Should I cut off yellow leaves?

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

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Yes, direct harsh sun can scorch the leaves, causing them to fade or turn yellow.

Wax Begonia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the pot to ensure it has drainage holes.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft and mushy, and the soil stays wet for a long time.
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.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn pale or yellow while the veins stay green.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every 4 weeks during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wax 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 leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Wax Begonia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wax 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 yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to help the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Yes, direct harsh sun can scorch the leaves, causing them to fade or turn yellow.

Why are my wax begonia leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your wax begonia?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Nutrient deficiency

Find out what's wrong with your wax begonia

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Wax Begonia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Wax Begonia