Why Are Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow? From A to Z

If you look closely, you will see the phenomenon of Monstera leaves turning yellow. Yellow leaf disease affects Monstera trees, including the Swiss Cheese plants, quite frequently. Almost everyone who is growing tropical plants for the first time is prone to this dilemma. Initially green and even alive, the leaves gradually start to turn yellow.

Many gardeners are really anxious as a direct consequence of this. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to this dilemma. Learn how to care for Monstera with yellow leaves in today’s article, as well as some other helpful growth and plant-care tips!

What do leaves turning yellow on Monstera plants look like?

According to feng shui, when the luscious branches of Monstera plants, such as a Swiss Cheese plant, are placed inside a home, the owner will experience immense fortune, excellent health, and prosperity. Additionally, the Monstera plants represent luck and peace, which might protect residents from negative experiences. Your home will become amazing and beautiful, as well as opulent, thanks to the Monstera tree’s beauty and verdure.

The plant will first display symptoms at the edges of its leaves when they are yellow. The symptoms will continue to spread until the entire leaf surface is covered in yellow. To make matters worse, there is a strong likelihood that additional branches’ leaves may be affected if just one leaf starts to turn yellow. It’s possible that the leaves will even deteriorate, going from yellow to brown. The leaves have reached the withering and fading stage when they start to turn brown. The tree will, at the very least, perish if this scenario continues.

Monstera yellowing leaves causes and how to fix

Watering errors

The phenomenon of Monstera leaves turning yellow might be a consequence of insufficient watering or overwatering. The likelihood of leaves dying increases if the leaves become dry and brittle. Therefore, only water your Monstera plant when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. It is necessary to keep the growing medium moist but not soggy.

Last but not least, water the plant for around 30 minutes, then drain any extra water into the substrate. The plant may develop “wet feet” if it is overly damp. This way, you will avoid root rot for the plant.

Inappropriate lighting 

In general, indirect sunlight is ideal for Monstera plants’ growth. The foliage is susceptible to burning if left in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. This is one of the reasons why Monstera leaves turn yellow. Brittle edges and browning or yellowing of the leaves are signs of burned leaves. Although the growth of this South American saw palmetto is impeded by low light conditions, or in other words, too little light, it can adapt to those conditions.

Yellow leaves on the foliage might result from inadequate lighting. Therefore, pay attention to the amount of light your pet monster is receiving there and make your moves accordingly. And don’t forget to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause Monstera leaves to yellow.

Temperature

These Monstera plants require moderate humidity and temperature to be maintained when cultivated indoors. They risk stunted growth and developmental failure if it is too cold. They can easily dry out and curl leaves if they become too hot, especially in direct sunlight.

Although they enjoy warmer temperatures in the winter, humidity levels must be kept at a certain level. They should also be prevented from drying out, which can be problematic when heating. In the winter, when indoor humidity may be low, misting the Monstera plant once a day can be beneficial. However, high humidity will attract scales, so it is important to find a balance between keeping the plant moist and preventing pests.

Natural ageing

Plants naturally start to die as they get older, which is another precaution. The plant’s natural life cycle merely dictates that older leaves will ultimately fall off. Typically, the tree’s larger and lower leaves start to turn yellow and die. You may either switch them off as they start to fade if you believe it’s depriving the plant of enough life, or you can leave them on until they’ve mostly turned yellow. This should only be viewed as a regular aspect of your Monstera plant’s growth as long as the remainder of the plant is healthy and expanding. 

Over-fertilization

Over-fertilization is the main problem with Monstera plants. Due to their sluggish growth rates, most houseplants don’t need much fertilizer, but Monstera plants can benefit from sporadic fertilization with a nitrogen-rich mix. When Monstera plants are kept in pots indoors for a prolonged period of time, nutrient shortages may arise. Since it is a primary foliage plant, nitrogen will help keep the leaves healthy, brilliant green, and attractive.

While over-fertilizing can burn the roots and stems and cause yellowing of the foliage as the burned fertilizer passes through the plant, it must be done sparingly and carefully. As a general guideline, it’s best to apply a mild nitrogen-rich fertilizer mixture once a year, just before the warmer months. 

Pets or diseases Infestation

The Monstera plant’s popularity as a houseplant is partly due to its hardiness and moderate resistance to pests and diseases. As long as the Monstera plant is in good health and there are no other plants in the house that could transfer bugs into the environment, your plants are probably not going to have too many pest issues.

Nevertheless, fungus gnats, powdery mildew caused by phytophthora, red spider mites, flies, scales or thrips are typical pests that can attack weak or stressed plants and cause tree defoliation. Most pests that can harm these plants can be avoided by removing dead leaves, keeping the soil free of debris, and maintaining adequate hydration.

How to improve the situation of yellow leaves? 

Wipe the yellow Monstera leaves

Spray distilled water on the affected leaves and let them sit for approximately five minutes before cleaning them. To soak your microfiber cloth, mix a teaspoon of non-detergent soap with half a gallon of distilled water. Start wiping the top and bottom of the leaf very gently, being sure to hold the opposite side of the leaf steady with your hand. To maintain clean and healthy leaves, we suggest doing this at least once every few months!             

Move the Monstera plant to another better place

Your Monstera plant’s development and how frequently you notice yellow leaves can both be impacted by its location. Plants should be kept indoors in well-lit or glassed spaces that allow for some daily natural light to enter through open windows. It’s also crucial to be mindful of where you are with regard to air and heater vents because exposure to direct hot or cold air may significantly stress out a plant and cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow. If you don’t have a spot that gets enough natural light, you can consider a grow light to supplement the light your plant is getting.

Trim off yellow leaves

To maintain your tree’s good looks and to encourage new development, pruning yellow Monstera leaves may occasionally be required. Yellowing Monstera leaves can be cut off to keep the tree’s attractiveness, but pruning the remainder of the plant delicately is necessary. To maintain the tree’s size and shape, it may occasionally be required to make a cut. It is advisable to eliminate around a third of the entire plant population at once. 

Repot

When noticing yellow leaves on a Monstera plant, the final factor to take into account is whether repotting is required. As previously discussed, a plant’s root system that is too compact and a lack of soil in the pot can cause problems with soil retention and plant health, such as root rot in wet soil. Repotting only entails taking the affected plant out of its present container, releasing the roots so that they can expand organically, and putting the plant in a bigger container with new soil. Regular repotting is necessary for houseplants, although it can be challenging due to the prevalence of transplanting stress.

Conclusion 

If you follow the advice we just gave, the Monstera plant is simple to grow and expands swiftly. It is hoped that this article has helped you understand how to treat the yellow Monstera tree and has provided you with further useful information about this magnificent tropical tree. Please follow it as we provide more information about how to plant and care for this Monstera tree in the articles that come after this one.