Why Are My Plant's Leaves Turning Yellow?
Houseplant leaves usually turn yellow because of watering. Yellow leaves on soil that stays wet point to overwatering or root rot. Yellow, drooping leaves on bone-dry soil point to underwatering. Pale yellow-green leaves all over the plant often mean too little light or too little fertilizer, and one or two old lower leaves turning yellow is normal.
Read the pattern of yellowing
| What you see | Likely cause | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lower leaves yellow, soil wet | Overwatering or poor drainage | Let the soil dry; check the roots |
| Lower leaves yellow, soil dry | Underwatering | Water if the mix is dry enough for this plant; check moisture again before watering |
| Yellow with soft brown or black spots | Root rot | Unpot and cut away rotted roots |
| Pale yellow-green all over | Low light or low nutrients | More light; feed lightly in spring and summer |
| Yellow leaves with green veins | Possible nutrient shortage | Check watering, roots and growing conditions before adding fertilizer; follow the label if feeding is needed |
| One or two oldest leaves yellow | Normal shedding | Remove them; nothing else to do |
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Once a leaf turns fully yellow it won't turn green again. Fix the cause and watch the new growth. For every symptom, see why is my plant dying?
FAQ
Why is my peace lily turning yellow?
Usually too much or too little water. If the soil is soggy, let it dry slightly and check the roots. If it is dry and the plant is wilting, water thoroughly. See why is my peace lily turning yellow for every cause.
Why is my ZZ plant turning yellow?
ZZ plants store water in thick roots, so yellow leaves most often mean the soil stayed wet too long. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again, and check the roots for soft, rotted spots.
Why is my spider plant turning yellow?
Too much or too little water is the main cause. A few yellow outer leaves can also be normal aging. See spider plant brown tips and yellow leaves for the full checklist.
Related guides and tools
- Why is my plant dying? A symptom-by-symptom guide
- Spider plant brown tips and yellow leaves
- Why is my peace lily turning yellow?
- How to care for succulents
- Houseplant problem diagnoser
- Root rot rescue guide
- Watering calculator
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension: Diagnosing houseplant problems related to poor culture
- Iowa State University Extension: Why does my houseplant have brown leaf tips and edges?
- University of Maryland Extension: Overwatered indoor plants
- UC Statewide IPM Program: Houseplant problems
- Clemson HGIC: Houseplant diseases and disorders
- University of Illinois Extension: Tips for repotting houseplants
Reviewed by Nick Alan, founder of Palma, with more than 25 years of experience growing plants.