Yellow leaves on houseplants

Common causes of yellow leaves and the first things to check, summarized from 214 PlantGrail care records across 187 plants (as of ).

What causes yellow leaves on houseplants?

It depends on the plant and how it is kept, so check the plant pages below. For Peace Lily, the records explain it like this: Overcrowding or being heavily rootbound. When a peace lily fills its pot with roots, it quickly depletes available nutrients and water. The plant responds by sacrificing its oldest, lower leaves, which turn yellow and die off, while new growth may become stunted or malformed.

Common first steps

  1. For natural senescence: Allow leaf to fully yellow, then snip at base with sterile scissors
  2. Ensure pot has drainage holes
  3. Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings

Plants with records for yellow leaves

Most records first. Open a plant for its own causes and fixes.

Questions about yellow leaves

Which plants have the most records for yellow leaves?

money tree, peace lily, calathea, jade plant, monstera deliciosa and 182 others.

Can yellow leaves be prevented?

Check the root system annually in the spring. Repot or divide the plant before the roots become completely compacted. Provide a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season to prevent nutrient lockout.

What are these records?

This page summarizes 214 PlantGrail care records on yellow leaves. Records describe care topics; they are not counts of observed plants or treatment outcomes.

Related plant care guides

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