The Swiss cheese plant AKA Monstera deliciosa is an evergreen plant with large leaves adorned with unusual slits. For this reason, it has become a favorite of both novice and seasoned plant growers alike.
There are, however, times when the lush leaves turn yellow and start to fade.
So the Swiss cheese plant tells its owner that the rules of care have been broken, and they must be corrected immediately. In the following, we’ll take a closer look at the monsters’ yellow leaves.
Photosynthesis Is Hampered Due To A Lack of Light
The South African guest doesn’t like being in the sun. The Swiss cheese plant’s leaves will turn yellow and white if exposed to direct sunlight.
You must take immediate action after spotting this issue. Diffuse bright light is perfect for your Monstera deliciosa. In choosing a place, look for an area near a window, which must be covered with a curtain.
Lack of light, on the other hand, is a potential issue. Unfortunately, some inexperienced plant growers mistake placing their plant in the farthest corner of the room.
In this case, the monster suffers from a lack of nutrients as it can not perform photosynthesis. As a result, withering and yellowing of the leaves are the first signs of losing their vigor.
To remedy the situation:
- Relocate your Swiss cheese plant to a light source.
- Don’t forget that Monstera deliciosa can handle some shade, but it’s not a fan of it.
- And, don’t put the plant through any kind of stress test or torment.
Improper Watering
Checking the soil’s condition can help you understand why Monstera deliciosa leaves turn yellow. It requires a steady supply of water to sustain itself and grow.
Regular watering is necessary for plants with wide-spreading leaves and many root systems.
You can tell if there isn’t enough moisture by the yellowing of the leaves. Yellow spots will begin to appear on older leaves, and they will eventually spread across the entire leaf.
At the same time, the young leaves appear wilted and unhealthy. In addition, the leaves’ surface will become speckled with dark brown spots.
In this case, you’ll need to increase the amount of water you use, as well as water the plant’s leaves. Only reduce the amount of moisture supplied when it gets cold outside.
Overwatering can also be a problem when the Swiss cheese plant is in a dormant phase, as its growth is at its lowest during this time.
Wilting all leaves is another sign that excessive watering has taken its toll. The root system is most likely rotting. The tree may succumb quickly if this occurs.
Now what? As much as you can, try to dry the soil. You can place the pot near heating devices, but this is not recommended for a weak plant.
If the condition rapidly deteriorates, you need to consider transplanting your Monstera deliciosa. However, before you begin, remove all diseased roots and allow the healthy ones to air dry.
Temperature Stress
Many people find that the leaf tips of the Swiss cheese plant turn yellow and dry out during the hot season.
First and foremost, the Monstera deliciosa is stressed by the dry climate and excessive heat. Those close to radiators are especially vulnerable.
At this time, almost all plants necessitate careful monitoring of their water intake. For example, if the soil dries out quickly, you should water it every day.
If the foliage continues to dry out and yellow after that, you’ll need to relocate the plant. The curling of the leaves is a clear indicator of excessive heat.
Monster requires a comfortable temperature. In the winter, the temperature should be between 60-65 °F (16-18 °C)
When the temperature rises, the plant’s growth accelerates. This, combined with a seasonal deficiency in nutrients and decreased activity, results in a significant weakening of the plant.
Improperly Selected Soil
Swiss cheese plants’ yellowing leaves can also result from improperly selected soil during the transplanting process.
Novice gardeners often leave their plants in the same pots with the same soil they bought them in when they first purchased them.
Usually, many additional stimulants and energizers are added to such soil.
Prolonged contact with them deteriorates the condition of your plant. Then, after a week of acclimating to a new location, you must transplant with the soil replacement.
The simplest method is to buy a ready-made Swiss cheese plant mixture, but you can also make it yourself.
You’ll need an equal mix of earth, fine sand, peat, and humus. Although Monstera deliciosa prefers slightly acidic soil, a neutral pH is excellent.
Deficiencies in Nutrients
You may not always be able to provide a Swiss cheese plant with the ideal environment. When this occurs, the plant does not thrive, and the leaves do not develop to their full size before turning yellow, drying out, and falling off.
As a result, it is unfortunately on its way out. It’s best if you take it out of there and give the roots a good rinse. Get rid of the yellow leaves and repot her with adequate drainage holes and new well-draining potting soil.
Aerial root growth can be curbed if the cause is identified and addressed precisely. However, if there are a lot of them and they’re multiplying rapidly, then your Swiss cheese plant’s substrate lacks nutrients.
Controlling the growth of aerial roots will aid in determining the root cause of the problem more precisely.
If there are a lot of them and their numbers keep rising, it means that the vines Swiss cheese plant in the substrate lacks the necessary nutrients.
When purchasing soil, pay attention to its composition. Nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and potassium should be present. These elements will ensure dense, bright greenery and large leaf plates.
You need to consider the fertilizer application schedule. Apply a mineral complex once every two weeks in the summer and spring.
Water on a regular basis, and keep out of direct sunlight. I recommend using a standard house plant fertilizer. Also, never fertilize a dry plant without first giving it a good drink.
I recommend adding humus to the top layer of soil if the bush is large. Reduce Fertilizing to once every 1-1.5 months during the winter.
Insect and Diseases
A disease or insect infestation can cause Swiss cheese plant leaves to turn yellow. To get rid of bugs naturally on Monstera, check out this article. The Scale insect is thought to be the most dangerous to the Monstera deliciosa.
You find it turning over the leaf. The insect looks like a dark flat plate with a sticky trail left behind. Wilting and yellowing leaves are the signs of insect infestation on Monstera deliciosa leaves.
Preventive Measures
It is necessary to balance a lack of moisture with an abundance of it to successfully grow a Swiss cheese plant.
A poorly ventilated room is not a pleasant place for the Monstera deliciosa. In some cases, it may stop growing, its leaves become thinner, and the cuts disappear entirely.
Your Swiss cheese plant is more vulnerable during the winter months because of the reduced sunlight.
Make sure the Swiss cheese plant gets plenty of suns, water, and fresh air for the best results.
The room should be thoroughly humidified, and the leaves should be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt (cotton pad).