Why Does My Plant Have Yellow Leaves? A Complete Houseplant Troubleshooting Guide
If you've ever asked yourself, "Why does my plant have yellow leaves?", you're not alone. As one of the UK's leading indoor plant specialists, we at Houseplant UK frequently hear this question from plant parents of all experience levels. Yellow leaves (or chlorosis, if we're being fancy) can happen to any houseplant, from hardy snake plants to delicate orchids. Let's dive into the comprehensive guide of why this happens and how to fix it.
Natural Leaf Yellowing: When Not to Worry
Before we dive into potential problems, let's start with some reassurance. Sometimes, yellow leaves are completely natural and nothing to fret about.
The Natural Ageing Process
Just like humans get grey hair, plants naturally shed older leaves. This process, called senescence, is particularly common in:
- Palm plants - Lower fronds naturally yellow and drop
- Ficus plants - Inner leaves may yellow seasonally
- Dracaena plants - Bottom leaves naturally age and fall
Common Causes of Yellow Leaves and Their Solutions
1. Watering Issues: The Most Common Culprit
Overwatering
This is the number one cause of yellow leaves in indoor plants. When soil remains consistently wet, roots can't breathe, leading to:
- Yellowing leaves that feel soft and mushy
- Unpleasant smell from the soil
- Possible mould growth on soil surface
Solution:
- Immediately reduce watering frequency
- Ensure proper drainage in your plant pots
- Only water when the top 2-3cm of soil feels dry
- Consider repotting if soil is waterlogged
Underwatering
Equally problematic, underwatering causes:
- Crispy yellow leaves
- Dry, pulling-away soil
- Leaf curling
Solution:
- Establish a regular watering schedule
- Consider using a moisture meter
- If severely dried out, soak the pot in water for 30 minutes
Environmental Factors Causing Yellow Leaves
1. Lighting Issues
Different plants have different light requirements. Calatheas and ferns prefer indirect light, while cacti love bright, direct sun.
Too Much Light:
- Yellowing on sun-facing leaves
- Scorched patches
- Faded or bleached appearance
Too Little Light:
- Overall pale appearance
- Leggy growth
- Lower leaves yellowing first