Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Wait until the leaf is completely dried out and crispy before removing it. If you pull it off while it is still mushy, you might damage the stem.

Can low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant does not get enough direct sun, it can become stressed and lose its color. Move it to a spot with more bright, direct light.

Mexican snowball: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Press your finger into the soil to check for moisture.
Inspect the base of the stem for any signs of mushiness or rot.
Look at the bottom leaves to see if they are the only ones affected.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The lower leaves turn soft, translucent, and yellow before falling off. The stem may also feel squishy to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a few days, repot the plant into fresh, dry cactus mix with better drainage.
Natural Aging
Possible
How to tell: Only the very bottom, oldest leaves turn yellow and eventually shrivel up. The rest of the rosette remains firm and healthy.
What to do: Do nothing, as this is a normal part of the plant life cycle. You can gently pull off the dead leaf once it is completely dry and crispy.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mexican snowball

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

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the upper leaves or if the stem feels soft. It is perfectly normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Only water your Echeveria when the soil is completely dry, which typically takes 10 to 21 days. Ensure your pot has a drainage hole to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Mexican snowball: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican snowball 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?: Wait until the leaf is completely dried out and crispy before removing it. If you pull it off while it is still mushy, you might damage the stem.
Can low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant does not get enough direct sun, it can become stressed and lose its color. Move it to a spot with more bright, direct light.

Why are my Echeveria elegans leaves turning yellow?