What to do when Monstera deliciosa leaves turn yellow? Cause analysis and solutions

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) is an evergreen climbing plant and a well-known large indoor potted foliage plant. It is fairly common in our daily lives, and since it prefers cool, shady conditions, it is very well suited to indoor growing. Its feng shui symbolism is also considered very good, making it quite popular. But some friends find during cultivation that its leaves turn yellow, which affects its ornamental appeal. So what is going on? Let's take a look below at the solutions for yellowing leaves on Monstera deliciosa.

1. Soil problems

Cause: The root system of Monstera deliciosa is fleshy and well developed, and it has fairly strict soil requirements: the soil should be fertile, loose, well-draining and well-aerated. Heavy, sticky soil is not good for 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 deliciosa is shade-tolerant, but being in a shaded 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 the sunlight is too strong, 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 deliciosa is 20-25 degrees. In summer, the temperature should not be below 30 degrees. It is not cold-tolerant, and in winter the temperature should 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 deliciosa, while underwatering leads to poor plant growth. Both situations can cause the plant's leaves to turn yellow.

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

5. Fertilizing

Cause: Iron is extremely important for plants to synthesize chlorophyll. If fertilizer is not applied for a long time, causing a lack of iron in the soil, it will affect chlorophyll synthesis, thereby causing leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: Since the yellowing leaves are caused by a lack of iron, 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 deliciosa likes a humid, well-ventilated environment. If it grows for a long time in a stuffy, poorly ventilated environment, its leaves will have difficulty breathing, which causes the leaves to turn yellow.

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

The above is the content on the causes of yellowing leaves on Monstera deliciosa and the solutions. After reading this, everyone should now know why the Monstera deliciosa they are growing has yellowing leaves, so why not try the solutions we have provided?