Should I cut off the 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 new growth.

Is my plant getting too much sun?

If the leaves are yellowing and look bleached or have brown scorched patches, it is likely getting too much direct sunlight. Move it further from the window.

Watermelon Peperomia: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is soggy or bone dry.
Assess the light levels in the plant's current spot.
Feel the texture of the yellow leaves.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or limp to the touch.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. Ensure the plant is not sitting in a saucer of standing water.
Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant is growing slowly and the leaves are losing their vibrant pattern while turning pale yellow.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with brighter, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves, but ensure it is not tucked away in a dark corner.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and start to look crispy or shriveled at the edges.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule of checking the soil every 7 to 14 days.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your watermelon peperomia

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 turn yellow and drop as the plant grows. If multiple leaves are yellowing at once, it is a sign of a care issue.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright, indirect light and only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Consistency is key for this plant.

Watermelon Peperomia: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your watermelon peperomia 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 scissors. They will not turn green again, and removing them helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
Is my plant getting too much sun?: If the leaves are yellowing and look bleached or have brown scorched patches, it is likely getting too much direct sunlight. Move it further from the window.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Watermelon Peperomia leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your watermelon peperomia?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Insufficient Light

Underwatering