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Yellowing that starts on the lower leaves, combined with soil that stays moist most of the time, usually points to overwatering. Monstera roots need to dry out a little between waterings. When they sit in wet soil for long periods they can start to rot, and damaged roots can no longer take up water and nutrients properly, which shows up as yellow leaves.
What to do: first, push a finger about 2 inches into the soil before watering and only water when that layer feels dry. In cooler months that often means watering less often than in summer. Second, check the potting mix. Plain potting soil can hold a lot of water; mixing in perlite and orchid bark makes it drain and breathe better. Third, if the yellowing continues, slide the plant out of its pot and look at the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white to light tan. Brown, mushy or bad-smelling roots should be trimmed off with clean scissors before repotting in fresh, well-draining mix.
Going forward, water by soil feel rather than by calendar. With Monstera, a slightly dry spell is easier to recover from than soggy soil.
What to do: first, push a finger about 2 inches into the soil before watering and only water when that layer feels dry. In cooler months that often means watering less often than in summer. Second, check the potting mix. Plain potting soil can hold a lot of water; mixing in perlite and orchid bark makes it drain and breathe better. Third, if the yellowing continues, slide the plant out of its pot and look at the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white to light tan. Brown, mushy or bad-smelling roots should be trimmed off with clean scissors before repotting in fresh, well-draining mix.
Going forward, water by soil feel rather than by calendar. With Monstera, a slightly dry spell is easier to recover from than soggy soil.
Plant Care Club
Mar 15, 2026