Why Are My Monstera's Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves on a monstera are most often caused by overwatering, not underwatering. If the soil has stayed wet for more than a few days and the yellowing starts on the lower, older leaves, root rot is the likely cause.

How do I tell overwatering from underwatering?

Check the soil first. Push a finger two inches into the pot. If it feels consistently wet or the pot feels heavy, overwatering is the more likely cause. If the soil is bone dry and the leaf edges are also crisp or curling inward, underwatering is more likely.

Overwatered leaves usually turn yellow while still soft and pliable, and the yellowing tends to start on older, lower leaves first. Underwatered leaves go crispy and brown at the tips and edges before the whole leaf yellows.

What should I do if it is overwatering?

Stop watering immediately and let the top two to three inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. If the pot has no drainage holes, or the soil smells sour, repot into fresh, well-draining soil and trim away any mushy, dark roots you find. A mix with extra perlite or bark drains faster and gives the roots room to recover.

What should I do if it is underwatering?

Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes, then resume a consistent schedule. Monsteras generally want the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings, more often in a bright, warm room and less often in a cooler or lower-light spot.

Is it normal for a monstera to lose one old leaf occasionally?

Yes. A single lower leaf yellowing and dropping every month or two, especially on an otherwise healthy, actively growing plant, is normal aging and not a sign of a problem. Widespread yellowing across multiple leaves at once is the pattern worth acting on.

When should I worry about disease instead of watering?

If yellowing comes with dark spots, a foul smell from the soil, or stems that feel soft and mushy near the base, you are likely looking at a fungal or bacterial issue rather than a simple watering imbalance, and the affected parts should be removed promptly.

If you want a second opinion on a specific leaf, Plantorbia’s plant health checks will look at a photo and tell you plainly whether it looks like an overwatering pattern, a light issue, or something else, including when it is not confident enough to say for sure.

Related reading: How Often Should You Water Succulents?