Monstera leaves turning yellow

Monstera leaves turn yellow most often from overwatering, which leads to root rot. Other common causes are too little or too much light, too much or too little fertilizer, stress after repotting, and the normal aging of old leaves. Check the soil first. If it is still damp, wait to water, and let the top quarter to third of the soil dry before you water again. Give the plant bright, indirect light, room temperatures of 60 to 85°F (16 to 29°C), and a pot with a drainage hole. One or two old yellow leaves at the base are normal.

Start with the cause that is easiest to check. Push a finger into the soil, look for a drainage hole, and tip the plant out to look at the roots. Soft, dark roots point to rot, and you will need to trim them and repot in fresh mix. A white crust on the soil points to fertilizer salts. If the soil and roots look healthy, look at light next. Iowa State Extension notes that several problems often combine, so fix all of them, starting with the main cause.

Every houseplant lover needs at least one Monstera in their collection. These leafy plants are beloved for their interesting foliage, even if they can be slightly fussy when growing indoors.

Monstera leaves turn yellow for many reasons, making the problem difficult to diagnose. The main issue is usually overwatering, followed by overfertilizing or lack of light. The inverse of these can also lead to yellowing, requiring analysis of your previous plant care to resolve the issue. Shock from recent repotting can also lead to yellowing, or it may simply be the result of old age and no cause for concern.

Read on to learn the five most common reasons for yellowing leaves on Monstera plants.

1. Incorrect watering

When your Monstera plant’s leaves start turning yellow suddenly, you’ve likely got a watering problem on your hands.

The most common issue with Monsteras is overwatering. NC State Extension advises soaking the soil, then letting the top quarter to third of the soil dry before the next watering. The roots can rot when the soil stays wet. This can occur when you water while the top layer of soil is still moist, when the pot is too big, or when the pot or soil lacks drainage.

Hold off on watering your Monstera plant for a while to allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again. If the problem is not resolved, repot your plant, trim the roots, and plant in fresh soil. From then on, wait to water until the top quarter of the soil has dried, and don’t let the pot sit in a saucer of water.

Although less likely, underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow. When a Monstera plant lacks moisture, it becomes stressed, causing the leaves to droop and yellow. You are more likely to see the edges of the leaves turning brown first, with slight yellowing surrounding the brown patches.

The fix for underwatering is a better routine. Once the top quarter to third of the soil has dried, water until it runs out of the drainage hole. Don’t wait until all the soil has dried out, as this stresses the plant and slows growth.

2. Incorrect fertilizing

Nutrients play a large role in the correct functioning and growth of your Monstera plant. When they have too few nutrients, or are potentially given too many nutrients at one time, you may encounter some yellowing on the leaves.

If you’ve kept your Monstera in the same pot for years on end without repotting or fertilizing, lack of nutrients may be the cause. Yellowing related to nutrient problems is usually patchy, with discoloration of different intensities around the leaves rather than yellowing all at once.

As a few different nutrient shortages can cause yellowing, a general balanced houseplant fertilizer is the simplest fix. Iowa State Extension suggests using fertilizer at half or quarter strength indoors, and skipping feeding when the plant is not growing.

On the other hand, if your Monstera has recently been fertilized and begins to yellow, you’ve likely added more fertilizer than needed. Overfertilizing results in a build-up of salts in the soil that effectively burns the roots and the leaves, causing yellow or brown leaves, leaf drop, and wilting.

Flush the soil with plenty of clear water until it runs out of the drainage hole to remove as much of the excess fertilizer as possible. Avoid fertilizing for a couple of months to allow the plant to recover. To prevent overfertilizing, never add more than the amount recommended on the packaging.

3. Incorrect light levels

Monstera plants grow best when given bright indirect light indoors. This best matches the dappled light they receive in their native habitats. When the light levels are excessively low or too high, you may notice some yellowing.

Monsteras in low light are likely to begin yellowing over time, eventually slowing growth or stopping altogether. The color change is often linked to overwatering too, as evaporation is far lower in low-light areas. Yellowing will normally start with older leaves, spreading to others if the plant is not moved.

Intense direct sunlight or even a too-strong plant light can also lead to yellowing. The leaves closest to the light source will develop brown, crispy patches, often surrounded by a ring of yellow. As the leaves prefer shady areas, they can burn when placed in direct sun for long periods. Keep your plant lights more than 1-2 feet away from the foliage (especially if the light is new to the plants).

Move your Monstera to a more suitable position, introducing it to new lighting conditions slowly to avoid shock.

4. Incorrect repotting

Repotting is an important part of indoor plant care. But, getting it wrong can lead to several problems in your Monsteras, including yellowing leaves.

If your Monstera has not been repotted in a while, you may notice roots growing through the base of the pot or above the soil line. The plant will begin to wilt and leaves will start to yellow due to lack of water and nutrients.

Repotting incorrectly can also lead to yellowing leaves. The process is quite traumatic for plants that are not fans of change, appreciating consistent environments. The stress of repotting may cause the leaves to yellow for a couple of weeks, but the plant will eventually adjust to its new pot and recover from shock, returning to normal.

Limit your chances of shock by repotting quickly, using a similar soil mix, watering immediately afterward, and placing your plant back in the same spot it was in previously.

5. Natural aging

Not all yellowing in Monstera plants is cause for concern. Sometimes, it’s simply part of the plant’s natural lifecycle and a result of old age. If the yellowing leaves are older and only one or two have changed color, there is no need to worry. Allow them to die off naturally or trim them with pruning shears to improve the overall look of your Monstera plant.

Monstera yellow leaves FAQ

Should I cut off yellow Monstera leaves?

Yes. A leaf that has turned yellow will not turn green again. Trim it at the base with clean pruners.

How often should I water a Monstera?

There is no set schedule. Soak the soil, then wait until the top quarter to third of the soil has dried.

Can too much light turn Monstera leaves yellow?

Yes. Strong direct sun or a grow light set too close can scorch leaves, leaving brown patches ringed with yellow.

What temperature does a Monstera like?

About 60 to 85°F (16 to 29°C), with high humidity. NC State suggests a humidifier or a pebble tray in dry rooms.

Is Monstera toxic to pets?

Yes. NC State lists Monstera as a problem for cats, dogs, and horses.

References

• NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Monstera deliciosa
• Iowa State University Extension, Diagnosing houseplant problems related to poor culture