How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Indoor Plants

How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Indoor Plants

Yellow leaves on your beloved houseplants can be alarming, but they're often your plant's way of communicating its needs. While it's natural for older leaves to yellow and drop as part of the plant's lifecycle, widespread yellowing usually signals an underlying issue that needs attention.

Understanding Why Leaves Turn Yellow

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand that yellowing leaves (called chlorosis) occur when chlorophyll breaks down. This can happen for various reasons, from natural aging to stress responses. The key is identifying the pattern and accompanying symptoms to determine the root cause.

Common Causes and Solutions

1. Overwatering (Most Common Culprit)

Signs: Yellow leaves starting from the bottom, musty soil smell, soft or black roots, fungus gnats

The Fix:

  • Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely
  • Check roots for rot - healthy roots should be white or light-colored and firm
  • Trim away any black, mushy roots with sterile scissors
  • Repot in fresh, well-draining potting mix if root rot is present
  • Adjust your watering schedule - only water when the top inch of soil feels dry

Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes and stick your finger into the soil before watering. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

2. Underwatering

Signs: Yellow leaves that feel crispy or dry, soil pulling away from pot edges, wilting despite dry soil

Back to blog