Overwatering
Wet soil plus yellowing lower leaves points squarely at overwatering.
Diagnosis
Overwatering
What's happening
Roots sitting in soggy soil can't get oxygen, so they start to rot and stop feeding the plant. Monstera sheds its oldest leaves first, which turn uniformly yellow.
How to fix it
Stop watering and let the soil dry. Slip the plant out and check the roots — trim any brown, mushy ones with clean scissors and repot into fresh, chunky, well-draining mix in a pot with drainage. From now on, only water when the top 2 inches are dry.
What fixes it
- A soil moisture meter — A moisture meter removes the guesswork — only water when it reads dry 2 inches down.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Monstera Deliciosa care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this