Monstera Yellow Leaves Explained: Causes & Solutions

That's a very common concern for Monstera owners! Yellow leaves, or chlorosis, are usually a sign that your plant is unhappy with its care routine.

Here is a detailed guide to the most common causes of yellow leaves on a Monstera, along with actionable solutions.

⚠️ Primary Cause: Watering Issues (Too Much or Too Little)

1. Overwatering (Most Common)

This is the number one killer of indoor plants, and the most frequent cause of yellowing. Overwatering leads to root saturation, suffocating the roots and preventing them from absorbing oxygen and nutrients—a condition known as root rot.¹

• Appearance: Leaves usually turn fully yellow and may feel soft or mushy. The yellowing often starts on the older, lower leaves first.²

  
  

• Solution:

  • Check the Soil: Stick your finger 2 inches deep. If the soil is wet, hold off on watering.

  • Inspect Roots: If the plant is showing severe yellowing and drooping, gently unpot it and check the roots. Healthy roots are white and firm; rotten roots are brown, black, or mushy.³ If you find rot, you must trim off the affected roots, repot into fresh, dry soil, and correct your watering schedule.

    
    

  • Correct Watering: Only water when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry. Always ensure your pot has excellent drainage.

2. Underwatering

While less common than overwatering, letting the soil dry out too much can also cause yellowing.⁴

• Appearance: Leaves may turn yellow and become dry and crispy.⁵ They often start to droop dramatically.

  
  

• Solution:

  • Thorough Soak: Give the plant a deep, slow watering until water flows out of the drainage holes. You can also try bottom-watering by letting the pot sit in a tray of water for 30 minutes to allow the soil to fully rehydrate.

  • Establish a Routine: Check the soil frequently and water when the top two inches are dry, usually every 7–10 days in the summer, less often in winter.

    
    

💡 Secondary Causes: Light, Nutrients, and Age

3. Nutrient Deficiency

Monstera plants are heavy feeders during the growing season (spring and summer).⁶ A lack of essential nutrients can cause chlorosis.⁷

• Appearance:

  • Nitrogen Deficiency: Yellowing starts on the older (lower) leaves.

  • Magnesium/Iron Deficiency: Yellowing occurs between the veins of the younger (new) leaves (a pattern called interveinal chlorosis).

• Solution:

  • Fertilize: Use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer (like a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10) diluted to half strength during the spring and summer months (about once a month).

  • Flush the Soil: If you haven't fertilized in a long time, flush the soil with water to remove potential salt buildup, and then begin a regular fertilization schedule.

4. Poor Light Conditions

While Monsteras tolerate low light, insufficient light hinders photosynthesis, leading to dull color and yellowing.

• Appearance: Slow growth, dull green color, and yellowing, often on leaves that are furthest from the light source.

• Solution: Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can burn the leaves (brown/yellow patches).⁸

  
  

5. Natural Aging

The oldest leaves on a Monstera eventually die off to make way for new growth.⁹ This is a normal, healthy process.

• Appearance: Yellowing is limited to just one or two of the oldest leaves (lowest on the stem). The rest of the plant looks healthy and is putting out new growth.

• Solution: This is normal. Once the leaf is fully yellow or brown, you can prune it off cleanly with sterilized shears. The plant is recycling the nutrients from that old leaf.

  
  

📝 Quick Troubleshooting Summary

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Yellow, soft, droopy leaves (starting low)	Overwatering / Root Rot	Water less often; check for root rot.
Yellow, crispy, shriveled leaves	Underwatering	Water thoroughly until water drains out.
Yellowing between veins on new leaves	Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Magnesium)	Start a consistent, balanced fertilizing schedule.
One or two lowest leaves yellowing	Natural Aging	Prune off the old leaves and enjoy the new growth.