Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing continues to spread.

Can low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if your Rosary pea is kept in a dark corner, it may struggle to produce energy and turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Rosary pea: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Look at the undersides of the leaves for any signs of pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than a few days.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This happens when the plant has been in the same pot for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. If the plant is root bound, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rosary pea

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest leaves at the base of the vine to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is spreading rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Rosary pea: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rosary pea and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing continues to spread.
Can low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if your Rosary pea is kept in a dark corner, it may struggle to produce energy and turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Why are my Rosary pea leaves turning yellow?