Why Are My Plant’s Leaves Turning Yellow?

You wake up, go to water your favorite plant, and yikes… Yellow leaves. Instant panic. But hang on, before you toss it in the compost and swear off houseplants forever, let’s break down what’s really going on.

Yellowing leaves are your plant’s version of sending you a message. It's not always bad, but it is always worth checking in on. Here's what your plant might be trying to tell you:

Credit: Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images

1. Overwatering (the #1 culprit)

Too much love, too often. Overwatering suffocates roots and causes them to rot, which leads to yellowing, wilting leaves. Check if the soil feels soggy or smells funky. Let it dry out completely before watering again and make sure your pot has drainage to let all that extra water make its way out!

2. Underwatering

If the soil is bone dry and your plant is crispy, the yellowing is likely from thirst. Water thoroughly and let it soak up from the roots. Going forward, check your plant weekly and water when the top inch or two is dry.

3. Not Enough Light

Some plants need more light than they're getting. Yellowing on the lower leaves, especially if the plant is leggy, can mean it's craving sun. Move it closer to a window with indirect light and see if things perk up.

4. Nutrient Deficiency

Just like us, plants need food. If your plant hasn’t been fertilized in months, it could be low on nitrogen or other key nutrients. Add a diluted houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring through early fall).

5. Natural Leaf Aging

Sometimes, it’s just part of life. Older leaves yellow and drop off as new growth comes in. If it’s just one or two leaves and everything else looks good, no worries.

6. Pest Problems

Check the undersides of leaves and along stems for tiny bugs or webs. Spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs can all cause leaf discoloration.

The Fix? Observation.

Don’t react too fast. Just observe your plant over a few days. Remember the care you’ve been giving the plant and identify what could be going wrong. Adjust one variable at a time (watering, light, etc.) and watch for changes. Plants don’t lie, but they do take time to show improvement.

Best of Luck!

- Zoé & The Greenhaus Team