Yellow Color on Indoor Plant Leaves

Nature

• It is quite normal for an occasional lower leaf to turn yellow and eventually fall, especially on a more mature plant. If this happens to several leaves at once, however, this could be caused by a cold draft or due to the plant being pot bound.

Overwatering

• Overwatering can cause poor root health leading to a yellowing of the leaves; this can eventually cause leaf drop. Many plant caretakers mistakenly assume that once a plant's leaves begin to turn yellow and wilt, the plant requires more water. The plant container's drainage holes should be checked to ensure there is no waterlogging occurring.

Pests

• Both whitefly and red spider mite can cause a yellowing of the leaves. These are sap-sucking pests and can bring disease to the plant if not treated efficiently. Whiteflies reside on the underside of leaves, and can be seen swarming around the plant when disturbed. Red spider mites may leave a webbing effect on the plant and underside of the leaf.

Nutrients

• The yellowing of leaves may indicate a nutrient deficiency. Leaves that remain on the stem are usually requiring nitrogen, and this can be added by using a nitrogen fertilizer to the pot. If the yellowing tends to occur between the veins of a leaf, this could indicate an iron deficiency. Again, a trace element fertilizer can be added.