Five reasons why your houseplant leaves are yellow

December 9, 2024

Time to read 2 min

Introduction

If you're a plant parent, you've likely experienced the heartbreak of seeing your beloved greenery develop yellow leaves. It's a clear sign that your plant isn’t happy, but pinpointing the exact cause can sometimes feel like solving a mystery. Yellowing leaves are your plant's way of signalling distress, often caused by environmental or care issues.

In this post, we’ll explore five common reasons why leaves turn yellow and how you can address them. Stick around until the end for a bonus section on plant care essentials that can help you keep your leafy friends happy and thriving.

Overwatering or Underwatering

Watering is often the first culprit when yellow leaves appear. Plants need just the right amount of water to thrive.

Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot, suffocating the roots and making it hard for your plant to absorb nutrients.
Underwatering: Too little water deprives your plant of the hydration it needs to maintain healthy leaves.

Our recommendation:

Check the soil moisture before watering. Use your finger or a moisture meter to see if the top inch of soil is dry.
Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Establish a consistent watering schedule based on your plant’s needs.

Pests and Diseases

Unwelcome pests can sap the life out of your plants, causing leaves to yellow as a result of stress or nutrient loss. Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are common offenders, and fungal infections can also cause yellow spots.

Our recommendation:

Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves.
Remove pests manually with a damp cloth or by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Prune off any heavily infested or diseased leaves to prevent spreading.

Improper Light Conditions

Light is essential for photosynthesis, and too much or too little can wreak havoc on your plant’s health.

Too much light : Leaves can scorch and turn yellow or brown at the edges.
Too little light : Lack of light causes leaves to yellow as the plant can’t produce enough energy.

Our recommendation:

Research your plant's specific light requirements - some prefer bright indirect light, while others thrive in low-light conditions. On our website, you'll find specific care instructions under each houseplant.
Rotate your plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Yellow leaves can be a sign of nutrient imbalance, particularly a lack of nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium. These nutrients are vital for green, healthy foliage.

Our recommendation:

Feed your plant with a balanced fertiliser during its growing season.
For yellowing caused by nitrogen deficiency, use a fertiliser high in nitrogen.
Monitor your plant’s response and avoid over-fertilising, which can also cause leaf yellowing.

Repotting Stress or Root Bound Issues

Repotting can stress your plant, leading to yellow leaves. Similarly, if your plant is root-bound, it might not have enough space to absorb water and nutrients efficiently.

Our recommendation:

Repot only when necessary, ideally in spring or early summer.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage.
After repotting, give your plant time to adjust and avoid fertilising for a few weeks.