Randy Chandler
The Swiss cheese plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical plant that is native to Central America. It is known for its large, hole-filled leaves. While these plants are generally easy to care for, they can sometimes suffer from leaf issues, such as yellowing or browning. There are several reasons why this might be happening, including improper watering, insufficient light, pest infestations, incorrect humidity levels, and a lack of nutrients in the soil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insufficient light | Direct and harsh sunlight can cause yellowing along the veins of the leaf and in patches. |
| Too much light | Excess light can cause yellowing. |
| Pest invasion | Pests such as thrips, powdery mildew, scale, spider mites, and fungus gnats can cause leaves to turn yellow. |
| Incorrect humidity levels | Low humidity can cause leaves to brown at the edges, then turn yellow, and then fall off. |
| Overwatering | Overwatering can cause root rot, preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients and causing leaves to turn yellow. |
| Underwatering | Insufficient water can cause leaves to become limp, dry, or crispy-edged and turn yellow. |
| Lack of nutrients | Yellow hues on the tips of the leaves indicate a lack of nutrients in the soil. |
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Overwatering
To identify if your plant is suffering from overwatering, check if the leaves are moist and appear to be rotting as they turn yellow. If the soil is also too moist, this is a good indicator that you have been overwatering your Swiss cheese plant.
If you suspect that your plant is suffering from overwatering, the first step is to stop watering it immediately. Allow the soil to dry out properly, particularly the upper inches, before watering again. You may also need to cut away any dying or yellow leaves so that your plant can focus its energy on healthy growth.
To prevent overwatering in the future, only water your Swiss cheese plant when the top of the soil starts to feel dry. You can also reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks instead of every week. It is important to find the right balance, as both overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaves of a Swiss cheese plant to turn yellow.
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Underwatering
If your Swiss cheese plant is not getting enough water, its leaves may turn yellow or brown. Underwatering leads to dehydration, causing the leaves to lose their turgidity and turn yellow. In addition, the leaves may feel dry and brittle and will eventually turn brown and crispy. If your plant is not getting enough water, its leaves will curl inwards to minimize the surface area from which water will evaporate.
To prevent underwatering, ensure that you water your plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Swiss cheese plants prefer bright, indirect light and should receive at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light per day. They are sensitive to cold temperatures below 55°F (13°C) and can turn yellow and drop if exposed to the cold. Protect the plant from drafts and keep it at a consistent temperature above 55°F.
If your plant is in a location that is too warm, water will evaporate quickly, so you should consider moving it to a cooler location. Swiss cheese plants also prefer high humidity, so misting the plant once a day can help during the winter when moisture in the home may be minimal.
To ensure that your plant gets enough water, you can try using self-watering pots or watering globes, which have a water reservoir that the plant can draw from as needed. This can be especially helpful if you are prone to forgetting to water your plant.
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Incorrect lighting
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera, is a tropical plant native to Central America. It is characterised by its large, hole-filled leaves, reminiscent of Swiss cheese. While these plants can thrive in low-light conditions, improper lighting can cause their leaves to turn yellow.
Insufficient light or a sudden change in lighting conditions can cause Monstera leaves to turn yellow. As tropical plants, Monsteras do well in low light but require some indirect sunlight. If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may start to yellow. This can happen if your plant is not placed near a window or is in a dark corner of the room.
On the other hand, too much light can also be detrimental. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn, leading to brown edges or spots on the leaves. If your plant is placed in a location that receives direct sunlight for prolonged periods, it may be getting too much light.
To correct issues caused by insufficient light, relocate your Monstera to a brighter spot in your home, preferably near a window. An east-facing or south-facing window is ideal, as it provides optimal light without the harshness of direct sunlight. If your plant is in a room with no windows, consider using a grow light to provide supplemental lighting.
If your Monstera is receiving too much light, move it to a spot that gets bright, indirect sunlight. A location that receives a few hours of morning sunlight, followed by indirect light for the rest of the day, is ideal. You can also provide some shade for your plant during the brightest parts of the day.
In addition to adjusting lighting conditions, ensure that you are meeting your Monstera's other needs, such as proper watering, humidity, and fertilisation. By providing a well-rounded care routine, your plant will be better equipped to recover from any stress caused by improper lighting.
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Lack of nutrients
If your Swiss cheese plant is turning yellow or brown, it may be lacking nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three macronutrients that keep a plant healthy and happy. If your plant is not getting enough nitrogen, it will not be able to produce chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green colour and helps them convert sunlight into energy. In the wild, plants get nitrogen from organic matter in their environment. However, potted plants can absorb nitrogen from their soil relatively quickly, so fertilizing your plant regularly is important.
If your plant is root-bound, it may not be able to absorb water or nutrients from the soil, which can cause its leaves to turn yellow. You can check if your plant is root-bound by observing if its roots are growing out of the hole in the bottom of the pot. If this is the case, you will need to repot your plant.
Overwatering can also prevent your plant from getting the nutrients it needs. If you are overwatering your plant, the roots may begin to rot, and the plant will not be able to absorb water or nutrients from the soil. If you notice that the soil stays wet for several days and feels waterlogged and heavy, your plant is likely being overwatered.
Underwatering can also cause nutrient deficiencies in your plant. If you are underwatering your plant, its leaves may turn yellow and become limp, dry, or crispy-edged. To prevent this, make sure that your plant is getting consistent moisture and is not drying out completely between waterings.
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Pest infestations
Spider mites and scale insects thrive in low-humidity environments, so increasing humidity can help prevent and control infestations. You can increase humidity by using a humidifier or misting your plant daily. Regularly wiping down your plant's leaves to keep them clean is another way to prevent pest infestations.
To identify pests, look for signs such as webbing, bumps, and sticky masses on the leaves. Mealybugs and aphids leave sticky white masses and clusters of bugs on the plant. Spider mites and scale insects create webbing and bumps on the leaves.
If you spot any pests, act quickly to prevent them from spreading to other plants. You can remove insects by hand or with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Insecticides, eco-friendly natural pesticides, neem oil, and insecticidal soap can also be used to combat infestations. For scale insects, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and for stubborn cases, a jet of water can help dislodge them. Yellow sticky traps are effective in catching adult flies and gnats, while predatory mites or parasitic nematodes can be introduced to the soil to target larvae. Horticultural oils can also be applied weekly to infested areas.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your Swiss cheese plant (Monstera Deliciosa) might be turning yellow and brown. Firstly, it could be due to improper watering. Monsteras like consistent watering, but if overwatered, the roots may begin to rot, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. On the other hand, if the plant is underwatered, the leaves may turn yellow and become dry, limp, or crispy.
If you think your Swiss cheese plant is turning yellow and brown due to overwatering, cut back on the watering frequency and allow the soil to dry before watering again. If you believe underwatering is the issue, gradually increase the water, giving the plant time to absorb the moisture, and then add more water if needed.
Yes, improper lighting conditions, humidity levels, pest infestations, and lack of nutrients in the soil can also cause yellowing and browning of Swiss cheese plant leaves. Ensure your plant receives bright, indirect light, maintain moderate humidity levels, inspect for pests, and provide nutrient-rich soil to address these potential issues.
