Should I cut off the yellow leaf?

Yes, once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. You can snip it off at the base of the stem to help the plant focus energy on new growth.

Does low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant cannot photosynthesize enough light, it will shed its older leaves to conserve energy. Move it closer to a window.

Swiss Cheese Plant: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
Check the location to ensure the plant is getting bright indirect light.
Look for signs of pests on the yellowing leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The yellowing often starts on the lower, older leaves and feels soft or limp.
What to do: Reduce your watering frequency and ensure the soil dries out between waterings. Check that your pot has holes for water to drain out.
Insufficient light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks pale and the yellowing happens slowly across the whole plant.
What to do: Move your Monstera to a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves, but ensure it is not tucked away in a dark corner.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swiss cheese plant

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.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaf to turn yellow and die off as the plant grows. Be concerned if multiple leaves turn yellow at once.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule based on soil dryness. Provide plenty of bright, indirect light to keep the foliage vibrant.

Swiss Cheese Plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swiss cheese plant 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaf?: Yes, once a leaf has turned fully yellow, it will not turn green again. You can snip it off at the base of the stem to help the plant focus energy on new growth.
Does low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant cannot photosynthesize enough light, it will shed its older leaves to conserve energy. Move it closer to a window.

Why are my Swiss Cheese Plant leaves turning yellow?