Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Does low light cause yellowing?

Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may drop older leaves that turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright indirect light.

Calathea Orbifolia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger one inch deep.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Smell the soil to see if it has a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow starting from the base and the soil feels constantly soggy or wet.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Water Quality
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but yellowing can be caused by sensitivity to fluoride or chlorine in tap water. You might notice yellowing along the leaf edges or tips first.
What to do: Switch to using distilled, filtered, or rainwater for your plant. This prevents mineral buildup that stresses the roots.

Find out what's wrong with your calathea orbifolia

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 yellow and die as the plant grows. Worry if multiple leaves turn yellow at once or if the yellowing spreads rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule and use filtered water to keep the root system healthy.

Keep your calathea orbifolia healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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 scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Does low light cause yellowing?: Yes, if the plant is in a dark corner, it may drop older leaves that turn yellow. Move it to a spot with bright indirect light.

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