10 Reasons Why Monstera Is Turning Yellow And How To Fix It

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for yellow leaves in Monstera plants. Monstera plants prefer to dry out between waterings.

When the soil is constantly wet, it can lead to root rot, a condition where the roots become damaged and unable to absorb nutrients effectively.

Signs of Overwatering

• Yellowing leaves, starting from the lower leaves.
• Mushy, brown roots.
• Soil that remains wet for an extended period.

How to Fix Overwatering

Before watering your plant, it's essential to check the soil moisture. Gently press your finger into the top 2-3 inches of soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. However, if the soil is still moist, it’s best to wait a few more days before watering to avoid overwatering.

Improving drainage is crucial for maintaining healthy plants. Make sure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Consider using a well-draining potting mix that helps prevent water from pooling around the roots.

If you suspect your plant is suffering from root rot, repotting may be necessary. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any rotten or damaged roots, and then repot the plant in fresh soil.

On the other end of the spectrum, underwatering can also cause yellow leaves. When a Monstera doesn’t receive enough water, it cannot transport nutrients effectively, leading to yellowing.

Signs of Underwatering

• Dry, brittle leaves.
• Soil that pulls away from the edges of the pot.
• Wilting and drooping leaves.

How to Fix Underwatering

Setting a watering schedule for your Monstera is crucial for its health. Water it when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry to the touch; this way, your Monstera will receive the adequate amount of moisture it needs but not become overwatered in the process.

Higher humidity makes for a better setting, so misting the leaves or a humidifier is crucially important in providing that excess moisture favored by Monsteras.

Monstera plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light can cause the leaves to turn yellow as the plant struggles to photosynthesize properly. Conversely, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, also leading to yellowing.

Signs of Poor Lighting

• Yellowing and dropping leaves.
• Leggy growth as the plant stretches toward light.
• Scorched, brown spots on the leaves.

How to Fix Poor Lighting

Place the plant in front of a window where it will get filtered light, but not in direct sunlight that might burn the leaves.

If you don't have natural lighting, then supplement with growing lights. They can keep your Monstera healthy by giving the plants that extra bit of light they may need when the light is low.

Monstera plants require a balanced supply of nutrients to maintain their lush green appearance. A deficiency in essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can cause yellowing leaves.

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency

• Pale or yellow leaves, often starting with the older leaves.
• Slow growth.
• Smaller than normal leaves.

How to Fix Nutrient Deficiency

You will significantly boost the growth rate of your Monstera with a balanced fertilizer. During the growing season-that is, spring and summer-feed your plant with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer following the package instructions in order to provide the right nutrition.

If this has stripped the soil of all its nutrients, then your Monstera might want a fresh potting mix. Adding new soil by repotting will not only reboot this plant but also offer an excellent place for the roots to flourish.

Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can infest Monstera plants, causing stress and yellowing leaves. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, weakening it over time.

Signs of Pest Infestation

• Yellowing and curling leaves.
• Sticky residue or white, cotton-like masses on the leaves.
• Tiny insects visible on the plant.

How to Fix Pest Infestation

The plant should be isolated to prevent the spread of the pest to other plants. As soon as one notices any manifestation of the pest, the plant needs to be separated from others.

The leaves need to be hand-washed using a light soapy solution in order to eradicate the pests. A light, gentle wash has been able to reduce infestation on the plant.

If the infestation is more serious, a treatment with an insecticidal soap or neem oil will efficiently treat the plant against these pests.

Monstera plants prefer stable temperatures and can be sensitive to sudden changes. Extreme cold or heat can cause yellowing leaves and other stress symptoms.

Signs of Temperature Stress

• Yellowing and wilting leaves.
• Leaf drop.
• Brown edges on the leaves.

How to Fix Temperature Stress

Keep your Monstera in a room where the temperature remains as stable as possible and fluctuates mostly between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Within this range, your plant will be healthy and in good shape.

In addition, keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, or air conditioning units to avoid sudden changes in temperature, which may stress the plant and weaken its growth.

While nutrient deficiency can cause yellowing leaves, so can over-fertilization. Excessive fertilizer can lead to a build-up of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots and prevent nutrient uptake.

Signs of Over-fertilization

• Yellowing and browning leaf edges.
• Crusty white residue on the soil surface.
• Stunted growth.

How to Fix Over-fertilization

Water your plant thoroughly to wash out the salt buildup in the soil. Allow the pot to drain well, with no water pooling at the bottom.

Too much salt can burn the roots over time; hence, it will be wise to reduce the frequency and quantity of fertilizers applied to your plant.

Sometimes, yellow leaves are simply a sign of natural aging. Older leaves may turn yellow and die off as new growth emerges. This is a normal process and not necessarily a cause for concern.

Signs of Natural Aging

• Yellowing is confined to the oldest, lower leaves.
• Healthy new growth at the top of the plant.

How to Manage Natural Aging

Pruning also allows the plant to put its energy into new, healthier growth, rather than working on sustaining the old leaves, which may be dying.

You don't just make the plant generally look better when you remove the leaves; instead, you also contribute to a guarantee that the plant will have a healthy life expectancy.

When a Monstera plant outgrows its pot, it can become root-bound, leading to yellowing leaves. A root-bound plant has roots that are tightly packed and unable to access adequate nutrients and water.

Signs of a Root-Bound Plant

• Yellowing leaves, especially on the lower part of the plant.
• Roots visible through drainage holes.
• Stunted growth.

How to Fix a Root-Bound Plant

Plant your plant in a larger container, allowing the roots to grow further. Adding fresh soil replenishes the nutrients that get lost in the soil over time.

If the roots become tightly bound or show any evidence of decay, then a good hack is to trim them back in order to promote healthier and more vigorous root development.

The quality of water you use for your Monstera can also impact its health. Tap water containing high levels of chlorine, fluoride, or other chemicals can cause yellowing leaves.

Signs of Poor Water Quality

• Yellowing and browning leaf tips.
• Leaf spots or discoloration.
• A buildup of white residue on the soil surface.

How to Improve Water Quality

Filtered or distilled water is the best for your Monstera, mainly because it prevents chemicals from building up. If you are using tap water, let the water sit out overnight.

This is because chlorine evaporates, thus avoiding most of the chemical potential for harm to your plant. This simple step can make quite a difference in maintaining the overall well-being of your Monstera.

1. Regular Monitoring: Regularly inspect your Monstera for signs of stress or pest infestation. Early detection can help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

2. Proper Watering Techniques: Ensure you are watering your Monstera correctly. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.

3. Adequate Light: Provide your Monstera with bright, indirect light. Consider using grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

4. Balanced Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season and avoid over-fertilizing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.

5. Humidity and Temperature: Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels. Use a humidifier or mist the leaves to increase humidity if necessary.

6. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and take immediate action if you notice any signs of infestation. Regularly clean the leaves and use insecticidal soap if needed.

7. Pruning and Repotting: Regularly prune your Monstera to remove old, yellow leaves and encourage new growth. Repot the plant every 1-2 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound.

1: How often should I water my Monstera to prevent yellow leaves?

Answer: Water your Monstera when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Typically, this means watering every 1-2 weeks, but it can vary depending on the environment.

Ensure the pot has good drainage, and avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot, which can cause yellow leaves.

2: Can low humidity cause my Monstera leaves to turn yellow?

Answer: Yes, low humidity can stress your Monstera, leading to yellowing leaves. Monstera plants thrive in environments with humidity levels between 60-80%. Increase humidity by misting the leaves, using a humidifier, or placing a water tray with pebbles near the plant.

3: What type of light is best for a Monstera plant to avoid yellow leaves?

Answer: Monstera plants prefer bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause yellowing due to insufficient photosynthesis, while direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Place your Monstera near a north or east-facing window or use sheer curtains to filter the sunlight if it is in a south or west-facing location.

4: How can I tell if my Monstera is suffering from a nutrient deficiency?

Answer: Signs of nutrient deficiency in Monstera plants include pale or yellow leaves, especially older leaves, slow growth, and smaller-than-normal new leaves.

To address this, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) and consider repotting the plant with fresh potting mix if necessary.

5: What should I do if I suspect my Monstera has a pest infestation?

Answer: If you suspect a pest infestation (e.g., spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects), isolate the affected plant to prevent spreading. Wash the leaves with a mild soap solution and remove pests manually.

For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect and clean the leaves to prevent future infestations.

6: Can repotting help if my Monstera's leaves are turning yellow?

Answer: Yes, repotting can help if the Monstera is root-bound or if the soil has become compacted or depleted of nutrients. Choose a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one and use fresh, well-draining soil.

This provides the roots with more space and access to nutrients and can help resolve yellowing leaves due to root issues.