Why does a houseplant develop yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves are a symptom, not a diagnosis. An occasional ageing lower leaf can be normal; widespread yellowing deserves a closer look.
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Read the guidePlant guides for “Yellow leaves”
Practical help for your plants: what to check first and how to decide what comes next.
16 matching guides
What is on your houseplant – and what should you do first?
A yellow leaf alone is not a reason to reach for pesticide.
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Read the guideWhite fluff on your plant: how to deal with mealybugs
This guide explains the first steps for mealybugs on leaves and stems and when further help is needed.
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Read the guideHow to bring your houseplants indoors safely in autumn
Prepare a suitable indoor position, inspect leaves and pots, and initially keep returning plants apart from your collection. Then adjust care to the new conditions.
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Read the guideBrown leaf tips: find the cause before watering more
Related guides for your next step If whole leaves are turning yellow, also see Yellow leaves. For planning future feeding, read Fertilizing houseplants.
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Read the guideIndoor cyclamen care: Keep it cool and get watering right
Yellow leaves alone do not distinguish these causes; too much warmth can also be involved.
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Read the guideYour houseplant is losing leaves – here’s what helps
If lots of leaves suddenly fall, look in the pot first: dry soil and persistent wetness need different responses. A new position, drafts or pests could also be involved.
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Read the guideOverwatered houseplant: what to do next
If yellowing is the main symptom, use the checks in Yellow leaves . For more on choosing a pot and potting mix, see Repotting houseplants .
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Read the guideWhich water should you use for your houseplants?
Yellow leaves with green veins can fit a nutrient-uptake problem, but do not prove limescale is to blame. Root problems are another possibility. Our guide to yellow leaves helps you investigate.
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Read the guidePruning houseplants: What should you cut, and what should stay?
Dead leaves can go. On true palms, leave the growing crown alone.
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Read the guideWindows, radiators and drafts: How warm is your plant’s actual spot?
Measure at its spot, keep leaves off cold glass and avoid blasts of hot or cold air. A slightly cooler evening is normal for many plants; abrupt changes and the species’ cold tolerance matter more.
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Read the guideIdentify spider mites and bring an infestation under control
If you cannot find matching pests, check other causes with Yellow leaves. For small flies around the pot, compare the signs in Fungus gnats .
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Read the guideAmaryllis care: From the first shoot to life after flowering
Keep the green leaves after flowering: they help replenish the bulb for another season.
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Read the guidePoinsettia care: Help it through the holidays
Dropping leaves? Look at the mix and what happened recently A heavy, wet pot with yellowing lower leaves fits overwatering.
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Read the guideIndoor azalea care: Moist roots, no water left in the outer pot
New leaves are yellow but the veins stay green? This pattern can point to an iron-uptake problem. In azaleas, an overly high pH can stop roots taking up iron that is already present.
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Read the guideThrips on houseplants: why one round is rarely enough
Later stages occur in the growing medium, sheltered places or on leaves, depending on species. 5. Use traps alongside leaf inspections Blue or yellow sticky traps can catch flying adult thrips.
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