The monstera plant (also known as monstera deliciosa) is famous because of its large leaves, which have asymmetrical perforations. Due to these perforations, it’s commonly known as the Swiss Cheese plant. These perforations also make it aesthetically pleasing, which is one reason they make good houseplants.

However, yellow leaves are one problem these plant owners may face. And, once they turn yellow, their appearance certainly changes.

Let’s look at 10 reasons monstera leaves turn yellow and review how to combat this.

1. Water issues

The leaves of the monstera plant can turn yellow due to water issues, such as:

Overwatering

Excess water is one of the reasons monstera leaves turn yellow. If you are overwatering the plant, the leaves at the bottom will turn yellow. Subsequently, the leaves above will follow suit.

If this occurs, reduce the watering frequency or watering quantity.

Underwatering

Underwatering, on the other hand, will dry the leaf edges. After which, the leaves wilt and turn yellow. This impacts the newer leaves as well.

Now, if you notice this, increase the watering frequency or the water quantity.

2. Temperature variations

Monstera is a tropical plant. Consequently, it needs a particular temperature range to grow.

Tropical plants grow in temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18 Celsius to 26 Celsius). 

If the temperature goes below 65°F (18 Celsius), the growth of the plant will slow down. In addition, if the temperature goes below 50°F (10 Celsius), the plant will stop growing.

Whenever there is a temperature change, and the temperature does not revert to the ideal range, the leaves can start turning yellow. 

Therefore, if the leaves of your Swiss Cheese plant are turning yellow, and you also notice slow or no growth,  either adjust the temperature or place it in a location where it can be exposed to the ideal temperature. 

3. Light issues

Not enough light can impact the leaves of the monstera plant. As we have highlighted above, monstera plants are tropical plants.  As such, they need bright light.  And, the light must also be indirect. 

Placing your plant in direct light increases the risk of scorching the plant, and the leaves turning yellow. After turning yellow, the leaves might turn brown as well. 

It’s a good idea to keep them in such a place that they receive indirect light.

On the other hand, too little light can also cause problems. If the plant does not have enough light, the leaves might turn yellow and pale. The reason for this is that they will not be able to properly make chlorophyll. And, if they aren’t able to make the proper amount of chlorophyll, the leaves will become discolored. Now, your plant is not getting enough nutrients, and consequently, it will result in yellow leaves.

If you have put the monstera plant in an interior room with no lights at all, it will lose its leaves sooner rather than later. In that case, you can introduce a grow light that exposes the plant to indirect light. 

The monstera plant thrives under specific lighting conditions. Either not enough light or too much light can result in a problem for this plant. Additionally, the direction of the light can cause problems. If there is too much direct sunlight, it can turn the leaves of the plant yellow. Place your plant in an area away from direct sunlight, but where it will still be sufficiently lit from the sun being reflected off other surfaces. 

4. Humidity problem

As monstera is a tropical plant, it needs high humidity.

If where you live has low humidity, the monstera leaves can turn yellow. However, this happens only when the plant is exposed to low humidity for an extended period.

If you want to avoid this problem, it is important to increase the humidity in the vicinity.

There are a few ways to do so.

• As you are planting the monstera indoors, it is a good idea to keep a humidifier in your room. Once you do so, you will be able to control the humidity.
• If you don’t have a humidifier, place a pebble tray with water on a table. Once you do so, the water will start evaporating slowly. It will ensure that the humidity content in the room increases gradually.

5. Diseases

Diseases are a pretty common reason why monstera leaves turn yellow.

There are essentially four different diseases that can make the leaves yellow.

Fungal spots

Fungal disease is another problem contributing to yellow leaves. Essentially, the presence of fungi can result in brown or yellow spots on the leaves of the plant.

The primary source of fungi is the soil. If you notice such yellow or brown spots on the leaves, it is a good idea to remove the infected leaves. Using a fungicide spray will tackle this problem.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is another disease that can cause yellow leaves. It leads to discoloration eventually. It can prove fatal for the plant as well. Once you notice this powdery growth, it is good to increase the air circulation and remove the infected leaves. You can purchase specific fungicide sprays that are effective against mildew.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is another disease resulting from fungi. At first, the leaves will become yellow, then they turn brown. After that, the plant will die, due to root rot issues. Using a fungicide would also be the solution to this problem. 

6. Pest problem

Pests are another common cause that can make the leaves of this plant turn yellow. Pests will suck out the plant juices and nutrition, which will eventually prove fatal to your plant.

Aphids are common pests. These might seem like grains of rice but are pests. Another pest that can impact the plant is a spider mite. While these aren’t visible to the naked eye, you will be able to see their webs. Once you notice the web, you can then use a magnifying glass to detect them.

When you detect pests, the best way to tackle them is to use a pesticide or horticultural soap.

7. Fertilizer issue

Almost every plant needs fertilizer to grow. The same is true for monstera as well.

However, if you give it too much fertilizer or too little fertilizer, then the leaves can turn yellow.

A lot will also depend on the type of fertilizer that you are using. Read the instructions on the package to gauge the correct amount. 

When you notice the yellow leaves of the monstera plant, it is a good idea to keep a watch on the amount of fertilizer you are using. If it is appropriate, think about changing the fertilizer.

Ideally, you should be using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Also, you should use it only once a month in the growing season. Anything greater than that increases the amount of fertilizer and will result in overfertilization. Overfertilization can lead to yellow leaves.

8. New environment

Have you repotted your monstera plant?

If so, it needs time to acclimatize to the new environment.

During this time, leaves may shed and the leftover leaves can turn yellow.

Once it starts growing in the new soil, the leaves will be green-colored again.

For more details on repotting monsteras, See How to repot a Monstera plant

9. Mineral deficiency

If your efforts to identify the reasons for yellow leaves have failed up until this point, the leaves might be turning yellow due to a mineral deficiency.

The general perception is that if the plant is suffering from a mineral deficiency, it is good to use a fertilizer. However, that in certain cases, fertilizer will weaken the plant.

A much better alternative is to use worm casting on the soil. Once you do so, there will be natural nutrition in the soil. Once the nutrition in the soil increases, the mineral deficiency will be eliminated. With the help of this natural nutrition, it will undoubtedly become easier for you to provide your plant with proper nutrition.

10. Natural process

The last reason which we are highlighting is one which you cannot do much about.

Sometimes, when the plant’s leaves keep on growing, they can become much bigger than the other leaves. These leaves are generally older as well. Once the leaves get older, the efficiency of the photosynthesis process reduces. Once the process slows down, instead of being green, the leaves can turn yellow.

This happens just before the leaves fall off.

And as mentioned, there is not much you can do about this.

Before you start diagnosing the problem, take a look at some common questions: it is necessary to go through the answers to some common questions, which we will highlight below.

Should I cut the yellow leaves off my monstera?

If the leaves have turned yellow due to fungal infection or disease, you will have no other option but to cut off the yellow leaves. If you do not do so, you will end up infecting the other leaves as well.

If the causes are other than that, do not cut them off. Instead, resolve the issue, with one of the previously-outlined methods, for instance, increasing the humidity, using a fungicide spray, etc.

At the end of the day, whether or not you cut the yellow leaves of the monstera, depends on the cause of the yellow leaves.

Can the yellow monstera leaves turn green once again?

Yes, Monstera yellow leaves can certainly turn green and healthy again. If the problem is overwatering, nutrition or overfertilization, once you solve the problem, it will be easier for the monstera leaves to turn green once again.