Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant.

Not necessarily. If the rest of the plant is firm and green, it is likely just adjusting to its environment or shedding an old leaf.

Caladium: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is too wet.
Check the light levels in the current spot.
Look for pests on the underside of the yellow leaves.

Likely causes

Watering Issues
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel limp or soft. The soil is likely staying too wet for too long.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 3 to 7 days. Ensure the soil is moist but never soggy.
Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The leaves yellow slowly and the plant looks stretched out. It is reaching for a light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your caladium

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 drop as the plant grows. Be concerned if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the plant looks generally weak.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent moisture and provide bright indirect light to keep the foliage vibrant.

Caladium: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your caladium 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 trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. It will not hurt the plant.
Is my plant dying?: Not necessarily. If the rest of the plant is firm and green, it is likely just adjusting to its environment or shedding an old leaf.

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