Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Can low light cause yellow leaves?

Yes, if the plant does not get enough light, it may struggle to photosynthesize and drop older leaves. Move your plant to a brighter spot with indirect light.

Bat-faced cuphea: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to check for moisture.
Inspect the pot for drainage holes.
Check the undersides of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. You might also notice 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 excess water can escape. Reduce your watering frequency to every 4 days if the soil remains soggy.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel dry or crispy. The soil will pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Increase your watering schedule to every 2 days during hot weather. Check the soil daily to ensure it does not dry out completely.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bat-faced cuphea

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 leaves at the base of the plant to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the new growth at the tips.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule by checking the soil moisture every 2 days. Use a well draining potting mix to prevent water from sitting around the roots.

Bat-faced cuphea: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bat-faced cuphea 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 helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Can low light cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the plant does not get enough light, it may struggle to photosynthesize and drop older leaves. Move your plant to a brighter spot with indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Bat-faced cuphea leaves turning yellow?