New leaves on monstera will be light green until the leaf establishes and grows larger. The leaf will develop a darker green color over time as it develops more chlorophyll. Mature monstera leaves that turn light green can be a sign of a problem including a lack of light, nitrogen or water. Light green leaves will turn yellow and then brown if the problem is not fixed.
To prevent mature leaves on monstera from turning light green place the plant in a position that gets at least 6 hours of indirect light. Make sure that it is watered regularly and is fertilized in spring and fall with a slow release indoor plant food.
Key Takeaways
- Light green Monstera leaves can be a sign of overwatering, lack of nutrients, or insufficient light.
- To fix light green Monstera leaves, adjust your watering schedule, provide adequate nutrients, and ensure your plant gets enough light.
- Prevent light green Monstera leaves by checking your plant’s soil moisture regularly, fertilizing as needed, and placing your plant in a bright but indirect light spot.
This article will explore the top causes of light green leaves on monstera and what to do about each one. Find out about the normal growth habits of monstera leaves and when light green leaves are a problem.
Why Leaves on Monstera Turn Light Green
Here are the top reasons why leaves on monstera turn light green and what you can do about each one.
1. New Leaves
Monstera plants will grow new, light green leaves over spring and summer. They can grow new leaves throughout the year if you have mild winters and water the plant regularly.
New leaves on monstera will start out as light green spikes which will slowly grow longer while the leaf develops in the end. The leaf will unfurl and slowly expand out to its full size. Large, mature monstera leaves will develop the classic Swiss cheese pattern with holes all over the leaf.
Young monstera leaves will still start out light green but will not have holes until the plant is bigger and grows larger leaves. This usually takes around 2 years for the plant to be large and mature enough to start to grow the Swiss cheese leaf pattern.
Once the leaf has unfurled or opened up completely it will start to go darker in color. A mature leaf will start to build up the chlorophyll in the leaf surface which gives it a darker green color. The more chlorophyll the leaf develops, the deeper green the leaf will be.
This is a good sign of a healthy plant because it will have plenty of chlorophyll to turn sunlight into carbohydrates and capturing carbon to grow long stems and large leaves.
There are times where light green leaves on monstera are a sign that there is a problem. If mature leaves are turning light green then it is time to act to address the cause and save your plant. Read through the list below to see if any of these problems are the cause of light green leaves on your monstera.
2. Lack of Nitrogen
A lack of nitrogen in the soil will cause the plant leaves to turn light green and then eventually yellow and brown. Monstera plants need to absorb nitrogen to help them to develop the green chlorophyll in their leaves. Without this the leaves can turn a lighter green, the plant will slow its growth and will have less leaf coverage.
Give your plant a dose of liquid indoor plant food that contains a balance mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This will give the plant a boost of nitrogen to help it to recover. Give it a dose of slow release indoor plant food 2 weeks after this to give it longer lasting nitrogen.
Monstera plants that have been growing in the same pot for more than 2 years will be ready to be repotted into new potting soil. Choose a premium potting soil with added slow release fertilizer to feed it for the first 3 months. This will give the plant plenty of nitrogen to kick start its growth and help it to repair discolored leaves.
Leaves with only a small amount of damage will repair if the plant is given the nutrients it needs.
After this add a slow release indoor plant food at the start of spring and fall. This will feed your plant across the rest of the year making sure it has enough nitrogen to develop and maintain its leaf coverage.
3. Lack of Sunlight
Another cause of light green leaves on monstera plants is a lack of sunlight. Plants that are not getting enough light will grow long, leggy and their stems and leaves will turn a lighter green color.
Monstera plants love at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight. If you are growing them outside find a position that is shaded by nearby trees or shrubs that give it protection from the afternoon sun.
Indoor monstera plants should be moved away from glass windows to make sure they are not burnt but close enough that they get morning light. Make sure that direct sunlight does not reach the leaves but the plant gets filtered light throughout the day.
Moving the monstera plant to a bright position will help the leaves to develop chlorophyll and they will darken in color of 3-4 weeks. You should notice light green, mature leaves darkening as they get more light.
4. Lack of Water
Monstera plants that are not getting enough water will develop leaves that start to turn light green. Over time the leaves will turn yellow and then brown if the plant dries out further. Check the soil and if it feels dry 2 inches down or if you haven’t watered your monstera for over a month then it is likely to be too dry.
Take the inner pot with drainage holes over to your sink or outside and water the surface of the soil. Water the plant until you see water drain through the holes and the soil is thoroughly soaked. Outdoor monstera can be watered with seaweed solution to help the roots and leaves repair.
You should see the leaves stand up straight within a day and the color should return to the leaves over 2-3 weeks. Light green leaves can repair themselves with regular water.
For more on watering monstera plants, check out my previous article here: How long monstera can go without water | Keep them alive for 4 weeks.
How to Fix Light Green Monstera Leaves
If you have noticed your Monstera leaves turning light green, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue. Here are some steps you can take to help your plant thrive:
Proper Watering
One of the most common causes of light green Monstera leaves is overwatering. When the roots become waterlogged, they can’t absorb nutrients from the soil, leading to a lack of nutrients. To avoid overwatering, make sure to water your Monstera plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. You can also check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil and feeling for moisture.
If your plant is in a pot, make sure you empty the pot tray after watering. Avoid leaving the bottom part of the pot sitting in water as this can cause root rot.
Nutrient Supplementation
If your Monstera plant is not getting enough nutrients, it can result in light green leaves. To fix this issue, you can supplement your plant with fertilizer. Monstera plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow healthy leaves.
You can use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 for best results. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to burning of the roots.
Optimal Lighting
Monstera plants need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, it can result in light green leaves. Make sure to place your Monstera plant near a window that gets bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. You can also use artificial grow lights if you don’t have access to natural light.
By following these steps, you can fix the issue of light green Monstera leaves and help your plant grow healthy and strong. Remember to monitor your plant’s soil moisture, nutrient levels, and lighting conditions regularly to ensure optimal growth.
Summary
New monstera leaves will naturally start off light green and will slowly darken in color. If mature leaves are turning light green check water the plant well, add some liquid fertilizer, and move it to a bright position. The plant can repair light green leaves so watch them turn darker over the next few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Monstera leaves to turn light green?
Monstera leaves turning light green can be caused by various factors, including lack of sunlight, overwatering, not enough water, nutrient deficiencies, cold temperatures, and pests or diseases. A lack of nitrogen in the soil can also cause the plant leaves to turn light green and then eventually yellow and brown.
How can I fix light green Monstera leaves?
To fix light green Monstera leaves, you need to identify the underlying cause. If your plant is not getting enough sunlight, move it to a brighter spot. If you are overwatering, reduce the amount of water you give your plant and ensure the soil is well-draining. If nutrient deficiencies are the issue, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer. If your plant is rootbound, repot it into a larger container.
What are the light requirements for Monstera plants?
Monstera plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their leaves. If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may turn light green and its growth may slow down.
How often should I water my Monstera plant?
The frequency of watering your Monstera plant will depend on various factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the amount of light and humidity it receives. Generally, you should water your Monstera when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause your plant’s leaves to turn light green and eventually yellow and brown.
What is the best fertilizer for Monstera plants?
The best fertilizer for Monstera plants is a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which will provide your plant with nutrients over a longer period of time.
Can yellowing Monstera leaves be reversed?
Yellowing Monstera leaves can sometimes be reversed if the underlying cause is addressed. For example, if your plant is not getting enough light, moving it to a brighter spot can help its leaves regain their green color. However, if the yellowing is caused by a disease or pest infestation, it may be difficult to reverse the damage.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.