Why Do Houseplant Leaves Turn Yellow?
The golden question on a lot of plant parents’ minds. There are many reasons why houseplant leaves turn yellow, and sometimes, it's not you - it’s them!
Too much or too little
The most common reason for yellowing leaves is the plant's moisture levels, either overwatering or underwatering your plant.
If you’re overwatering your plant, the soil will be saturated and the roots will be smelly, mushy and brown. Overwatering a plant can cause the roots to drown, starving off oxygen - even plants need to breathe! If you’ve spotted these symptoms on your houseplant, simply remove all infected roots immediately and repot into some fresh soil, and check back in a few weeks.
TOP TIP: Keep an eye on your ZZ Plant and Snake Plant. These plants prefer you to let their soil dry out most of the way before another drink.
If you’re underwatering your plant, it’ll let you know, because it’ll drop its leaves, the tips or whole leaf will turn yellow, or you may even notice brown spots. This is your plant's way of conserving water for the root system by removing excess leaves, think of it as its built-in survival instincts! You can help your plant by watering when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, unless it’s a succulent or cacti, in which case they like to dry out completely between waterings (but if they’re yellowing, you’re probably leaving it a little too long!).
TOP TIP: Plants like the Peace Lily and Boston Fern are thirsty houseplants and prefer their soil to be kept moist - avoid letting them dry out too much between waterings.
They’re tired
Just like humans, plants age and mature, so it’s not uncommon for them to lose their oldest leaves. It’s a natural part of the lifecycle and their way of maturing and making way for new growth - think of it like a child shedding their bike stabilisers. If your plant has one or two leaves that turn yellow, it will likely be natural ageing and no cause for concern; however, if you notice your plant pot littered with fallen leaves, it may be time to dig deeper.
It’s too dark
Check where your indoor houseplant is positioned - if you have a Sunseeker in a dark corner, yellowing leaves are its way of telling you they want to see some sun. If you notice them on the opposite side of where the sun hits, simply move your plant somewhere brighter, and your plant will thank you. If that’s not possible, remember to rotate the plant often, so all sides are receiving light. Even plants want to avoid tan lines!
If there are no bright places in your home, but you love greenery, check out our artificial plants, the ultimate plants for shade.
Time for a cleanse
Yellow leaves could indicate pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs (the most common type on houseplants). They’ll suck sap from your plants leaves, turning them yellow or leaving discoloured spots, making your plant less than pleased! To spot pests, check under your plant's leaves; you’re looking for webbing or tiny moving things on the leaves or stems. If you spot them, don’t panic - they can be easy to get rid of. Simply get yourself a mister, add 20 drops of neem oil per 100ml of water and mist your plant, especially focusing on the underside of the leaves. Repeat this once a week to keep those pesky pests at bay.
They need time to adjust
You’ve just got your beautiful plant, found it the perfect spot, and it's throwing a leafy tantrum? Plants can be sensitive, and repotting them straight away can cause them some unease. This happens as the roots are settling in, searching for nutrients, and getting used to their new soil. In the meantime, hold off on fertiliser for a few weeks - your plant doesn’t need the added pressure. If you need to repot your new bestie, give it a week to settle into its new home before you treat it to some fresh soil - this will give your plant time to settle in nicely. We won’t say it will prevent it, but it’ll help!
Have you tried everything in this article and are still struggling with your plant baby? No problem, The Plant Folk are here to help you bring their personality back and get them shining once again!
Dreaming of a plant paradise? Explore our wide collection of houseplants, from virtually unkillable and artificial plants to rare and unusual varieties. Whether you're looking for easy-to-care-for plants, air-purifying champions, or large and tall statement pieces, we have something for everyone. Shop our collection today!