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. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.

Can too much light cause yellowing?

Yes, direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade or yellow. Move your plant to a spot with bright indirect light.

Polka dot begonia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil with your finger.
Check the bottom of the pot for drainage holes.
Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for a long time. You might notice the yellowing starting on the lower leaves first.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape. If the soil is soggy, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look crispy or dry and the soil pulls away from the edges of the pot. The plant will feel very light when you lift it.
What to do: Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Resume your schedule of watering every 7 to 10 days when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not let the plant sit in standing water.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your polka dot begonia

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, lowest leaves to yellow and fall off as the plant grows. Be concerned if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the stem feels soft.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Polka dot begonia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your polka dot begonia 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. It will not hurt the plant to remove them.
Can too much light cause yellowing?: Yes, direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to fade or yellow. Move your plant to a spot with bright indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Begonia maculata leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your polka dot begonia?