Should I remove the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if new leaves are staying healthy.

Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?

Not necessarily. If you catch the cause early, such as adjusting your watering, the plant will likely recover and produce new green growth.

Coral Bells: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is constantly soggy.
Check the drainage holes for blockages.
Observe if the yellowing is on old or new leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and soft, often starting from the bottom of the plant.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes so water does not pool at the bottom.
Nutrient Deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn pale or yellow while the veins remain green.
What to do: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half strength once in the spring. Do not overfeed, as this can burn the roots.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your coral bells

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 whole plant, it is a sign of root rot. It is normal for older, lower leaves to turn yellow and die off as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well draining potting mix and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Coral Bells: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coral bells 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 remove the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if new leaves are staying healthy.
Is my plant dying if it has yellow leaves?: Not necessarily. If you catch the cause early, such as adjusting your watering, the plant will likely recover and produce new green growth.

Why are my Coral Bells' leaves turning yellow?