Why Your Monstera Leaves Are Turning Yellow–and How to Fix It

Monstera is a beautiful, beginner-friendly houseplant—but growing one isn't a complete walk in the park. Often, your plant will signal that it's stressed and you need to change its care regimen; since monstera are beloved for their glossy green leaves, it's very easy to panic when they start to turn yellow.

Fortunately, yellow leaves aren't the end of the world, and the issue can be easily fixed—and your plant will be thriving again in no time. The key? Knowing why your monstera leaves are turning yellow. If you can identify the cause, fixing it should be a breeze.

Overwatering

All of the experts we spoke to agree: The most common reason for yellow monstera leaves is overwatering. "Monstera prefer evenly moist soil, but they need oxygen at the roots," says Elin Harryson, plant expert at Planta. "When soil stays wet for too long, roots can’t breathe, leading to stress and reduced nutrient uptake."

Fortunately, it's a problem that can be easily diagnosed. Simply stick your finger a few inches into the pot and see if the soil is wet. "You can also lift the pot. A dry plant is surprisingly light; a waterlogged one is heavy—this is often more accurate than checking just the surface," says Ankit Singh, an assistant professor at The University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

To fix the issue, simply let the soil dry out. You can continue checking the soil moisture with your finger—if it still feels wet, then hold back on watering.

"Shoot for letting the top 50 percent or so of the potting mix dry out before you water again," says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms. "If you’re not sure if your monstera needs water or not, it’s usually better to wait, as it’s generally going to be happier if it stays a little too dry."

Should symptoms persist, you can try other methods. "Gently remove the plant from the pot and check the roots. Trim any brown or mushy parts and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil," says Singh.

Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes. Monstera doesn't like sitting in a pool of water, so it should always be kept in a container with holes—this will prevent future issues.

Underwatering

Just as overwatering can be an issue, so too can underwatering. It's not as widespread as the former, but a lack of water can nevertheless cause leaves to turn yellow. "It often shows up as yellow leaves with dry, crispy edges," says Singh.

It's easy to tell if underwatering is the culprit, as the soil will feel "bone dry," says Harryson. "Water thoroughly when the top few inches of the soil feel dry," she says. "Ensure water reaches the whole root ball."

The problem may also be the water itself. "Sometimes yellowing, especially spots or edges, can be caused by sensitivity to tap water," adds Singh. "If the standard fixes don't work, try using filtered water, or letting tap water sit out overnight."

Lack of Light

Monstera will thrive in bright, indirect light, but too little can cause problems. "In low light, they use water slowly and struggle to photosynthesize efficiently, leading to yellow leaves and leggy growth," says Harryson.

If yours is in a spot with little light, and you notice its leaves turning yellow, simply move it to a bright window with indirect light—or use a grow light.

The opposite can also be true. Too much light can cause stress and mild leaf scorch, so make sure you don't overcorrect and move your plant to a spot that's too sunny.

Pests

Unfortunately, pests are a reality for every home gardener. There are many different kinds that can pose a threat to your monstera, but one of the most common is thrips. "They cause yellowing and other symptoms such as silvery streaks, black specks, and deformed, stunted new growth," says Harryson.

First, isolate the plant, as these pests can spread quickly to other houseplants. "Rinse leaves thoroughly, and treat with pesticide, neem oil, or thrip predators," she adds. "Repeat treatments for four to six weeks, removing any visible thrips between applications."

To prevent pests from returning, it's important to check your plants regularly. That way, you can catch thrips and other problematic visitors early, before they feed on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.

Nutrient Deficiency

"Long-term yellowing, especially pale leaves with green veins, can signal a lack of nitrogen or micronutrients," says Harryson.

Nutrients are key for a healthy, thriving monstera. Add fertilizer periodically—every couple of weeks—through the growing season and fertilize less frequently during winter months," says Damon Abdi, an assistant professor at Louisiana State University AgCenter.