“Why are my houseplants turning yellow?!” This is a fairly common concern that many people come across with their houseplants. There are many different reasons why this may happen. But don’t worry, there are some easy solutions to these issues.
Is my houseplant dead?
Nope! Don’t worry, your houseplant is not dead if you have just started noticing it yellow. Once you determine the reason for it yellowing you will be able to save your plant and give it a nice long life. Below you will be able to find the reason it is yellowing based on the color and texture of your plant.
Why are the leaves yellow?
First of all, it is important to understand why your houseplants have turned yellow. These are the five most common reasons:
Reason | Plant Color and Texture | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Dry soil
| Yellow leaves, leaves are curling and they are drooping.
| Your plant needs more water. |
Overwatered plant
| Bright yellow leaves, or the green is fading from the leaves.
| Repot your plant and water it less, or let it dry out and start watering it less. There are many common houseplant watering mistakes. You should water it slowly, then let the water drain out, then repeat. |
Lack of light
| The lower leaves will start to yellow first then drop, or you will see only one side of the plant is yellow.
| If your plant is near a window make sure both sides of the plant get sunlight. If not, rotate your plant every so often.
|
Mineral/nutrient deficiency | Unusual yellow pattern among plant leaves. | Test your plants soil pH, using an at home kit that you can find at Amazon. Then find a fertilizer that works for your plant. |
Temperature is too cold
| The leaves will turn yellow, and will start drooping. | Move your plant away from any air conditioners (or open windows in the winter). Make sure your plant is in a location with a consistent temperature. |
Reason: Dry Soil
Plant Color and Texture: Yellow leaves, leaves are curling and they are drooping.
Solution: Your plant needs more water.
–
Reason: Overwatered plant
Plant Color and Texture: Bright yellow leaves, or the green is fading from the leaves.
Solution: Repot your plant and water it less, or let it dry out and start watering it less. There are many common houseplant watering mistakes. You should water it slowly, then let the water drain out, then repeat.
–
Reason: Lack of light
Plant Color and Texture: The lower leaves will start to yellow first then drop, or you will see only one side of the plant is yellow.
Solution: If your plant is near a window make sure both sides of the plant get sunlight. If not, rotate your plant every so often.
–
Reason: Mineral/nutrient deficiency
Plant Color and Texture: Unusual yellow pattern among plant leaves.
Solution: Test your plants soil pH, using an at home kit that you can find at Amazon. Then find a fertilizer that works for your plant.
–
Reason: Temperature is too cold
Plant Color and Texture: The leaves will turn yellow, and will start drooping.
Solution: Move your plant away from any air conditioners (or open windows in the winter). Make sure your plant is in a location with a consistent temperature.
Houseplants turn yellow all the time! It is a common problem that many people in the plant community run into. The hardest part is finding the reason why your houseplant turned yellow, but after following this chart, hopefully you are able to find the solution that is right for you and your plants.
