Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves (a condition called chlorosis) are one of the clearest signals a plant sends when something’s off. The tricky part: several very different problems all show up as yellowing. Here’s how to tell them apart and fix the right one.

1. Overwatering (the most common cause)

If the yellowing starts with the lower, older leaves and the soil is constantly wet, overwatering is the likely culprit. Soggy soil suffocates roots so they can’t take up water — which, ironically, makes the plant look thirsty. Fix: let the soil dry out, check drainage, and water only when the top few centimetres are dry. See our guide on how often to water.

2. Underwatering

Dry, crispy‑edged yellow leaves with bone‑dry soil point the other way. Fix: water deeply until it drains from the bottom, then keep a more consistent rhythm based on soil moisture.

3. Too little (or too much) light

Plants short on light often pale and yellow, especially newer growth. Too much harsh sun can scorch and bleach leaves instead. Fix: match the plant to the right spot — bright indirect light suits most houseplants.

4. Nutrient deficiency

Yellowing between green veins usually means a nutrient shortfall (often nitrogen or iron), common in plants that haven’t been fed or repotted in a long time. Fix: feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season and refresh tired soil.

5. Normal ageing

An occasional old leaf yellowing and dropping at the base is just the plant retiring it. If it’s only one or two low leaves now and then, there’s nothing to fix.

How to diagnose quickly

• Check the soil first — wet vs dry rules half the causes in or out immediately.
• Note which leaves — old/lower vs new/upper points to different problems.
• Look at the pattern — whole leaf, edges, or between the veins.

Not sure what’s wrong? Ask Verde.

Take a photo and Verde’s AI health check assesses your plant, flags likely issues, and tracks its recovery over time — while its sensors make sure watering is never the problem.