Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on healthy growth.

Can low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if a begonia does not get enough light, it may drop older leaves. Move it to a spot with brighter indirect light.

Why are my begonia's leaves turning yellow? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top centimeter of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the pot for drainage holes.
Look at the stems for signs of mushiness.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves feel crispy and the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the bottom. Resume your normal schedule of checking the soil every 5 to 10 days.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your 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 bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if new growth is turning yellow or if many leaves are affected at once.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top centimeter of soil is dry to the touch.

Begonia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your 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. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on healthy growth.
Can low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if a begonia does not get enough light, it may drop older leaves. Move it to a spot with brighter indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my begonia's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your begonia?