Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

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

Can low light cause yellow leaves?

Yes, if the palm is in a very dark corner, it may struggle to maintain its foliage. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Kentia palm: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is wet.
Inspect the undersides of yellowing leaves for tiny webs.
Check if the pot is sitting in standing water.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. You might also notice a damp, musty smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 to 3 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape. If the soil stays wet for too long, repot the palm into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny yellow stippling or spots across the leaves. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the pests. Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or using a humidifier. If the infestation is heavy, treat the leaves with insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kentia palm

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 fronds to yellow and die as the plant grows. Worry if new growth is yellowing or if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and keep the palm in a spot with good air circulation.

Kentia palm: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kentia palm 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 trim them off with clean, sharp scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Can low light cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the palm is in a very dark corner, it may struggle to maintain its foliage. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why are my Kentia palm's leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your kentia palm?