5 Reasons Your Leaves Are Turning Yellow (And How to Fix Them)
A Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus) in a pot, with some stems turning yellow, possibly due to overwatering. The plant sits on a shelf alongside candles and art supplies.
We’ve all been there—your once healthy plant suddenly sprouts yellow leaves. Before you panic, know this: yellowing leaves aren’t always a bad thing. They can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. However, if your plant is showing signs of stress or declining health, it’s time to troubleshoot.
In this blog, we’ll cover why leaves turn yellow and what to do when it happens.
Why Leaves Turn Yellow: 5 Common Causes
1. Pests
Bugs like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs feast on your plant’s sap, draining nutrients and causing leaves to yellow. Regularly inspect your plants and treat infestations quickly to prevent further damage. Neem oil is your bestie!
Need help tackling pests? Click here to grab neem oil and other plant care essentials from our online store!
2. Transplant Shock
Repotting can stress your plant, disrupting its ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to yellow leaves. Minimize shock by watering lightly after transplanting and giving roots enough space to grow in fresh, well-draining soil.
3. Dormancy
For some plants, yellowing leaves are simply a sign of their natural dormancy cycle. Many tropical plants, like Alocasia (African Mask plants), fiddle leaf figs, and succulents, slow down growth or even go dormant during the fall and winter months to conserve energy. During this phase, older leaves may turn yellow and fall off as a plant focuses on survival. Keep watering but sparingly allowing soil to mostly dry out in between waterings.
A close-up of an African Mask plant (Alocasia) with a yellowing leaf in the foreground. Behind it, stacked navy blue ceramic pots and several brown glass bottles of room spray with minimalist labels are arranged on a shelf.
4. Watering Issues
Overwatering suffocates roots, while underwatering dehydrates your plant—both cause yellow leaves due to poor nutrient uptake. Research your plant’s watering needs since some thrive in drier conditions while others prefer consistently moist soil.
5. Drafts
Cold drafts or sudden temperature changes can stress your plant, causing yellow leaves as a defense mechanism. Keep plants away from windows, doors, or vents, and maintain a stable temperature for your greenery.
What to Do When Leaves Turn Yellow
Alright, so now you’ve identified the cause. What’s next?
A pair of light green pruning shears with a sharp, pointed stainless steel blade and ergonomic handle, designed for precision trimming.
Say Goodbye to the Yellow
First things first: Rest in peace, Uncle Phil (J. Cole fans, you get it) —and also to that yellow leaf or stem. It won’t recover, and it’s just draining energy from your plant. Grab some disinfected shears (linked here—check out our shop!) and snip it off.
• For single-stem plants, cut at the base where the leaf meets the main stem.
• For vining plants, cut just above a healthy node—or honestly, just pluck it off if it’s easy to remove.
Next Steps
Once you’ve removed the yellow leaves, take a closer look at your plant’s overall care routine. Whether it is dialing back watering, moving it to a draft-free spot, or adjusting for dormancy, small changes can make a big difference. Focus on creating a stable environment and paying attention to what your plant needs.
Quick Tip:
Yellow leaves are your plant’s way of saying, “Help me out!” Listen to it, address the issue, and soon your plant will reward you with lush, green growth.
Yellow leaves and stems can be frustrating, but it’s really just your plant trying to tell you something. With a little attention and the right adjustments, you can get it back on track. Whether it’s fixing your watering routine, finding a better spot, or giving it a good prune, small tweaks can make a huge difference. Remember, plants are all about patience and care—so don’t stress too much and enjoy the process!
At The ZEN Succulent, we’re all about sharing the ups and downs of plant parenthood. Have you tackled yellowing leaves or nursed a struggling plant back to health? We want to hear all about it! Drop your stories in the comments or tag us on social media with pics of your thriving plants—we love seeing the green magic you’re creating at home. Let’s keep spreading the love, joy, and healing power of plants together!
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Inspiring everyone to embrace the world of plants, our collection features articles penned by The Sill's team of seasoned plant experts. Covering a range of plant care topics, because we truly believe Plants Bring Life, Joy and Inspirations™
