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Spider Plant · Chlorophytum comosum

Why are my spider plant's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a spider plant are often a cry for help regarding your watering habits. Check the soil moisture first to see if you are being too generous with the watering can.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
  2. Lift the pot to see if it feels heavy with trapped water.
  3. Check the drainage holes for any blockages.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. You might notice the soil stays wet for a long time after watering.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 5 centimeters of soil dry out completely. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil and trim away any rotting roots.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant sits in a decorative pot without drainage holes, causing water to pool at the bottom. The leaves yellow as the roots struggle to breathe.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. If it does not, move the plant to a nursery pot that fits inside your decorative container.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spider 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.

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When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die off occasionally. Worry if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the plant looks generally limp.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top few centimeters of soil are dry and always empty the saucer after watering.

Spider Plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spider 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a spider plant with yellow leaves?
Yes, if you catch it early. Adjusting your watering schedule and ensuring proper drainage usually helps the plant recover.
Does low light cause yellowing?
Yes, if a spider plant is in a very dark corner, it may lose its vigor and turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

More problems with Spider Plant

Back to the Spider Plant guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.