Why is my Swiss cheese plant going yellow?

Question

Some, but not all, of the leaves are turning a mottled yellow colour. The older, bigger leaves are still a nice dark green. And it's got a million aerial roots – can I cut these off, or will it harm the plant?

Answer 1

It sounds to me like you are over-watering it.

Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again and continue to only water the plant when the top inch of soil has dried out – Too many people make the mistake of watering their plants on a set schedule – say, once a week but your plant may need to be watered MORE often than that or LESS often than that. Only water when needed.

DO NOT cut off the aerial roots or stick them in the soil of the pot. They need to stay in the air to absorb moisture – hence the name - aerial roots.

If the yellow spots turn brown and dry up you have burned the leaves with too much sun – without getting the plant accustomed to the light gradually.

By the way, your Swiss cheese plant is a type of philodendron called a “Split-leaf philodendron” (Monstera deliciosa). It is considered a poisonous houseplant so if you have any young children or pets around make sure you keep it out of reach.

EDIT: Although it is unlikely to flower indoors, if it should flower and fruit - the small red fruits are poisonous also.

Answer 2

Thank you for asking. I am reading and learning about the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa) right now. I have a youngster who refuses to start splitting his leaves.

I find it interesting that it is the new foliage on your plant that is turning mottled yellow. I would check into a number of questions:

1. How is your drainage?

2. What sort of soil is your plant in?

3.  How long has it been since you repotted?

4. How often are you watering?

5. What is your fertilization schedule?

6. How is the humidity level in the area?

7. Take a good look on top of and under leaves. Any sign of insect infestation?

This is one of the hardest plants to kill. There has got to be a reason that this plant is behaviing thusly. i strongly warn you DO NOT cut off aerial roots---these are the growing root system of your plant!!! One book I am reading advises continually redirecting the roots back into the soil in the pot.

Years ago, I witnessed Monstera Deliciosa in flower at a university botanical greenhouse. The staff member showing it to me told me we would smell it before we saw it, and oh, my! The entire room smelled of freshly baking bread!  

Answer 3

You can grow cheese on a plant?  Awesome.

Answer 4

You may want to repot  it, it sounds like it may need a larger container, trim off the roots that are smaller, it won't harm the plant. The other thing is you may want to fertilise it with a higher nitrogen fertiliser, nitrogen is a mobile nutrient so the nitrogen will naturally go the top with the newer growth. sometimes plants will yellow if they are getting too much water as well, so make sure to check the soil before watering.

I hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 5

Maybe it believes that it is not a plant, but really a piece of cheese!

Sorry, didn't want to make a joke but I would imagine lots will be saying this. Sounds like your plant has an infection.

Answer 6

There are three reasons for a house plant to have yellow leaves over watering, under watering and lack of fertilizer. My guess it is pot bound, because you say it has so many aerial root.

You can trim them with out hurting the plant...

Knock the plant out of its pot check the roots. If it is pot bound it will need to be repotted. Repotting will fix two of the problems drying out or lack of fertilizer, most potting soil these days have fertilizer in the soil.

If it is caused by over watering that is easy to fix set up a routine watering like once a week.

Aditional information;

Swiss cheese plant, after reaching maturity, has broad leaves that can measure nearly three feet across. They are perforated with holes and deeply split along the edges. The thick stems bear aerial roots that can be cut off if desired. The plant is a climber and will require some support.