Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean shears once they are completely dry and brown. This keeps the plant looking tidy.

Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?

If the yellowing is caused by overwatering, you can often save it by letting it dry out. If the center of the plant is mushy, it may be too late.

Desert Spoon: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil at least 3 inches deep to see if it is wet.
Check the drainage hole to ensure it is not blocked.
Observe the amount of direct sun the plant receives each day.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the leaves may feel soft or mushy, and the soil stays damp for weeks.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy or holds water, repot the plant into a mix of half pumice and half cactus soil.
Low Light
Possible
How to tell: The leaves lose their blue green color and start to look pale or yellowish over time.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly in a south facing window.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your desert spoon

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 turn yellow and dry up as the plant grows. You should only worry if the yellowing is happening on the newer leaves at the center of the rosette.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and ensure your plant is in full sun.

Desert Spoon: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your desert spoon 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 shears once they are completely dry and brown. This keeps the plant looking tidy.
Can I save a plant with yellow leaves?: If the yellowing is caused by overwatering, you can often save it by letting it dry out. If the center of the plant is mushy, it may be too late.

Why are my Desert Spoon leaves turning yellow?