Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.

Can low light cause yellow leaves?

Yes, if the plant is not getting enough light, it may shed older leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a brighter spot.

Golden trumpet: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top 2 inches of soil with your finger.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Check the underside of the leaves for 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 week.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Iron deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The veins of the leaves stay green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. This often happens in soil with a high pH.
What to do: Apply a chelated iron supplement or a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants. Follow the label instructions for the correct dosage.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your golden trumpet

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 bottom of the plant to yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if new growth is yellowing rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Golden trumpet: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your golden trumpet 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. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
Can low light cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the plant is not getting enough light, it may shed older leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a brighter spot.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Golden trumpet leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your golden trumpet?