Yellow leaves are the most common plant question we get. The good news: a yellow leaf isn't a death sentence. It's a clue. The pattern of the yellowing usually tells you what's wrong.

First: is it normal?

If it's one older leaf at the bottom of the plant turning yellow now and then, and the rest of the plant looks healthy, that's usually just old age. Plants retire their oldest leaves to make room for new ones. Snip it off and carry on.

Reading the signs

Several leaves yellowing, soil stays wet, maybe a sour smell

Likely cause: overwatering (the most common cause by far). Roots sitting in wet soil can't breathe, and they start to rot.

Fix: stop watering and let the soil dry out more than usual. Make sure the pot drains and isn't sitting in water. If the soil smells bad or the roots are brown and mushy, repot into fresh, chunkier mix and trim the rotten roots. See How to Repot a Houseplant.

Yellow leaves with dry, crispy brown edges; soil bone dry

Likely cause: underwatering.

Fix: give it a thorough soak until water runs out the bottom. If the soil has pulled away from the sides of the pot, water it slowly, or set the pot in a sink of water for 20 minutes so it rehydrates.

Pale, washed-out yellow-green leaves; slow or stretched growth

Likely cause: not enough light, especially in Victoria's darker months.

Fix: move it closer to a window or add a grow light, and water a little less until it recovers. See our Lighting Guide.

Yellow or bleached patches on the side facing the window

Likely cause: too much direct sun (sunburn).

Fix: pull the plant back from the glass or move it to bright, indirect light. Burned patches won't turn green again, but new growth will be fine.

Yellow speckles, stippling or webbing; tiny bugs under the leaves

Likely cause: pests such as spider mites or thrips.

Fix: isolate the plant, rinse the leaves (especially underneath) and treat with Houseplant Spray every few days for a few weeks.

Overall yellowing of older leaves after a long time in the same pot

Likely cause: hungry plant. After a year or two, potting mix runs low on nutrients.

Fix: feed gently in spring and summer (we like Kelpy or worm castings), or repot into fresh Soil Bar mix.

Sudden yellowing right after bringing it home or moving it

Likely cause: stress from the move. New light, temperature and humidity take some adjusting to.

Fix: be patient. Give it good light, water only when needed, and don't repot or fertilize for a few weeks.

Yellowing after cold nights; leaves near a window or door

Likely cause: cold or drafts. Tropical plants don't like being below about 12°C.

Fix: move it away from cold glass, doors and drafts. See Winter Houseplant Care in Victoria.

Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Yes, once a leaf is more than half yellow it won't turn green again. Snip it off at the base with clean scissors. The plant puts its energy into healthy growth instead.

Still stumped?

Bring your plant (or a few photos of the leaves, the soil and where it lives) to the shop at 515 Chatham St #103. We're happy to play plant detective. Open 11–5, 7 days a week.