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 low light cause yellowing?

Yes, Erica plants need plenty of direct light. If they are kept in a dark corner, they will lose their color and eventually yellow.

Heath: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is soggy.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check the base of the stem for any signs of mushy rot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. The soil stays wet for a long time after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: It is less common for this plant, but yellowing can occur if the soil lacks iron or nitrogen. You will notice the yellowing happens evenly across older leaves while the plant looks otherwise healthy.
What to do: Apply a balanced, acid loving fertilizer once during the spring. Follow the package instructions to avoid burning the sensitive roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heath

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

If the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire plant, it is likely a root health issue. A single yellow leaf at the base is often just part of the natural aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Erica in well draining soil and only water when the top inch feels slightly dry.

Heath: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heath 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 to keep the plant looking tidy. They will not turn green again.
Can low light cause yellowing?: Yes, Erica plants need plenty of direct light. If they are kept in a dark corner, they will lose their color and eventually yellow.

Why are my Erica plant's leaves turning yellow?