8 Reasons Why Houseplant Leaves Turn Yellow

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Today we are going to discuss eight reasons why houseplant leaves may turn yellow. These are things to look out for if you start to see some yellowing leaves, especially if you start to see a lot of yellowing leaves. This is definitely something that you want to check to see if you need to make any changes in how you’re growing your houseplants.

The first reason is overwatering or underwatering, which are two very common causes of yellow leaves. If your plant is underwatered, it will eventually sacrifice some of its foliage, turning yellow and dropping the leaves. This often happens towards the bottom of the plant. It’s important to ensure that you are watering enough.

Overwatering can also cause yellowing leaves by setting off a root rot cycle. Root rot comes from a fungal pathogen that will start to rot roots, eventually shutting them down. Even though you’re overwatering, the plant can die from drought because the rotting roots stop supplying water to the foliage, leading to yellowing leaves that fall off. If you’re seeing a lot of yellowing leaves and the soil is really wet, that’s a good indication of root rot.

Another factor to consider is improper lighting. This can be too much or too little light. Some houseplants prefer medium to low light, and placing them in a bright window can cause their leaves to yellow gradually. On the other hand, plants that need bright light, like succulents or crotons, may yellow if they don’t get enough light. Full-spectrum lighting is an excellent solution for supplementing your plants’ light needs indoors.

Shock from transport can also cause yellowing leaves. Whether you’re moving your plant from one side of the house to the other or repotting it, the stress can cause leaves to yellow and drop off. Some plants, like Ficus benjamina and China Doll, are particularly sensitive and notorious for leaf drop after being moved.

Additionally, leaves naturally get old and fall off. This generally happens on the lower leaves of plants like crotons, pothos, and ficus. It’s a natural part of the plant’s life cycle and doesn’t require any intervention.

A lack of nutrients can also cause an overall yellowing of leaves. If your houseplants look yellow and you haven’t been fertilizing, they might need some fertilizer. If you’ve been fertilizing but still see yellowing, it might be time to repot the plant to give the roots more space and access to nutrients.

Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can also cause yellowing leaves. These pests suck the juices from the leaves, leading to yellow patterns. It’s essential to check your plants for pests regularly using a magnifier to spot these tiny invaders.

Temperature fluctuations, especially cold temperatures, can also cause yellowing leaves. Most houseplants are tropical and thrive in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees. If temperatures drop below this range, plants may start to yellow as they go into a state of dormancy.

Finally, new leaves can sometimes appear yellow but will usually turn green as they mature. If your plant is new to you and you notice yellowing, it may just be part of the natural growth process.

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FAQ: Why Are My Houseplant Leaves Turning Yellow?

What are the common causes of yellow leaves on houseplants?

Common causes of yellow leaves on houseplants include overwatering, underwatering, improper lighting, shock from transport, aging of leaves, lack of nutrients, pests, temperature fluctuations, and the natural process of new leaves maturing.

How does overwatering or underwatering affect houseplant leaves?

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which causes the roots to stop supplying water to the foliage, resulting in yellow leaves that eventually fall off. Underwatering can cause the plant to sacrifice some of its foliage, leading to yellowing and dropping leaves, usually starting from the bottom of the plant.

Can improper lighting cause houseplant leaves to turn yellow?

Yes, improper lighting can cause yellowing leaves. Houseplants that prefer medium to low light may yellow if placed in too bright a window. Conversely, plants that need bright light may yellow if they don’t get enough light. Full-spectrum lighting can help supplement indoor light needs.

What effect does shock from transport have on houseplant leaves?

Shock from transport, whether moving the plant within the house or repotting it, can cause stress that leads to yellowing and dropping leaves. Some plants, like Ficus benjamina and China Doll, are particularly sensitive to this type of stress.

Is it normal for older leaves to turn yellow and fall off?

Yes, it’s normal for older leaves to turn yellow and fall off as part of the plant’s natural life cycle. This typically happens with lower leaves on plants like crotons, pothos, and ficus.

How can nutrient deficiency cause yellow leaves on houseplants?

Nutrient deficiency, especially a lack of nitrogen, can cause an overall yellowing of houseplant leaves. If you’ve been fertilizing but still see yellowing, it might be time to repot the plant to give the roots more space and access to nutrients.

Can pests cause houseplant leaves to turn yellow?

Yes, pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can suck the juices from houseplant leaves, leading to yellow patterns. Regularly check your plants for pests using a magnifier to catch these tiny invaders early.

How does temperature affect houseplant leaves?

Houseplants, especially tropical ones, thrive in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees. If the temperature drops below this range, the plants may yellow as they enter a state of dormancy.

Why do new leaves sometimes appear yellow?

New leaves may appear yellow but usually turn green as they mature. This is a natural part of the plant’s growth process.

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