Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

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

Can yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf turns yellow it will not recover. Focus on keeping the remaining leaves healthy.

Chrysanthemum: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny bugs.
Move the plant to a spot with brighter indirect light.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly wet and the lower leaves turn yellow and soft.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Aphid infestation
Possible
How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or new growth.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. Use insecticidal soap once a week until the pests are gone.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chrysanthemum

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 very bottom leaves to yellow as the plant ages. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the top of the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and keep the plant in a well ventilated area.

Chrysanthemum: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chrysanthemum 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 look better and focus energy on healthy growth.
Can yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf turns yellow it will not recover. Focus on keeping the remaining leaves healthy.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my florist's chrysanthemum leaves turning yellow?