Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?

A plant’s leaves often turn yellow because of water, too much or too little, or because it isn’t getting enough light. To tell which, feel the soil a few centimetres below the surface and look at which leaves are turning: only the old ones at the bottom, or the new ones too.

Updated 12 October 2026. How we write these pages

What to check

What to check when leaves turn yellow

The soil is still wet

It’s probably too much water.

Old and new leaves yellow and drop at the same time. Empty the saucer and let the soil dry before you water again.

The soil is dry further down too

It’s probably thirsty.

The old leaves at the base yellow and fall first, and the edges go crisp. Water until it runs out of the holes in the pot.

Only the lower leaves turn yellow

One now and then is normal.

If a lot of them drop and new stems grow long and weak, the plant has too little light: move it closer to a window.

Questions about yellow leaves

Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow after repotting?

It’s normal for a few leaves to yellow or drop after repotting. Keep the plant in indirect light for a few days. If the new pot is much bigger than the old one, the soil stays wet for longer, so feel it before you water.

Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow and falling off?

Look at which ones fall. If old and new leaves drop together and the soil is damp, it’s usually too much water. If the old ones at the base go first and the soil is dry, the plant is thirsty.

Why are only the lower leaves turning yellow?

On a mature plant, a lower leaf that yellows and drops now and then is normal. If lots go at once, feel the soil: if it’s dry, the plant is thirsty; if it’s damp, check how much light it gets.