Why are the leaves of Monstera turning yellow?

Unsuitable soil

reason

Monstera has a well-developed fleshy root system and requires high soil permeability. Clay or slightly clay soils are not conducive to its growth. If the soil is not changed for a long time or the soil itself has poor air permeability, the soil will become compacted, affecting the respiration of the roots of the Monstera, causing the Monstera to grow poorly and the leaves to turn yellow.

Workaround

For home potted Monstera, the planting soil can be a mixture of 2 parts of cooked loess, 1 part of honeycomb coal ash, and 1 part of chicken manure. This can not only ensure the air permeability of the potting soil for Monstera, but also meet the fertilizer requirements for growth.

Over- or under-watering

reason

Too much water will cause the root rot of Monstera, while too little water will cause the plant to lack water and grow poorly. Both of these situations will cause the leaves of Monstera to turn yellow.

Workaround

Water regularly depending on the surrounding environment. Water thoroughly each time and keep the surface of the soil in the pot slightly dry. You can frequently sprinkle water on the leaves of the turtle's back and the surrounding environment to increase the air humidity.

Too much light or too little light

reason

Monstera is shade-tolerant, but placing it in a shaded environment for a long time will affect photosynthesis and cause the leaves to turn yellow. At the same time, Monstera should not be placed under strong light, as strong light exposure will cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow.

Workaround

Pay attention to shading for Monstera in summer. It is best to place it in a place with scattered light. In winter, when the temperature is low, move the Monstera to a sunny place indoors. If the place where it is kept receives too much light, supplement the light regularly at noon.

Temperature is too low

reason

The suitable temperature for Monstera's growth is 20-25℃. The night temperature in winter should not be lower than 10℃. Mature plants can withstand low temperatures of 5℃ for a short period of time. If the temperature is lower than 5℃, frost damage will easily occur, causing yellow leaves of Monstera.

Workaround

Before winter, control the water of Monstera properly to enhance its cold resistance.
The roots of Monstera deliciosa need to be properly kept warm in winter to enhance the plant's resistance to cold, but do not place the Monstera deliciosa directly on a radiator or next to an air conditioner.

Too little fertilizer

reason

Iron is an essential raw material for plants to synthesize chlorophyll. If no fertilizer is applied for a long time, or if there is insufficient iron in the soil or fertilizer, it will affect the synthesis of chlorophyll in Monstera, causing the leaves to lose their green color and turn yellow.

Workaround

If the leaves turn yellow due to iron deficiency, you should apply alum fertilizer or spray 0.1-0.3% ferrous sulfate solution.

Poor ventilation

reason

Monstera likes a humid environment, but if the ventilation is poor and the environment is hot and stuffy, the plant will grow in turbid air for a long time, having difficulty breathing, causing the leaves of the Monstera to turn yellow.

Workaround

Place the plant on a balcony or windowsill and open windows frequently for ventilation. Or you can place the Monstera indoors for viewing during the day and move it outdoors at night to breathe fresh air. (Except winter)