Why Is My Monstera Turning Yellow? 5 Causes and How to Fix Them

If your monstera's leaves are turning yellow, the most common cause is overwatering. But it's not the only possibility. Here are the 5 most likely causes, how to tell which one you're dealing with, and exactly what to do about it.

Your Monstera deliciosa is an Adventurous plant - it rewards attention with dramatic growth. But when something is wrong, it tells you through its leaves. Yellow leaves are its way of saying "help."

1. Overwatering (the most common cause)

This is the number one reason monstera leaves turn yellow. It's also the most common mistake new plant parents make - not because they don't care, but because they care too much.

How to tell: The soil feels wet or soggy days after watering. The yellowing starts on the lower leaves and spreads upward. The yellow leaves feel soft and limp, not dry. You might notice a mushy smell from the soil.

What to do right now:

• Stop watering immediately
• Check the drainage holes - if the pot has no holes, that's likely the problem
• If the soil is soaking wet, gently remove the plant and let the root ball dry on newspaper for a few hours
• Check the roots - healthy roots are white or tan. Brown, mushy roots mean root rot
• If you find root rot, trim the affected roots with clean scissors and repot in fresh, well-draining soil

How to prevent it:

• Water only when the top 5cm (2 inches) of soil feels dry to the touch
• Always use a pot with drainage holes
• Empty the saucer after watering - never let your monstera sit in standing water
• In winter, water less frequently. Your monstera's growth slows down and it needs less water
• A consistent care schedule helps. Track your watering so you know exactly when you last watered

2. Underwatering

Yes, too little water can also cause yellowing. The symptoms look different from overwatering though.

How to tell: The soil is bone dry and pulling away from the edges of the pot. The yellow leaves feel dry and crispy, not soft and limp. The plant may be drooping overall. Leaf edges might be brown and curling inward.

What to do right now:

• Water thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes
• If the soil is very dry, water from below: place the pot in a tray of water for 20-30 minutes and let it soak up
• Mist the leaves to give immediate humidity relief
• The plant should perk up within 24-48 hours

How to prevent it:

• Check your monstera every 7-10 days in summer, every 10-14 days in winter
• The finger test works perfectly: stick your finger 5cm into the soil. If it's dry, water. If it's still moist, wait
• Set a reminder so you don't forget. Consistency matters more than perfection

3. Too much direct sunlight

Monsteras are rainforest plants. In the wild, they grow under the canopy of larger trees. They love bright light, but direct sunlight can burn their leaves.

How to tell: The yellowing appears on the side of the plant facing the window. The yellow patches may have brown, crispy edges. It looks more like bleaching than the uniform yellowing of overwatering.

What to do right now:

• Move your monstera away from direct sunlight
• A spot with bright indirect light is ideal - near a window but not in the direct beam
• If you have a south-facing window, pull the plant back 1-2 meters or use a sheer curtain

How to prevent it:

• East-facing windows are perfect for monsteras: bright morning light without harsh afternoon sun
• If your monstera is near a south or west window, a sheer curtain filters the light beautifully
• Rotate your monstera a quarter turn every few weeks so all sides get even light

4. Natural aging (lower leaves)

Here's the reassuring one: sometimes yellow leaves are completely normal.

How to tell: Only the oldest, lowest leaves are yellowing. The rest of the plant looks healthy and is producing new growth. The yellowing happens slowly, one leaf at a time.

What to do: Nothing. This is natural. Your monstera is redirecting energy from old leaves to new growth. You can gently remove the yellow leaf once it's fully yellow - it'll come off easily.

When to worry: If more than one or two leaves are yellowing at the same time, or if new growth is also affected, it's not natural aging. Check the other causes on this list.

5. Nutrient deficiency

Less common, but worth checking if none of the above fit.

How to tell: The yellowing appears between the veins of the leaf while the veins themselves stay green. This pattern is called chlorosis. It usually means the plant needs iron or magnesium. The plant may also show slow or stunted growth.

What to do right now:

• Feed your monstera with a balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength
• If the soil is very old (has not been changed in 2+ years), consider repotting with fresh potting mix
• Do not overfeed - more fertilizer is not better. Overfeeding can cause brown leaf tips

How to prevent it:

• Feed your monstera every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer (the growing season)
• Reduce to once every 6-8 weeks in autumn and winter
• Use a balanced fertilizer, not just nitrogen
• Fresh potting mix every 1-2 years replenishes nutrients naturally

How to tell which cause it is

Still not sure? Here's a quick diagnostic:

Quick reference

The most common mistake

Most monstera owners overwater in winter. Your monstera grows much slower in the colder months and needs far less water than in summer. If you're watering on the same schedule year-round, you're probably overwatering from October to March (or April to September if you're in the Southern Hemisphere).

The fix is simple: check the soil before watering, not the calendar.

Your monstera is an Adventurous plant. In LeafLovers, it would remind you in its own voice: "Hey, I am all about exploring new heights - but my roots need to breathe. Let the soil dry out a bit before the next drink."

Related guides

• Monstera Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Overwatering vs Underwatering - How to Tell the Difference
• Brown Tips on Houseplants: 6 Causes and How to Fix Them