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July 18, 2026 · 1 min read

Why Are My Plant's Leaves Turning Yellow? 6 Common Causes

Few things worry a plant parent more than yellowing leaves. The good news: it's your plant communicating, and the cause is usually one of six things. Here's how to diagnose and fix it.

1. Overwatering

The most common culprit. Soggy soil suffocates roots, and the first sign is soft, yellowing lower leaves. Let the top few centimeters of soil dry out before watering again, and make sure the pot drains.

2. Underwatering

The opposite problem looks similar. If leaves are yellow, dry and crispy at the edges, your plant is thirsty. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes.

3. Too little light

Plants stretched toward the window with pale, yellowing leaves need more light. Move them closer to a bright window or add a grow light.

4. Nutrient deficiency

Yellowing between green veins often signals a lack of nitrogen or iron. A balanced fertilizer during the growing season usually fixes it.

5. Natural aging

Older, lower leaves yellow and drop as the plant matures. If it's just one or two at the bottom, that's normal — nothing to worry about.

6. Pests or disease

Spots, webbing or sticky residue alongside yellowing point to pests. Inspect the undersides of leaves and treat early.

Diagnose it in seconds

Not sure which one it is? Take a photo of the affected leaf with Verdant and let the AI diagnose the likely cause — then follow the tailored fix before the problem spreads.

Put this into practice with Verdant