Patrick Oconnell
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera Adansonii, is a tropical plant native to Central America. It is known for its distinctive hole-filled leaves, reminiscent of Swiss cheese. While these plants are relatively easy to care for, they can sometimes turn yellow. This can be due to several reasons, including improper lighting, overwatering or underwatering, low humidity, temperature stress, nitrogen deficiency, or pest infestations. To address this issue, it is important to identify the specific cause and make adjustments to the plant's care routine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insufficient light | Bright, indirect light is ideal |
| Overwatering | Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry |
| Underwatering | Increase the frequency of watering |
| Water type | Rainwater or demineralized water is best |
| Temperature | 65-85°F; no lower than 55°F |
| Humidity | Around 60% humidity |
| Pest infestation | Sap-sucking bugs like spider mites |
| Nutrient deficiency | Nitrogen deficiency |
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What You'll Learn
Overwatering or underwatering
On the other hand, overwatering can also cause the leaves of your Monstera to turn yellow. If your plant is overwatered, you’ll notice that the soil stays wet for several days, feeling waterlogged and heavy. By the time your plant develops yellow leaves, it's a sign that root rot has started to set in. An overwatered plant should be removed from its pot and soil immediately. Depending on the severity of the root rot, there are two possible courses of action. First, if the root rot is minor and the plant still has mostly healthy roots, the rotted roots can be pruned off and the plant can be repotted in fresh soil. Alternatively, if the root rot is severe, you may need to start fresh and propagate a new plant from what’s left of your existing plant. This involves taking healthy stem cuttings (with no rot) and rooting them in either water or soil.
To summarise, if your Swiss cheese monstera is showing signs of overwatering or underwatering, it is important to adjust your watering habits accordingly and provide consistent moisture to promote the health of your plant.
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Inappropriate temperature conditions
Swiss cheese monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests in Central America and thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. They are sensitive to temperature changes, and exposure to inappropriate temperatures can cause their leaves to turn yellow.
Monstera plants prefer consistent temperatures of 65-85°F (18.3-29.4°C). They are quite resilient and can tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F (12.8°C), but anything below 50°F (10°C) can be fatal. If the plant is exposed to low temperatures for an extended period, its leaves will turn yellow, indicating temperature stress. In such cases, it is advisable to move the plant to a warmer location, preferably near a radiator or central heating system.
On the other hand, exposure to high temperatures can also cause leaf discolouration. While monstera plants enjoy warm environments, excessively high temperatures can lead to leaf yellowing. In such cases, it is important to relocate the plant to a cooler area to prevent further damage.
Temperature fluctuations can also contribute to leaf yellowing. Swiss cheese monstera plants prefer consistent temperatures, and sudden changes in their environment can be stressful. If you have recently moved your plant to a new location with a different temperature, it may respond by developing yellow leaves. To mitigate this, gradually acclimate your plant to new temperatures by initially placing it in a slightly cooler or warmer spot, depending on the season, and then gradually adjusting its position until it reaches the desired temperature.
Additionally, ensure that your monstera plant is not exposed to drafts or extreme temperature variations within its environment. These plants prefer stable conditions, and sudden changes in temperature, such as placing them near an open window or an air conditioning vent, can cause stress and lead to leaf yellowing.
In summary, inappropriate temperature conditions, whether too hot, too cold, or fluctuating, can cause Swiss cheese monstera leaves to turn yellow. Providing a stable, warm, and humid environment is essential for the plant's health and vibrancy.
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Low humidity levels
Swiss cheese monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests in Central America, where they enjoy warm temperatures and high humidity. They typically thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F during the day and no less than 55°F at night. In terms of humidity, they prefer around 60% humidity.
If the humidity levels are too low, your Swiss cheese monstera's leaves may start to turn yellow. This is because the plant is not getting enough moisture from the air, causing it to dry out. Low humidity, combined with dry soil, can cause the leaves to brown at the edges before turning completely yellow.
To increase the humidity levels for your plant, try misting the leaves with water 2-3 times a week until the leaves are wet. You can also try placing the plant in a room with a higher humidity level, such as a bathroom, or using a humidifier near the plant.
In addition to low humidity, there are several other factors that can cause your Swiss cheese monstera's leaves to turn yellow. These include improper lighting conditions, unbalanced watering, pest infestations, and nutrient deficiencies. It is important to monitor your plant's growth and adapt its conditions accordingly to ensure it stays healthy.
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Insufficient light
Monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests in Central America, so they thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. They can adapt to low-light areas, but their growth will slow. If the plant is in an area that is too dark, its leaves may start to turn yellow.
To rectify this, move the plant closer to a natural light source, ensuring that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so placing them in areas of the home such as the bedroom, dining area, or living room works well.
In addition to light, other factors that can cause the leaves of a Swiss cheese monstera to turn yellow include overwatering, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture levels. It is important to monitor the growth of the plant and adapt the conditions accordingly.
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Pests and fungal infections
To prevent pest infestations, regularly check your plant for pests and treat them with an appropriate insecticide if needed. Remove any insects with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water and apply insecticide or an eco-friendly natural pesticide if necessary.
Your monstera plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot or powdery mildew, which can be caused by high humidity or poor air circulation. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a fluffy white powdery substance on the leaves of your monstera plant. It can spread rapidly and quickly kill your plant if left untreated. When you spot powdery mildew, isolate your plant and check your other plants for infection. While the powder wipes off easily, it's best to prune and discard the affected foliage. To prevent it from spreading, ensure there is sufficient airflow around your plant and reduce humidity if it's too high.
Root rot is another fungal disease that can affect your monstera plant. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or compacted soil, creating a soggy environment where fungi thrive. Root rot prevents the plant from absorbing vital nutrients from the soil, causing its leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To treat root rot, adjust your watering schedule and ensure your pot has good drainage.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your Swiss cheese monstera plant's leaves are turning yellow. It could be due to overwatering, insufficient light, sudden changes in growing conditions, or temperature stress.
If the soil stays wet for several days and feels waterlogged and heavy, your plant is likely overwatered. Root rot may also have set in, causing the leaves to turn yellow.
Remove the plant from its pot and soil immediately. If the root rot is minor, prune the rotted roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the root rot is severe, propagate a new plant from the healthy stem cuttings of the existing plant.
Insufficient light can cause the monstera plant to sacrifice leaves to conserve energy. You may notice yellow patches or yellowing along the leaf veins instead of the whole leaf turning yellow.
Move your plant closer to a natural light source while avoiding direct sunlight. Place it in a room that stays bright for most of the day, such as a bedroom, dining area, or living room.
