Yellow Leaves in Monstera
The Swiss cheese plant is a stunning tropical houseplant with large, fenestrated leaves
Monstera care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to yellow leaves in Monstera. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Monstera
On Monstera, yellowing typically starts with older, lower leaves first, often beginning as a pale, washed-out green before turning fully yellow. If the yellowing spreads to newer growth or comes with dark, mushy patches near the base of the leaf, root rot is more likely than a simple watering or light issue.
Common causes in Monstera
Monstera's chunky, well-draining mix (with perlite) is more forgiving of overwatering than typical potting soil, so yellow leaves are more often a light or feeding issue on this plant than pure overwatering. Common causes: inconsistent watering (letting it dry out completely then overcompensating), too little light causing the plant to shed older leaves to conserve energy, or a nutrient deficiency if it hasn't been fed during the growing season.
How to diagnose yellow leaves in Monstera
Check soil moisture first. Wet soil + yellow lower leaves = overwatering. Dry soil = underwatering. Yellowing between veins = nutrient deficiency.
How to treat yellow leaves in Monstera
Check the top 2 inches of soil — Monstera's care guide calls for letting that dry out between waterings. If it's soggy, hold off watering and check roots aren't sitting in standing water. If the mix and watering schedule look right, move the plant to brighter indirect light and resume monthly feeding during spring/summer with a balanced liquid feed.
Preventing yellow leaves in Monstera
Water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, keep the plant in bright indirect light, and feed monthly during the growing season. A well-draining mix with perlite prevents most yellowing caused by waterlogging.