Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off at the base with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on healthy growth.

Does low light cause yellowing?

While snake plants tolerate low light, very dark corners can slow growth. However, yellowing is almost always related to watering rather than light.

Sansevieria: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is wet or bone dry.
Check the base of the yellow leaves for mushiness.
Look at the pot to ensure it is not sitting in a saucer of water.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy, especially near the soil line. The soil feels damp or heavy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. Ensure the pot has drainage holes so water does not pool at the bottom.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and look wrinkled or shriveled. The soil is bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water runs out of the drainage holes. Resume your normal schedule of waiting for the soil to dry out completely.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sansevieria

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 leaf to turn yellow and die as the plant grows. If multiple leaves are turning yellow at once, that is a sign of a watering problem.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict schedule of waiting for the soil to dry out entirely before watering again. Using a well draining soil mix helps prevent moisture issues.

Sansevieria: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sansevieria 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 at the base with clean scissors. This keeps the plant looking tidy and helps it focus energy on healthy growth.
Does low light cause yellowing?: While snake plants tolerate low light, very dark corners can slow growth. However, yellowing is almost always related to watering rather than light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my snake plant's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sansevieria?