Pocket Botanist
.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green. This happens when the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. If the plant is root bound, consider repotting it into fresh soil.
Find out what's wrong with your cigar 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for a few older leaves at the base to yellow and drop as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and feed your plant regularly during the spring and summer months.
Cigar plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cigar 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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 keep the plant looking tidy. They will not turn green again.
- Can too much sun cause yellow leaves?
- Direct, harsh sun can sometimes bleach leaves, but usually, yellowing is related to water or nutrients.
More problems with Cigar plant
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.