Why are my Monstera leaves turning yellow?

Monstera leaves most often turn yellow from overwatering. Soggy soil starves the roots of oxygen and they begin to rot, which shows first as soft, yellowing lower leaves and stalled growth. Natural aging of the oldest leaves, too little light, and less often underwatering can also cause it. Check the soil moisture first, then ease off watering and improve drainage.

Most likely cause

Overwatering is the top cause of yellow Monstera leaves. Monsteras are climbing aroids with thick roots that need air around them, so they tolerate drying out far better than sitting in wet soil. When the mix stays saturated the roots suffocate and rot, and they can no longer feed the leaves.

You can confirm it by the pattern. Overwatering yellows the lowest, oldest leaves first, the affected leaves feel soft rather than crispy, the soil stays wet for days, and growth slows. A pot with no drainage or a dense, peaty mix makes it almost certain. Let the soil dry to the top 1 to 2 inches and the yellowing should stop spreading.

Other causes

These rank below overwatering but often overlap with it.

Natural aging. A single old lower leaf yellowing slowly is normal; only the bottommost leaf is affected while the rest, including new growth, look healthy.
Too little light. In dim spots the plant cannot feed itself and sheds older leaves; growth is leggy with small leaves and few or no splits.
Underwatering. Prolonged drought stresses the roots; the soil is bone dry, it has pulled from the pot, and yellowing comes with crispy brown edges.
Nutrient deficiency. Old, spent soil runs short on feed; many leaves pale to an even yellow and new leaves emerge smaller and lighter.

How to fix it

Check the soil. Feel the top 1 to 2 inches. If it is wet, hold off watering until it dries out.
Improve drainage. Use a chunky aroid mix with bark or perlite, make sure the pot drains freely, and empty any saucer so roots never sit in water.
Water on a schedule of need. Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry, then soak until it drains from the bottom.
Brighten the spot. Move it to bright indirect light near an east or a few feet from a south or west window.
Remove spent leaves. Cut fully yellow leaves at the base of the petiole with clean shears.
Feed during growth. In spring and summer feed at quarter to half strength every few weeks if the soil is old.
Check the roots. If many leaves yellow and the soil smells sour, unpot and trim any mushy brown roots, then repot in fresh mix.

Cause	Tell-tale sign	Fix
Overwatering	Soft lower leaves, wet soil, slow growth	Let top 1 to 2 inches dry, improve drainage
Natural aging	Single oldest leaf only	Trim it, no action needed
Too little light	Leggy growth, no splits	Move to bright indirect light
Underwatering	Bone-dry soil, crispy edges	Water thoroughly, keep lightly moist
Nutrient deficiency	Even pale yellowing overall	Feed at quarter to half strength

Frequently asked questions

Will yellow Monstera leaves turn green again?

No. Once a Monstera leaf yellows the chlorophyll is gone and it cannot turn green again. Fix the underlying cause, then trim the fully yellow leaf at the base so the plant stops wasting energy on it and pushes healthy new growth.

Is it normal for the bottom Monstera leaves to turn yellow?

Yes. An occasional oldest lower leaf yellowing and dropping is normal aging as the plant climbs and grows. Several leaves yellowing at once, or new leaves yellowing, points to overwatering or a light problem rather than age.

Should I cut off yellow Monstera leaves?

Yes, once a leaf is mostly or fully yellow. Cut it at the base of the petiole with clean shears. This tidies the plant and redirects energy to healthy leaves, but always correct the watering or light cause first or more leaves will follow.

Can overwatering cause yellow Monstera leaves?

Yes, and it is the most common cause. Soggy soil starves the roots of oxygen and they begin to rot, which shows as soft, yellowing lower leaves and slow growth. Let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry before watering again.

Why are my Monstera leaves yellow but the soil is dry?

Dry soil with yellowing usually means underwatering or roots too damaged to take up water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then keep the soil lightly moist. If the soil pulls away from the pot, soak it to rehydrate the root ball.

How do I stop my Monstera leaves from turning yellow?

Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, use a chunky well-draining mix, and give it bright indirect light. Consistent moisture, good drainage, and stable conditions prevent most Monstera yellowing.