once a week so they won’t suffer dryness.
Remember, potted plants rely on you to water them as long as you keep them in the. If the soil seems dry, your Monstera may be under-hydrated
Solution;
Water your Monstera once a week during the summer. In winter, space out watering to allow the substrate to dry out 1/3 before watering again. Do not leave stagnant water in the pot or bowl.
In summary, Watering problems can cause yellow leaves in Monstera. Over or under watering can be harmful to the plant.
It is important to let the surface soil dry before watering again and to use well-drained soil to prevent roots from rotting.
To be excellent at watering your Monstera plant, I invite you to click here to read our article on how to water Monstera. [link]
Nutrient Deficiency
If you ask why is my Monstera turning yellow, Monstera is turning yellow if they lack nutrients.
If the Monstera turning yellow and watering isn’t the problem, think about the last time you fertilized or repotted.
If your plant has been in its current soil for over two months and you haven’t fertilized it in a few months, it may have absorbed all the nutrients from the potting mix.
Supplements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are needed for Monstera plants, as well as a variety of micronutrients like copper.
it should help your Monstera grow new, beautiful leaves.
Fertilizer Problems
If you want to know why is you Monstera turning yellow Fertilizers can also cause problems for Monstera.
Although plants generally need some fertilizer to continue growing, too much or too little can cause your Monster leaves to turn yellow or dull.
Overfeeding nutrients can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, damaging roots and resulting in yellow, wilted leaves.
If you purchased your Monstera plant from a garden center, it may have arrived in the soil with a slow-release fertilizer.
However, the plant will deplete the soil over time, and you will need to add some extra fertilizer.
I recommend fertilizing Monster with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, which is applied at half the recommended monthly strength during the growing season.
A little goes a long way, so it’s best to use a little fertilizer regularly, not a lot infrequently, and follow the recommended application instructions to avoid these problems.
The other side of the coin is excessive fertilization. This is generally a more common problem and more harmful to your plant’s health.
Excessive Fertilizers can cause several symptoms in your Monstera, including diseased-looking leaves and Monstera turning yellow.
Depending on whether it is chronic overfertilization or an acute problem, the plant may show signs of nutrient excess and deficiency.
The result will usually be root damage, which prevents your Monster from absorbing nutrients and water, significantly damaging the plant.
Solution;
Look for evidence of salt deposits in the soil or examine the frequency and amount of fertilization when considering this cause.
First try rinsing the floor with large amounts of water to try to rinse away excess salt. Do not re-fertilize your Monster for at least 3 months, and provide care conditions within the plant’s comfort zone.
You can also try transplanting your Monster, although this can sometimes cause additional stress to your plant, so this should be considered a last resort.
Pests And Diseases
Although quite robust, the Monstera is vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. The main pests of the plant are mealybugs, aphids, mites, and red spiders.
The most common diseases are anthrax, leaf spots, powdery mildew,
Let’s consider the attack of which pests can lead to yellowing the leaves on the Monstera and find out how to get rid of them.
Spider Mite
A web appears in the internodes of the stem. Settles due to excessively dry air, the Monstera turning yellow and falling off.
Solution: it is recommended to treat its leaves with a soap solution [aff pro], then wash the plant under a warm shower To bring the flower back to life
In severe damage, a solution based on “Actellik” is used. To prevent such a situation, spray greens with water.
Aphid
The presence of this pest leads to the deformation of the tops and the appearance of sticky leaves.
Since the rate of damage is high, over time, black fungi appear that interfere with photosynthesis.
Solution: To fight, a solution based on mustard powder is used. For this, 10g of powder is brewed with 1 liter of hot water and left to infuse for about 2 days.
The Monstera is sprayed with the resulting composition. Additionally, you can treat it with a decoction of garlic or onion peel.
Shield Bug
Damage caused by this Shield leads to the appearance of brown plaques. Insects suck the juice from the Monstera, which eventually leads to damage to the leaves and their death.
Solution: For treatment, the same manipulations are carried out as in the case of a spider mite attack. It is important to wipe the greens from both sides.
Mealybug
The problem is harmful to young greens and shoots. Greenery turns yellow, dries up, and eventually falls off. In a neglected situation, the flower may die.
Solution: Treatment measures do not differ from the previous ones. They are treated with a soapy solution or insecticide.
Sunlight Problem
Sunlight greatly impacts the plant as it help to produce photosynthesis and keep their Leaves Green.
The Monstera needs adequate lighting to grow properly. Too much or too little exposure to light can lead to problems such as yellow leaves burnt or wilted leaves.
Sunlight issue is divided into two: insufficient sunlight and too much sunlight. Let me explain the Sunlight Problem
Lack Of Light
Monsteras that benefit from very low light will gradually turn yellow, then slow down and completely stop their growth.
Lack of light can also result in excess water and yellowing, as evaporation in areas with low sunlight is much slower.
First, the old foliage will begin to yellow, followed by the young shoots. In such a situation, greens can turn yellow and crumble.
It is better to keep the pot closer to the window; only then will the flower be beautiful.
If your Monstera is not getting enough light, you can use grow lights to provide the necessary light.
Also be sure to turn your plant regularly to prevent the leaves from curling toward the light source.
Direct Sunlight
An excess of light has a negative effect on the plant’s growth: the green mass first turns yellow, then turns pale.
It is best to place your plant near an east or west-facing window for indirect, filtered light.
In summary, to avoid problems with incorrect sunlight, find a location that is better suited to the plant’s needs.
It is also important to gradually introduce the plant to its new environment.
An Unsuitable Temperature Or Low Humidity
Many people have been asking why is my Monstera turning yellow without knowing An unsuitable temperature causes Monstera to color yellow.
Monstera is a tropical plant that prefers warm, humid temperatures. Too low or too high temperatures can affect the plant’s growth and cause yellowing of the leaves.
Although these plants can survive for some time in a home with ordinary humidity levels, prolonged exposure to reduced humidity levels can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown.
If this is the case, it may be necessary to group your plants more closely with other plants or place them on a tray of pebbles filled with water to boost the humidity around them.
Most houseplants, like Monstera Deliciosa, are descended from tropical plants. In general, tropical plants thrive at temperatures between 18 and 27°C.
Tropical Plant growth slows when temperatures drop below 18°C. Plant growth probably stops completely when the temperature drops below 10°C.
Additionally, tropical plants like Monstera Deliciosa have difficulty withstanding harsh climatic conditions or sudden changes.
For instance, placing a plant too close to a drafty door or window, an air conditioner or heat vent, or even a drafty window chimney may cause it to start turning yellow and losing leaves.
If you think this is the case, move your plant to a warmer, more temperature-stable area of your home.
Solution;
Avoid placing your Monstera in locations where temperatures may drop below 15°C or exceed 30°C.
The ideal temperature for healthy Monstera growth is between 18 and 25°C. Or use or normal room temperature.
Poor Repotting
If you ask why is my Monstera turning yellow, Repotting is an important part of houseplant care. However, it can go wrong if you don’t know the right actions to carry it out. Yellow leaves are one of the manifestations.
If your Monstera hasn’t been repotted for a while, you may notice the roots coming out through the bottom or the top layer of soil.
I have already discussed this in my previous article: the sign to tell that your Montsera needs reporting.
To save you the headache of reporting, I invite you to 👉click here so you can read how to report Monstera properly. [link]
Suppose your Monstera hasn’t been repotted for a while. In that case, The plant will inevitably wilt, and the leaves will turn yellow.
The same goes for incorrect repotting, which can be traumatic for the plant—especially the Monstera, which does not particularly appreciate environmental changes.
If you recently transplanted your plant, it may be sensitive to the change in environment and develop wilted or yellow leaves.
The Monstera may take time to acclimate. Be patient and slowly adjust environmental conditions to allow your plant to adapt.
However, you should not worry too much about it because this type of yellowing is rather temporary, and the plant will eventually adapt to its new container.
Solution: Limit the risk of excessive stress by repotting quickly. Use similar soil and water immediately afterward.
Try to maintain a consistent humidity level to help reduce stress. Finally, don’t forget to place the plant in the same place where it was.
Change Of Environment
Sometimes, the plant will turn yellow and drop leaves after you bring it home or move it to a new location. It is not a cause for concern.
As the plant adapts to the new lighting conditions, some leaves may fall off because it cannot handle them all.
solution;
As it adapts to its new location, new leaves will grow. Avoid transplanting the plant during this time until it is completely adapted to the new location so as not to cause additional stress.
How Do You Fix Yellow Leaves On Monstera?
To restore your Monstera plant to its former beauty and health, a thorough analysis of the causes of yellow leaves is essential.
It is necessary to know why is my Monstera turning yellow. With simple changes, you will be able to recover this beautiful plant in a short time so that it can look healthy and green again.
Below are some of the most common triggers and appropriate treatment tips. I have already mentioned some solutions when discussing the causes of Monstera having yellow leaf.
In this section, I will explain it in a table format. Let’s go.
| Causes Of Yellow Leaves | Description | Treatment |
| Nutrient deficiency | A lack of important nutrients can cause the leaves to turn yellow. | Continue Regular fertilization during the growth phase and reduction in the less active period. |
| waterlogging | Monstera plants do not tolerate permanently wet roots. Waterlogging can damage the roots. | If there are signs of waterlogging, the plant should be repotted and the watering behavior adjusted. |
| Ball dryness | If the soil is too dry, this can also cause yellow leaves. | The root ball should be removed from the pot and submerged in water until completely moistened. |
| sunlight issues | Direct, intense sunlight can cause sunburn, causing the leaves to turn yellow. Or Monstera is located in a dark place. | The Monstera should be moved to a bright location but protected from direct sunlight. |
| hard water | Hard tap water for watering can promote the appearance of yellow leaves. | Use soft water, ideally rainwater or stale tap water. If necessary, boil tap water and cool. |
| Watering Problems | Lack of water or over-watering may be the problem that led to the yellow leaves, | Water once a week in summer and every 10-15 days in winter |
| Low humidity | humidity levels below 30-40% are considered low. Lack of moisture or water vapor causes the leaves to begin yellowing. | Increase the level of humidity by misting the leaves or using a humidifier. |
| Unsuitable temperature | your plant is in temperatures below 15 degrees or Unsuitable temperature | Avoid drafts and extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25°C. |
| Pests and diseases | Pests may eat plants, or your plant may have diseases | Identify and treat quickly |
| Fertilizer Problems | Over Fertilizer or Fertilizer breakup or the plant need Fertilizer | Use a balanced fertilizer and follow application instructions. |
| Stress after repotting | Transplanting can be a stressful practice for Monstera plants if not done correctly. | Give the plant enough time to recover and adapt. Slowly adjust environmental conditions to allow the plant to adapt. |
In summary
- Yellow leaves on the underside and wet soil indicate that the plant has been overwatered and possibly not received enough sunlight.
- If the leaves are yellow everywhere and the soil is dry, the plant is probably not getting enough water.
- If the leaves are yellow in random places and the soil is normal, the plant could suffer from a lack of light or nutrient deficiency. Have you fertilized your Mostera recently? It is important to do it!
- If you notice a yellow leaf here and there from time to time, don’t worry; your plant is simply shedding an old leaf.
Types Of Yellow Leaves In Monstera
Yellow Leaves With Black Spots
Act fast if your Monstera leaves are turning yellow and developing black spots.
Your Monstera likely has root rot, which can quickly kill the plant if not addressed.
To treat root rot, it is important to report your Monstera into fresh soil and a clean pot.
Remove as much soil as possible from the root ball and prune away rotten roots. Make sure the pot and soil drain well.
Once you’ve transplanted your plant, please place it in a location with much indirect sunlight and water it a little less than usual.
Click here to learn how to report a monstera. [link]
Yellow Leaves With Brown Spots
What if your leaves are yellow with brown spots? In this case, the color and texture of the stains are important:
- If the spots are light brown and dry, the plant probably lacks water, and you should check to see if the soil is dry.
- If the spots are dark brown and smooth, root rot may be establishing itself, and you should repot your plant as mentioned above.
- If the spots are medium brown and dry, a rare bacterial infection may be present.
If you rule out dryness and root rot, carefully remove the affected leaves with clean hands and tools and repot the plant as you would for root rot.
This should stop the spread of the infection.
Care Tips To Avoid Yellow Leaves On Monstera
If you want a Monstera to produce lush leaves, it is important to maintain it properly. Here are some practical tips.
pruning
Pruning is essential to keeping your Monstera in a healthy and attractive shape.
You can prune off yellow or damaged leaves to allow the monster to focus its resources on producing new leaves.
It is also recommended to prune stems that are too long to prevent the plant from becoming too tall and unbalanced.
Click here to read how to prune Monstera. [link]
Cleaning
Clean your Monstera’s leaves frequently to prevent the buildup of dust and dirt that can clog the plant’s pores and hinder its photosynthesis process. You can use a soft, damp cloth.
Rotation
Regularly Rotating your Monstera is recommended to allow sunlight exposure.
This will help prevent leaves from bending and ensure balanced plant growth.
Also read: How To Plant Bulbs In A Planter
Repotting
Repotting is recommended to maintain good growth if your plant’s roots are a little cramped.
Wait until spring to repot. Be sure to choose a pot slightly bigger than the plant’s current pot with drainage holes to prevent water pooling.
Click here to read how to report a monstera.[link]
Tutoring
Staking the Monstera is important to help the plant stay upright and develop properly. Indeed, on these plants, the stems are climbing and the leaves heavy, hence the need to use a stake.
It is best to place the stake when planting or when the plant is young to avoid damaging the roots.
Click here to learn how to shake a monstera. [link]
FAQ
Should I Cut Off Yellow Monstera Leaves?
It is recommended to remove the leaves when they turn yellow and start to wither so that the plant may concentrate on developing new, healthy leaves.
Using clean, sharp scissors is recommended to avoid damaging other parts of the plant.
Disinfect scissors with rubbing alcohol or bleach before and after cutting to prevent the spreading of disease or insects.
Cutting the yellow leaf as close to the stem as possible without touching it is important.
Can Yellow Leaves Turn Green Again?
Unfortunately, once a leaf turns yellow, it cannot turn green again. The yellowing of a plant indicates a loss of chlorophyll, which means the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis; I know more.
If your plant turns yellow, it doesn’t mean your plan to die. The plant will die if you do not take Immediate Action.
The yellow leaves of a plant will fall out, and fresh ones we grow again; except for those leaves that are about to turn yellow, proper care can make them restore their green leaves.
If all your leaves are yellow but the stem is fresh, they can still survive on proper maintenance. Never abandon your plant because you see yellowing leaves.
Is A Yellow Monstera Leaf Dead?
I will say a yellow Monstera leaf may be considered dead or dying because a completely yellow Monstera leaf is likely in an advanced stage of decline; the yellow leaf often indicates a loss of chlorophyll, as I said earlier.
If our plant has lost chlorophyll, the leaf is no longer actively contributing to the plant’s energy production.
My best recommendation is to cut off the yellow leaves so the main plant won’t share its nutrients with a Dying leaf.
Sometimes, relying on one part might not be the case. I have experienced many plants with yellow leaves but still recovering.
In my point of view it is important to note that not all yellowing leaves on a Monstera are necessarily dead.
In some cases, I have witnessed yellowing due to issues like overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or other stress factors; the leaf can still recover when you appropriately take care of it.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you understand the possible causes of why is my Monstera turning yellow and how to fix the problem.
Remember, yellow leaves can be an early sign of health problems in your plant. Still, with proper care and early identification of the problem, you can save your Monstera and help it thrive.
If you have any more questions about caring for your Monstera or other plants, don’t hesitate to Browse through our houseplant category; we are here to help.
This is the right time I introduce you to fruit benefits. Click on each title to read whichever one you like.
