Yellow Leaves
Leaves turn yellow for several reasons, so look at the pattern before acting.
What you may notice
- Older, lower leaves turn pale yellow first
- Whole leaf yellow with green veins
- Yellow leaves with soggy or very dry soil
First steps
- Check if the soil is soggy or bone dry.
- Look under leaves for tiny insects.
- Remove mostly-yellow leaves and move shaded pots to brighter light.
Common causes
- Overwatering or poor drainage
- Low nutrients, often nitrogen
- Too little light
- Pests on the leaf underside
How to tell them apart
Older lower leaves yellowing evenly often points to feeding; yellowing with wet soil points to watering; speckled or sticky leaves point to pests.
Common mistakes
- Watering on a fixed schedule instead of checking the soil
- Feeding a plant that is waterlogged
- Cutting off all yellow leaves at once
Prevention
Water only when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, keep drainage holes clear and feed lightly on a schedule.
FAQ
Should I cut yellow leaves?
Remove leaves that are mostly yellow. They won't turn green again.