What to Do When Monstera Leaves Turn Yellow? Cause Analysis and Solutions

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is an evergreen climbing plant and a well-known large indoor potted foliage plant. It is fairly common in our daily lives and prefers cool, shady conditions, making it very suitable for indoor growing. Its feng shui symbolism is also considered very good, making it quite popular. However, some friends have found during growing that its leaves turn yellow, affecting its ornamental appeal. So what is going on? Let us take a look below at the solutions for yellowing Monstera leaves.

1. Soil problems

Cause: Monstera has a well-developed fleshy root system and has fairly strict soil requirements. It needs soil that is fertile, loose, well-draining and well-aerated. Soil with heavy stickiness is not conducive to its growth. If the soil is not changed for a long time or the plant grows in soil with poor aeration, the soil will clump together, affecting root respiration, causing poor growth and yellowing leaves.

Solution: When planting, choose fertile, loose soil with good aeration.

2. Light

Cause: Monstera is shade-tolerant, but being in a sheltered environment for a long time will affect its photosynthesis and cause leaves to turn yellow. However, it should not be placed in strong light either, as overly intense sunlight will scorch the leaves and cause yellowing.

Solution: In summer, when sunlight is too intense, provide appropriate shading. In winter, when temperatures are lower and light is insufficient, move it to a place with ample light or use artificial lighting.

3. Temperature

Cause: The suitable growing temperature for Monstera is 20-25 degrees. In summer, the temperature must not be below 30 degrees. It is not cold-tolerant, and in winter the temperature must not be below 10 degrees. Above 30 degrees or below 5 degrees will stop its growth, thereby causing leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: In summer, when temperatures are high, find ways to lower the temperature of its growing environment. In winter, before winter sets in, you can control watering to enhance its cold resistance and keep the plant's root system warm, but do not place it next to a heater or air conditioner.

4. Watering

Cause: Overwatering can cause root rot in Monstera, while underwatering can cause poor growth. Both situations can cause the plant's leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: Water according to the environment and season. Each time, water thoroughly and keep the potting soil slightly dry. You can also spray water around the plant's surrounding environment to increase air humidity.

5. Fertilizing

Cause: Iron is extremely important for plants to synthesize chlorophyll. If no fertilizer is applied for a long time, causing a lack of iron in the soil, it will affect chlorophyll synthesis and cause leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: Since yellowing leaves are caused by iron deficiency, regularly apply or spray ferrous sulfate solution. The key is to be sure to dilute it, keeping the concentration between 0.1-0.3%.

6. Ventilation

Cause: Monstera likes a moist, well-ventilated environment. If it grows for a long time in a stuffy environment with poor ventilation, its leaves will have difficulty breathing, thereby causing leaves to turn yellow

Solution: Place the plant in a well-ventilated area, such as a balcony. If growing it indoors, open the windows frequently for ventilation or move it outdoors at night.

The above is the content on the causes and solutions for yellowing Monstera leaves. After reading this, you should also know why the Monstera you are growing has yellowing leaves, so why not try the solutions we have provided.