Watering and common problems
Yellow leaves: what to check before taking action
Alexandre Abril Alos · · 2 min read
In this guide
Yellow leaves are a symptom
Yellowing has different possible causes. Identify the plant and review moisture and recent changes before adding water, fertiliser or a treatment.
1. Identify your plant
A monstera, lemon tree and pothos tolerate different conditions. If you do not know the species, start there rather than applying a general remedy.
2. Review four areas
Watering
Persistently wet growing medium and yellowing lower leaves are reasons to investigate excess water, rather than proof of a single cause. Check drainage and appropriate drying before watering again.
Light
Review natural light, distance from windows and seasonal changes. Uniform paling can prompt a light assessment; a dark hallway is different from a bright room.
Growing medium
Check compaction, drainage, roots and nutrients before deciding on repotting. Time since the last repot is useful context, not a diagnosis by itself. Choose COMPO or another mix only if the specific reference suits the species and instructions.
Temperature and draughts
Recent moves, cold windows or nearby radiators can change conditions. Review the sequence of changes before automatically treating a symptom.
3. Act after the cause is clearer
More watering can worsen an already wet rootball. Do not feed or apply treatments just because a leaf is yellow. If uncertainty remains, a personalised review may help.
A quick review
- Lower yellow leaves and wet medium: check water and drainage.
- Paling with poor light: review location.
- Old, compacted medium: assess roots and repotting needs.
- Yellowing after a move: review environmental changes.
Our 60-minute online advice session reviews your photos and questions and provides written priorities.
Related products and sources
General guidance. Needs vary with the plant, location and individual condition.
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