Check these first
- Touch the top 2 inches of soil.
- Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
- Inspect the roots for a mushy texture.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nutrient Deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the plant looks otherwise healthy.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Find out what's wrong with your monstera adansonii
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaf to yellow and die as the plant grows. Worry if multiple leaves turn yellow at once or if the stem feels soft.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always check the soil moisture before adding more water.
Monstera Adansonii: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your monstera adansonii and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant.
- Can low light cause yellowing?
- Yes, if the plant is in a very dark corner, it may drop leaves or turn yellow because it cannot support them.
More problems with Monstera Adansonii
- How do I fix root rot on my Swiss cheese plant?
- How do I get rid of pests on my Swiss cheese plant?
- Why are my Monstera adansonii leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Monstera adansonii growing so leggy?
- Why is my Monstera adansonii drooping?
- Why is my Monstera adansonii losing leaves?
- Why does my Monstera adansonii have brown spots?
- Why are my Monstera adansonii leaves curling?
Back to the Monstera Adansonii guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

