If your Monstera is showing new growth and the older leaves are yellowing, this yellowing is natural. The plant sheds its old leaves and releases energy to the new growth. However, there are some problems with the plant that can cause yellowing of the leaves. Monstera gets yellow leaves if not cared for properly. With our tips you will learn how to properly care for your plant.
1. Problem with irrigation
Monsteras can be very picky when it comes to water. They don't like it when they dry out. But they are also susceptible to root rot if they get too much water for too long.
Overwatering
If you noticethat the leavesIf your Monstera is yellow, the first thing you should do is check the soil for excessive moisture. Simply stick your finger into the soil. Is the earth wet? Does it smell somehow fishy? If so, the Swiss Cheese plant is most likely suffering from root rot caused by overwatering and will need to be completely repotted. And when you water the plant, you should check the soil first to make sure it isn't already too moist.
Underwatering
Too little water can also cause your Monstera to have yellow leaves. You stuck your finger in the dirt and it came back bone dry. The Monstera is thirsty! A plant that doesn't get enough water will show this by its leaves drooping, yellowing, curling and eventuallylight brown and drybecome. Because the soil is so dry, the plant needs to be watered particularly thoroughly. You should move the plant to a place where you can water it abundantly, such as a garden. B. outside with a hose or in the shower.
2. Incorrect lighting conditions
Just like with water and temperature, monsteras don't like extremes when it comes to light. Monstera gets yellow leaves when it receives too much or too little light. The plants thrive best in bright, indirect light. When a sheet comes throughlots of lightis burned, the burned area becomes brown (or black) and dry, and the surrounding areas of the leaf turn yellow. If a Monstera doesn't get enough light, its growth will slow.
Symptoms of lack of light are as follows:
- Obliteration – elongated stems reaching for the light appear leggy or spindly.
- Smaller sheets with holes and tears
- Slow growth
- Stem leans toward or away from window
- The soil takes a long time to dry out between waterings
If your Monstera exhibits these symptoms and is already developing yellow leaves, you will need to inspect the roots for rot by removing them from the pot. If it is indeed root rot, you will need to repot the plant in fresh soil.
3. Monstera gets yellow leaves due to temperature stress
Monsteras are real rainforest plants. They do not know the meaning of winter and therefore do not like cold. The plants stop growing when temperatures fall below 10°C and the leaves begin to yellow. They also become stressed when exposed to extreme heat or direct, scorching sunlight. If you notice that your Monsterasuffers from yellow leaves, you should take a look at the location of the plant:
- Is it in a southwest-facing window where it gets full afternoon sun?
- Is it next to a cold, drafty window in winter?
- Is your plant next to a hot radiator?
Any of these extreme temperature sources can stress your Monstera! It would be best to move the plant a few feet away from the offending source in a location where the temperature is more stable.
4. Avoid stress when repotting
Monsteras tend to be delicate after repotting. The stress can be caused by the roots being exposed for too long, the soil has changed, or the plant was repotted at the wrong time of year (late winter or early spring is best).The leaves turn yellow, because the Monstera tries to conserve nutrients and water after the traumatic event. Over time she will recover and feel even more comfortable in her new pot.
You can reduce stress on the plant after transplanting by placing it back in the same location and maintaining the same watering schedule. Too much light or water (or too little of both) will worsen transplant shock.
5. Nutrient problem can cause yellowing of leaves
An imbalance in your Monstera's fertilizer can also result in yellowing leaves. This can happen from too much fertilizer, which causes salt burn on the plant, or from a nutrient deficiency.
Overfertilization
It's best to fertilize the plant every few weeks to keep it healthy and strong throughout the growing season. Monsteras prefer a well-balanced fertilizer. They can also change the acidity of the soil. Too much salt in the soil causes what is known as salt burn, a result of chemical drying. If you have determined that this is the cause of the yellow leaves, you will need to water them well to flush out any excess nutrient salts from the soil.
Nutrient deficiency
On the other hand, your Monstera may be suffering from a nutrient deficiency. When is the last one she has?Sometimes fertilizeror get fresh soil? If you can't remember, you should feed the plant soon!
There are three main nutrients (macronutrients) that all plants need: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If there is a nitrogen deficiency, the Monstera will have stunted growth. The leaves show chlorosis, which means they become lighter and the oldest leaves on the underside turn completely yellow.
A phosphorus deficiency also leads to stunted growth. As the condition worsens, the leaves and stems may darken and take on a reddish or purple discoloration.
A potassium deficiency leads to browning or burns on the leaf edges and chlorosis between the leaf veins. This yellowing begins with the oldest leaves as the plant redistributes the potassium deficiency to the younger leaves.
If you have determined that the plant is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, you should provide it with a balanced, organic fertilizer and consider top dressing with fresh soil or worm castings.
6. Pests and Diseases
There are three diseases to consider if your Monstera's leaves are yellowing: anthracnose, fungal leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Anthraknose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that begins with yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Anthracnose spreads faster when it is moist, such as B. when it rains or when an affected plant mother frequently sprays the leaves of an infected Monstera. You must remove the infected plant or the disease will spread further. Use sharp pruning shears to cut off any affected leaves and stems.
Fungal leaf spots
In contrast to anthracnose, with leaf spot the leaf is eaten from the outside by a fungus. The fungus can cause a collection of yellowing spotson the sheetcause. You must remove the infected tissue to prevent further spread. You can prevent fungal problems by increasing air circulation around the plant, especially if you run a humidifier nearby.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew can be recognized quickly because the fungus forms a white, powdery-looking coating on the leaf. If this disease is not controlled, the leaves dry out and turn yellow. Treatment for this disease is the same as for other fungal infections. Remove the affected plant parts and discard them.
