Hey everyone, Elias here! You know, the garden is my happy place, but lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about indoor plants, specifically the ever-popular Monstera deliciosa. It seems a lot of you are noticing those beautiful, fenestrated leaves starting to turn yellow. It’s a common sight, and honestly, it’s one of the first things I learned to diagnose when I started bringing more greenery inside.
From my years of getting my hands dirty in the soil, I’ve learned that plants, whether they’re outside in the elements or inside with us, often give us clues when something isn’t quite right. Yellowing leaves on a Monstera are usually a sign that the plant is trying to tell you something about its environment.
The Usual Suspects: Watering Woes
This is, by far, the most common reason for yellowing leaves. And it can go both ways!
- Overwatering: This is a big one for Monsteras. They like to be watered thoroughly, but then they need their soil to dry out a bit before the next watering. If the soil stays soggy, the roots can’t breathe and start to rot, leading to yellowing, often starting with the lower leaves. It’s like us trying to walk around with soggy socks all the time – not good!
- Underwatering: On the other hand, if your Monstera is thirsty, it will start to sacrifice older leaves to conserve energy for new growth. The leaves might look a bit droopy and then turn yellow and crispy, usually starting from the edges.
How to Check: Stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s probably time to water. If it feels moist, hold off. You can also use a moisture meter if you have one.
Nutrient Needs: The Feeding Schedule
Just like we need good food to thrive, our plants need nutrients. If your Monstera is consistently yellowing, especially on the older leaves, and you’re sure your watering is on point, it might be hungry.
- Lack of Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), Monsteras appreciate a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. If you haven’t fertilized in a while, or ever, this could be the issue.
- Too Much Fertilizer: Believe it or not, too much can also cause problems, sometimes showing up as yellowing or brown, crispy tips.
How to Check: If you haven’t fertilized in months, try a diluted dose during the growing season and see if it helps. If you fertilize heavily, consider flushing the soil with plain water to wash out excess salts.
Other Factors to Consider
- Light: While Monsteras love bright, indirect light, too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, causing yellow patches. Not enough light can also lead to slower growth and overall paler leaves.
- Pests: Sometimes, tiny pests like spider mites or mealybugs can weaken the plant, leading to yellowing. A close inspection, especially on the undersides of leaves, is always a good idea.
- Natural Aging: Remember, older leaves will naturally yellow and drop off as the plant grows. If it’s just one or two lower leaves, and the rest of the plant looks healthy, it’s likely just part of the plant’s life cycle.
Bringing my gardening know-how indoors has been such a rewarding journey. The principles are surprisingly similar: observe your plants, understand their needs, and don’t be afraid to gently troubleshoot. With a little attention, your Monstera will be back to its lush, green self in no time!