Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Real Men Sow
It is a sign of something wrong if the Monstera adansonii leaves turn yellow. Before solving any issue, the problem first must be identified.
Why Are Monstera adansonii Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellow Monstera adansonii leaves are caused by fungal diseases such as root and nutritional deficiency due to improper watering, light, fertilizer. This issue can also be caused by unfiltered water that contains harmful chemicals. Yellow spots can be caused by pest infestations and diseases, but this is rare.
It can be heartbreaking to find that your plant’s leaves are turning yellow. It can be even more frustrating to not know where to begin or what to do.
This article will provide information on a few causes and possible countermeasures.
You Watered Your Monstera Adansonii Incorrectly
The plant requires water to grow. However, improper watering can cause damage to it. Water is crucial for transporting nutrients from the soil to plant. The plant becomes dehydrated and starved if it lacks water. An under-watered plant develops curling and yellowing leaves and eventually dries up. So how much water is enough?
On the other hand, an excessive amount of water can limit the oxygen supply. This causes roots to become brittle and eventually die. Wet soil can also attract fungi or other harmful organisms. These conditions can lead to plant damage and make them more susceptible to disease.
How to Fix Incorrect Watering
Wait For the Soil to Dry in Between Watering
Let the soil dry for one to two inches from the surface before watering again. If you don’t have a tool, you can gently push your finger down the soil to check for moisture. If the soil is still damp, don’t water it.
Water Your Plant Thoroughly
This is done to ensure that the water reaches the roots. A more robust root structure will be possible by distributing water evenly. This technique also prevents one-sided root growth.
Assure Good Pot Drainage
You should ensure that your pot has a good drainage system. Make sure there are enough holes. You can add a few holes to the bottom of the pot if it is lacking. This is to help drain the soil of excess water and salts.
Empty the Saucer Under The Pot
Your pot should never be left in a pool of water. Make sure your saucer is not submerged in water if you have a pot.
Water Quality Can Lead to Yellow Leaves
You should ensure that your plant has access to clean, chemical-free water. Although symptoms may not appear immediately due to these chemicals, they will be noticeable eventually.
The soil chemicals cause the root system to become dysfunctional. The plant can’t eat their food if the root function is impaired.
How to Fix Water Quality
Use Good Quality Water
To irrigate your plants, use rainwater, well-water, or melted snow. Avoid tap water if you can, as it contains chemicals such as fluorine, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals.
Another option is to give the plants distilled water. Either you can manually distill water at your home, or you can buy one. A water filtration system can be installed if possible.
Use Room Temperature Water
This is particularly important in the winter months when water can freeze. Too hot or too cold water can cause shock to the roots, which could lead to severe injuries and even death.
Monstera adansonii Has Yellow Leaves Due To Lack of Light
The most important factor that influences the growth of plants is light. Monstera adansonii needs moderate light to thrive.
Avoid leaving this plant in full sun for too long. Leaf scorch and sunburn can occur if the plant is left in direct sunlight for too long. Because of the strong sun rays, the leaves’ chlorophyll is broken down. The first sign of damage is faded spots, which soon turn dry and dark brown.
Excessive light is just as dangerous as too much. Because light is the main component of photosynthesis, plants will not develop at their maximum potential and grow at their full potential.
These things can lead to the death of Monstera adansonii. Yellowing or drooping leaves are also its symptoms.
How to Fix Light Exposure
Limit Exposure to Direct Light
Your Monstera adansonii should be kept out of direct sunlight. They will thrive in brightly lit interior spaces.
Place the plants outside no more than 2 hours. If you are to leave them longer outside, shade them with a cloth, or a taller tree.
Use Artificial Light
Monstera adansonii can also benefit from artificial lighting. Artificial lighting can be used to supplement the light provided by the plant. It is important to ensure that the light source and the plant are at some distance.
Monstera Adansonii Leaves Turned Yellow Because of Too Much Fertilizer
Although fertilizer can be a great thing, too much can cause damage to the plants. Excess fertilizer can lead to an increase in salt content in the soil. This alters the soil’s pH, making nutrients less accessible to plants. It can also harm beneficial microorganisms living in the soil.
Overfertilization can cause roots to shrivel. Poor root structures can make it difficult for the plant to absorb water properly. This will make the plant more susceptible to diseases and weaken its root structure. Overfertilization can show itself in the form of the plants’ leaves turning yellow or brown.
How to Fix Fertilizer Problems for Yellow Leaves
Leach Off Excess Fertilizer
Leaching the soil with water will remove excess fertilizer. Let the water drain and repeat the process several times.
Also, you will need to trim the damaged or discolored leaves with a shear or sharp scissor. These injured parts won’t recover, so they must be removed.
Withhold Fertilizer for Awhile
A Monstera that has been over-fertilized will need time to heal from its injuries. You can give it some time to recover by skipping the next fertilization.
Check And Follow Fertilizer Label
Follow all directions on the fertilizer package. Do not apply more fertilizer than is recommended by the manufacturer.
Repot The Monstera
A transplant can be a great option if the plant has been given too much fertilizer. Place the Monstera in an appropriate pot and a fresh medium. Before you plant the Monstera again, make sure to remove any damaged shoots and roots.
Diseases Cause Monstera Adansonii Leaves Turning Yellow
It can be frustrating to notice that your plant’s leaves turn yellow. Sometimes, adding fertilizer and water do not work. This could be because your plant may have a more serious problem than just water and fertilizer. Monstera can still be affected by diseases, even though it is rare. Here are some common houseplant diseases that could infect your Monstera.
The following are the diseases it can have:
Bacterial Leaf Spot
These tiny, dark brown spots have a yellow border and appear in the Monstera adansonii leaves.
These streaks of sticky ooze appear to be very similar in size. This disease is caused by bacteria that thrives in humid and warm environments.
Anthracnose
The disease causes yellowing of the leaves’ edges. The damage eventually becomes brown and spreads to the entire leaf.
The stem can also be affected by large lesions. This fungal disease spreads from plant debris and seeds.
Leaf Rust
The first stage of this disease is marked with yellow spots on the leaves. These spots gradually become brown or red blisters as they grow.
The rusty spots may also affect the stem. Fungal parasites can cause rust in plants. These microorganisms thrive in moist conditions and can survive.
How to Treat Diseases
Remove The Infected Parts
This is particularly important when the symptoms are first apparent. This will reduce the chance of spreading disease-causing organisms. The plant should be kept isolated until it is fully recovered.
Always Use Sterile Tools
Before and after you use the cutting tool, clean it. It can be cleaned with bleach, alcohol or boiling water. Plants can be infected by contaminated tools.
Treat with Chemicals
Use a suitable fungicide to spray a plant that is lightly infested. Follow all instructions on the package. Organic fungicides are also recommended as long as they are safe for the environment.
Keep Your Plant Away from Stressful Conditions
Overly wet soil can encourage pathogens and increase their spread. To maintain air circulation, don’t overcrowd your plants. Your Monstera will recover quickly if the environment is as healthy as it can be.
Dispose A Severely Diseased Plant
These plants can be irreversible so it is best to let them go. You can either bury it or burn it. These methods will stop the spread of diseases through insects and wind currents.
Pest Infestation May Cause Yellow Leaves on Your Monstera Adansonii
Pests can also cause yellowing of leaves, in addition to the above conditions. Common insects that attack Monstera include spider mites and mealybugs. They feed on the plant and cause damage. They bite the plant and suck its sap. After that, they secrete a honeydew-like substance. This sticky substance can cause photosynthesis to be impeded by a mold.
Insect infestations can cause damage to the plant’s nutrients. This can cause irreparable damage, such as discoloration, deformation and even death.
How to Fix Pest Infestation
Employ Mechanical Control
This is the easiest method, especially if you don’t have many pests. Use your toothpick or fingers to pick off large insects, such as mealybugs.
Water can also be used to wash off the insects. Spray the leaves with enough pressure to get rid of the insects. You should ensure that the insects are removed from the plant parts.
Use Chemicals to Get Rid of Them
Use an alcohol-dipped cotton ball to swab any intruders. Spray a pesticide on your houseplants. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils that have been diluted in water.
Prune The Infested Parts
If there are only a few, completely remove them.
Isolate the Plant
You should separate the infected plants from any other houseplants. This will prevent them from jumping from one plant to the next.
Discard Severely Infested Plant
The plant may not survive if the infestation is severe. You must remove the plant immediately. If the plant is allowed in your area, you can either burn it or spray pesticides on it before throwing it away.
