Has your Monstera plant started to look a little sad? Maybe turning a not very healthy looking shade of yellow.
Well if so then you’re right to be concerned. Yellowing Monstera leaves doesn’t mean it’s doomed but it does show your plant is unhappy. Its a clear sign something is amiss.
After looking after many Monstera over the years I’ve seen about every shade of yellow they can turn. And I know all the reasons it happens.
So I’m going to show you what’s likely happening to your Monstera plant and how to fix it.
Understanding Your Monstera Plant
First things first – Monstera deliciosa are tropical plants that have become extremely popular because of their amazing leaves. Those splits and holes (technically called fenestrations) are so striking. But the leaves also give you a great insight to your plants health.
In their natural habitat Monsteras grow under the canopy of large trees in the rainforests or Central America. This sort of environment would give them a good amount of dappled light, moderate humidity and soil that drains well.
In order to keep them happy in our homes we have to try and recreate those conditions. And sometimes it doesn’t work.
The yellowing leaves are a sign that something isn’t right. But the same symptom can have multiple causes. Thankfully it’s something that can be fixed and doesn’t do any lasting damage if you get to it in time.
So let’s go through the main reasons for yellow leaves on a Monstera.
7 Reasons Your Monstera Has Yellow Leaves
1. Overwatering
If there’s one thing that sends more Monsteras to an early grave than anything else it’s overwatering. You think you’re being so kind and giving them what they want and then bam! They’re ether turning yellow or worse – dying on you. I’ve done it myself. There’s a strong urge to keep watering when you’re not sure!
Overwatering just makes the soil soggy and the basically suffocates the roots until they rot. And the first sign? Monsteras usual green leaves turning yellow, starting with the lower, older leaves.
What to do about it:
- Check the soil moisture before watering – stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. Only water when those top two inches feel dry.
- Reduce how often you’re watering. Especially in winter when growth slows.
- If the pot feels heavy and the soil stays wet for more than a week you might need to repot with better draining soil.
- Make sure your pot has drainage holes – no exceptions!
I once rescued a Monstera that had been sitting in water for weeks. Its roots were black and mushy but after trimming away the dead parts and repotting it in fresh soil it started growing again within a month. They can be super resilient when given the chance.
2. Underwatering
Yes, Monsteras don’t like wet feet. But they do need consistent watering. Underwatering makes them conserve resources by sacrificing older leaves which then turn yellow and eventually brown.
But how do you tell the difference between yellowing from overwatering or from underwatering? Well underwatered leaves often curl or crisp up at the edges before turning completely yellow. The soil will be bone dry too and the whole plant will look droopy.
How to fix it:
- Start a watering routine based on your specific environment (every 7 to 10 days is usual)
- Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes
- If the soil has become hydrophobic (repels water), soak the pot in a sink or tub for 15 to 20 minutes
- Try using a moisture meter if you’re not sure about when to water
3. Too Much or Too Little Light
Finding the sweet spot with light can be tricky. Monstera needs bright and indirect light to really thrive. Not low light, in case you’ve read differently elsewhere.
Too little light will result in your Monstera not being able to photosynthesize properly. The leaves turn yellow because they’re not producing enough chlorophyll. But direct sunlight will scorch the leaves also causing yellow or brown patches. So you have to find that balance between the two and what your specific Monstera likes.
Getting the light right:
- Put your Monstera near an east or north facing window to get gentle morning light
- Filter out harsh afternoon sun from south or west windows with a sheer curtain
- Rotate your Monstera quarterly so all sides receive the same amount of light
- A grow light can help during the dark winter months
I moved my own Monstera three times before I found the place it was really happy. It turned out to be about five feet from a south facing window where it gets bright light but no direct sun. That one simple change made a huge difference to how much it grew.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
Plants need more than just water and light. Food is almost as important. So if your Monstera has been in the same pot with the same soil for more than a year it’s probably hungry.
A deficiency in nitrogen will often show up as yellow leaves, especially the older ones. If you’ve noticed yellowing between the veins of new leaves (and the veins themselves staying green) that’s a sign of a lack of iron. Magnesium deficiency also causes yellowing at the leaf edges that eventually moves inward.
Feeding your Monstera:
- Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring through early fall)
- Feed once a month during the active growth periods
- Stop fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows
- Repot with fresh soil every 2 to 3 years
So many problems with houseplants comes down to poor nutrition. A simple feeding schedule makes a big difference.
5. Pests
Spider mites, scale, mealybugs and thrips all love sucking on your Monstera’s juicy leaves. And as they’re feeding they do damage to the plant cells and take its nutrients. This leads to yellow patches and spots.
Each pest leaves different signs. Spider mites cause tiny yellow or white speckles. With scale it’s bumps along the steams and undersides of the leaf. Mealybugs look like little cotton balls in the joints of the leaves. And thrips leave silvery damage that later turns yellow.
Dealing with pests:
- Isolate any infected plants as soon as possible so you stop them spreading
- If the infestation is light then you can probably get away with just wiping the leaves with neem oil solution or insecticidal soap
- Treat weekly until no signs remain then once more to catch any eggs that might have hatched
- For more severe infestations you might need chemical insecticides. If so then follow the package directions carefully to make sure they work fully
My worst experience with pests was thrips on a Monstera. I ended up treating my entire collection of plants as a precaution because I was so worried about any spread. It was a pain but worth it to protect them.
6. Temperature Stress
Monsteras are tropical plants that prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). If the temperature drops suddenly below 50°F (10°C) it can shock the plant and this often causes yellow leaves.
Look out for things like putting your Monstera too close to a heating vent, too near to an open window (especially in winter) and any cold drafts from air conditioners. These can all cause stress even if it feels like the room temperature is fine.
Temperature solutions:
- Keep your Monstera away from drafty windows, exterior doors and AC units
- Move them at least 3 feet from heating vents or radiators
- Use a thermometer by placing it near your plant so you can keep any eye on its microclimate
- Grouping plants together works. They create their own humidity and moderate temperature fluctuations
7. Natural Aging
Sometimes a yellow leaf is just part of the natural cycle. Monsteras, like all plants, redirect energy from older leaves to the new growth. If the yellowing you’re seeing is only in the lowest leaves and is happening fairly infrequently then there’s a good chance it’s just your Monstera making room for new leaves.
Managing natural leaf loss:
- Only remove leaves once they’re fully yellow. Leaves that are only partially yellow are still providing energy to the plant
- Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the leaf off at the base of its stem
- Keep track of how many leaves are yellowing. If it’s more than one or two at a time that suggest there’s a problem. Less and it’s more than likely just age
I’ve seen people panic over a single yellow leaf when their Monstera was otherwise pushing out new growth like crazy. Its always best to stay calm and think rationally rather than overreacting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut yellow leaves off my Monstera?
Yes, but only once they’re completely yellow. Partially yellow leaves can still photosynthesize. Use clean scissors when you come to remove any and cut at the base do the leaf stem.
Can yellow Monstera leaves turn green again?
Unfortunately, no. Once a leaf has turned yellow it can’t return to green. The plant puts its energy into new growth instead.
How often should I fertilize my Monstera?
During growing season (so spring through to early fall) fertilize monthly with a half strength, balanced houseplant fertilizer. Skip fertilizing in winter when the growth naturally slows.
Why are my Monstera’s new leaves yellow?
New leaves turning yellow is more concerning than old leaves yellowing. This usually means your plant has a nutrient deficiency (especially iron) or pest problem that will require immediate attention.
Can too much light cause yellow leaves on Monstera?
Yes! Direct sunlight can scorch Monstera leaves and result in both yellow and brown patches. Monsteras need bright, indirect light rather than direct sun.
Final Thoughts
Monsteras communicate pretty well for a plant! Their yellow leaves may not look very nice but they’re a great way for it to catch your attention and let you know somethings not right.
The good news is that most problems are fixable with a little detective work and adjusting how you care for your plant. A good place to start is by looking at how you’re watering your Monstera (as its the most common culprit). After that you just have to work your way through the other possibilities until you find the cause.
And remember that plants are living things that adapt and change. What worked for your Monstera last year could need some tweaking as it gets large or as the seasons change. Keep a close eye on it, be open to adjusting what you’re doing and don’t be too hard on yourself if you find the occasional yellow leaf or leaves.
If you do things right then your Monstera will recover from most yellowing problems.