Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to help the plant focus its energy on new growth.

Can low light cause yellowing?

Yes, when this plant does not get enough light, it cannot produce enough energy, which leads to yellowing and weak growth.

Calico Plant: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the drainage holes for clogs.
Assess the current light level in your room.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for more than a week.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before you water again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks pale and the leaves lose their vibrant red or pink color before turning yellow. The stems may also look stretched out.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light. If you keep it in partial shade, make sure it still gets several hours of morning sun.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your calico plant

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 bottom leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a bright location to keep the foliage healthy.

Calico Plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your calico plant 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 help the plant focus its energy on new growth.
Can low light cause yellowing?: Yes, when this plant does not get enough light, it cannot produce enough energy, which leads to yellowing and weak growth.

Why are my Calico Plant's leaves turning yellow?