Should I cut off yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth.

Does low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in a very dark corner, it may shed older leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Peacock plant: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Check if you are using tap water with high mineral content.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the soil stays wet for too long. You might also notice a musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Mineral Buildup
Most likely
How to tell: Yellowing often starts at the edges or tips and spreads inward. This happens when salts from tap water accumulate in the soil.
What to do: Switch to using distilled or filtered water for your plant. Flush the soil with fresh water once a month to wash away excess minerals.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your peacock plant

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 yellow and drop occasionally as the plant grows. Worry if multiple leaves yellow at once or if the new growth is affected.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and use filtered water to keep the soil chemistry balanced.

Peacock plant: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peacock plant 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 yellow leaves?: Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. They will not turn green again and removing them helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth.
Does low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in a very dark corner, it may shed older leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my peacock plant's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your peacock plant?