What to Do When Monstera Leaves Turn Yellow? Find the Cause and Fix It in Time

There are many reasons why Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) leaves turn yellow. If you notice yellowing leaves, you can cut off the yellow leaves and place the plant in a well-ventilated spot. Generally, the causes of yellowing Monstera leaves include unsuitable soil, too much or too little watering, too much or too little light, temperatures that are too low, too little fertilizer, poor ventilation, and so on. Let's take a look below at what to do when Monstera leaves turn yellow!

Yellowing leaves caused by unsuitable soil

[Cause of yellowing] The Monstera was originally an epiphytic plant, and its well-developed root system consists of fleshy roots, so it has high requirements for loose, breathable soil. Sticky and slightly sticky soils will affect root growth to varying degrees. If the soil is not breathable enough or is not changed for a long time, the soil may become compacted, affecting the respiration of the Monstera, which leads to poor growth and yellowing leaves.

[Solution] For a potted Monstera in the home, the growing medium can be a mixed soil made from 2 parts aged loess, 1 part honeycomb coal ash, and 1 part chicken manure. This not only ensures the breathability of the potting soil for the Monstera but also meets the fertilizer requirements needed for growth.

Yellowing leaves caused by improper watering

[Cause of yellowing] Too much or too little watering can cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow. Too much water can cause root rot in the Monstera, while too little water causes the plant to suffer from water shortage and grow poorly. Both situations can cause yellow leaves in the Monstera.

[Solution] The Monstera should be watered regularly, thoroughly each time, keeping the soil surface slightly dry. When the air is dry, spray water on the surrounding environment and on the Monstera leaves.

Yellowing leaves caused by improper light

[Cause of yellowing] Too much or too little light can both cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow. The Monstera is shade-tolerant, but keeping it in a shaded environment for a long time will affect photosynthesis and cause the leaves to turn yellow. At the same time, the Monstera should not be placed in strong light, as strong light will scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.

[Solution] In summer, the Monstera should be shaded, and it is best to give it some scattered light.

Yellowing leaves caused by temperatures that are too low

[Cause of yellowing] The suitable growth temperature for the Monstera is 20-25°C. In winter, the nighttime temperature should not fall below 10°C during the seedling stage. Mature plants can tolerate 5°C for a short time, and below 5°C they are prone to cold damage, causing the Monstera leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] In winter, the roots of the Monstera need appropriate warmth to enhance the plant's cold resistance, but do not place the Monstera directly on a radiator or next to an air conditioner.

Yellowing leaves caused by too little fertilizer

[Cause of yellowing] Iron is an essential raw material for plants to synthesize chlorophyll. If the soil or fertilizer lacks sufficient iron, it will affect the Monstera's chlorophyll synthesis, causing the leaves to lose green color and turn yellow.

[Solution] For yellow leaves caused by iron deficiency, apply alum fertilizer water or spray a 0.1-0.3% ferrous sulfate solution.

Yellowing leaves caused by poor ventilation

[Cause of yellowing] Poor ventilation can cause the Monstera leaves to turn dull yellow.

[Solution] Keep indoor ventilation good. You can also place the Monstera indoors for viewing during the day and move it outdoors at night.